Kiev places of interest
Kyiv
Population: 3.82 mln
Kyiv Area: 827 km2
Year of foundation: 482 A.D.
Population in region: 1,806,000
Region area: 28,900 km2
Kyiv is the capital of Ukraine and one of the biggestcities in Europe. It has been standing on steep hills overlooking the DniproRiver for more than 1,500 years. According to the ancient legend, Kyiv wasfounded by the three brothers Kyi, Schek and Khoryv and their sister Lybid, andit was named after the eldest brother Kyi. Since then, Kyiv has developed intoa valuable center of East Europe attracting foreign businesses and investors toits economic and natural potential. As an important administrative center, Kyivis a place for Ukrainian Presidential Administration, Verkhovna Rada,Parliament, and nearly all ministries and governmental departments. Itsfinancial part consists of the National Bank of Ukraine around the world, aswell as investment companies and funds, representative offices of foreignfinancial institutions, exchange markets, and more than 220 commercial banks.In Kyiv, more than 2,000 objects belong to historical, cultural, andarchitectural monuments.
Popular Places Visited by Tourists:
Ukraine Kyivo-Pecherska Lavra
Kyivo-Pecherska Lavra
The Dnipro hills are dominated by the greatestmonument of Kyiv, the Kyivo-Pecherska Lavra, built almost nine centuries ago. Acomplex of churches, masterpieces of architecture by themselves, has been aholy place of worship for devoted Christians. Famous for its catacombs with thesaints 'relics, Lavra is also called the Monastery of Caves. Museum collectionsof miniatures and church treasures amaze visitors from all over the world
Ukraine Kyiv National Opera House NationalOpera House
The theater is located in downtown Kyiv, near theKhreschatyk st. The beautiful exterior of the building is supported by themajestic interior design. Much of the theater's creative efforts areconcentrated on productions of classical Ukrainian and Russian operas andballets. Professional actors, creative lighting, and bright decorations leavethe most memorable impression about Ukraine's dramatic art.
Ukraine Kyiv Volodymyr the Baptizer Volodymyrthe Baptizer
On the slope of the Volodymyr Hill stands theimposing monument to Prince Volodymyr who is also called the Baptizer of Rus.He converted Kyivan Rus to christianity in 988. The bronze statue was erectedin 1853.
Ukraine Kyiv St. Nicolas Catholic Cathedral St.Nicolas Catholic Cathedral
The cathedral was built in 1899-1909 by the architectHorotetskyi. The building is placed on one of the central streets(Chervonoarmiyska st.), And it can be easily recognized by its distinctiveGothic style and a pair of beautiful needle towers. It was restored in 1980 andnow is used as both the concert hall for organ music and the church where RomanCatholic services are held
Ukraine Kyiv Golden Gate Golden Gate
This fortified wall, defining the limits of the cityand serving as a protective barrier from invaders in the centuries past, datesback to 1037, the reign of Prince Yaroslav the Wise. The place was restored toits present condition in 1983, and it now serves as the Golden Gate historicalmuseum. The structure is located in downtown Kyiv, just outside the ZolotiVorota metro station.l
St. Sophia Cathedral
St. Sophia's thirteen gorgeous golden domes nicelyblend with the city skyline. The grandiose ensemble was built by PrinceYaroslav the Wise in the XI century in commemoration of the victory over thePecheneg tribe. The cathedral became a major cultural and political center ofKyivan Rus and a site for receiving ambassadors from many countries. St. Sophiais famous for its outstanding mosaics and frescoes dating back to the eleventhcentury
Mariyinsky Palace
The gorgeous blue-and-cream palace designed byBartolomeo Rastrelli was built in 1750 under the supervision of Russianarchitect Ivan Michurin and is located on top of the hill in a beautiful park.The magnificent building was used as Kyiv residence of the Tsar family. Todaythe palace is used for official state receptions such as presidential meetingsand international conferences. It is open to tourist groups by appointment aswell.
Andriyivsky Uzviz (Andriyivsky Descent)
The most ancient and steep street in Kyiv,Andriyivsky Uzviz, is Kyivites 'favorite place for outdoor fairs, festivals,and concerts. Art galleries, shops, and studios make Andriyivsky Uzviz the bestplace to shop for Ukrainian crafts and artworks. Cultural museums located herereveal the history of the legendary street and of the whole Kyiv. OverlookingAndriyivsky Uzviz and Podil, the old section of Kyiv, stands the UkrainianBaroque church of St. Andrew designed in 1754 by the Italian architectBartolomeo Rastrelli. This five-domed church remains the major adornment of theupper city. The Castle of Richard in the modernized Gothic style built in 1902is Andriyivsky Uzviz 'another distinctive feature. The building is currentlybeing reconstructed into a hotel.
Ukraine Kyiv Funicular
The funicular (cable car) was built in 1905 and untilnow it offers quick, exciting, and inexpensive rides from Podil (Lower City) upto Mykhailivska Ploscha (Upper City). The ride is short (about 2 minutes), butit is worth seeing a magnificent panorama of Kyiv and the Dnipro River thatuncovers from the Funicular. The cost is the same as the fares in citytransport. Children under 7 can have a free ride.
Horodetskyi Building
One of the most interesting buildings in Kyiv islocated in a very quiet and peaceful part of the downtown. A well-knownarchitect Horodetskyi built the house as a private residence in 1902-1903. Thewalls and the roof of the structure are decorated with intricate sculpturalornaments of mythological and hunting themes. The building is considered one ofthe most fascinating architectural creations in Kyiv.
Volodymyr Cathedral
The structure of this Russian Orthodox Church whichwas built in 1882 reflects features of the Neo-Byzantine style. The murals ofthe church interior done by famous Russian painters present considerableartistic significance. The mosaics of the authorship of Venetian masters andthe choir music performed in the cathedral are not to be missed. The buildingis located on one of city's central streets, Tarasa Shevchenka blvd.
Khreschatyk
Khreschatyk is the main street in Kyiv. It wasrecently renovated into one of the most scenic and beautiful places thatcombines the features of a busy business center with the historicalarchitectural design of buildings. The street leads to Maidan Nezalezhnosti,the city's main square and one of the most popular places of meetings. Onweekends, the traffic is blocked on Khreschatyk, and visitors can enjoy a nicewalk right in the middle of the street
