Places of interest in Kyiv
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 biggest cities in Europe. It has been
standing on steep hills overlooking the Dnipro River for more than 1,500 years.
According to the ancient legend, Kyiv was founded by the three brothers Kyi,
Schek and Khoryv and their sister Lybid, and it was named after the eldest
brother Kyi. Since then, Kyiv has developed into a valuable center of East
Europe attracting foreign businesses and investors to its economic and natural
potential. As an important administrative center, Kyiv is a place for Ukrainian
Presidential Administration, Verkhovna Rada, Parliament, and nearly all
ministries and governmental departments. Its financial part consists of the
National Bank of Ukraine around the world, as well as investment companies and
funds, representative offices of foreign financial institutions, exchange
markets, and more than 220 commercial banks. In Kyiv, more than 2,000 objects
belong to historical, cultural, and architectural monuments.
Popular
Places Visited by Tourists:
Ukraine
Kyivo-Pecherska Lavra
Kyivo-Pecherska
Lavra
The
Dnipro hills are dominated by the greatest monument of Kyiv, the
Kyivo-Pecherska Lavra, built almost nine centuries ago. A complex of churches,
masterpieces of architecture by themselves, has been a holy place of worship
for devoted Christians. Famous for its catacombs with the saints' relics, Lavra
is also called the Monastery of Caves. Museum collections of miniatures and
church treasures amaze visitors from all over the world
Ukraine
Kyiv National Opera House National Opera House
The
theater is located in downtown Kyiv, near the Khreschatyk st. The beautiful
exterior of the building is supported by the majestic interior design. Much of
the theater's creative efforts are concentrated on productions of classical
Ukrainian and Russian operas and ballets. Professional actors, creative
lighting, and bright decorations leave the most memorable impression about
Ukraine's dramatic art.
Ukraine
Kyiv Volodymyr the Baptizer Volodymyr the Baptizer
On
the slope of the Volodymyr Hill stands the imposing monument to Prince
Volodymyr who is also called the Baptizer of Rus. He converted Kyivan Rus to
christianity in 988. The bronze statue was erected in 1853.
Ukraine
Kyiv St. Nicolas Catholic Cathedral St. Nicolas Catholic Cathedral
The
cathedral was built in 1899-1909 by the architect Horotetskyi. The building is
placed on one of the central streets (Chervonoarmiyska st.), and it can be
easily recognized by its distinctive Gothic style and a pair of beautiful
needle towers. It was restored in 1980 and now is used as both the concert hall
for organ music and the church where Roman Catholic services are held
Ukraine
Kyiv Golden Gate Golden Gate
St.
Sophia Cathedral
St.
Sophia's thirteen gorgeous golden domes nicely blend with the city skyline. The
grandiose ensemble was built by Prince Yaroslav the Wise in the XI century in commemoration
of the victory over the Pecheneg tribe. The cathedral became a major cultural
and political center of Kyivan Rus and a site for receiving ambassadors from
many countries. St. Sophia is famous for its outstanding mosaics and frescoes
dating back to the eleventh century
Mariyinsky
Palace
The
gorgeous blue-and-cream palace designed by Bartolomeo Rastrelli was built in
1750 under the supervision of Russian architect 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. Today the palace is used for official state
receptions such as presidential meetings and international conferences. It is
open to tourist groups by appointment as well.
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 best place to shop for Ukrainian crafts and artworks.
Cultural museums located here reveal the history of the legendary street and of
the whole Kyiv. Overlooking Andriyivsky Uzviz and Podil, the old section of
Kyiv, stands the Ukrainian Baroque church of St. Andrew designed in 1754 by the
Italian architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli. This five-domed church remains the
major adornment of the upper city. The Castle of Richard in the modernized
Gothic style built in 1902 is Andriyivsky Uzviz' another distinctive feature.
The building is currently being reconstructed into a hotel.
Ukraine
Kyiv Funicular
The
funicular (cable car) was built in 1905 and until now it offers quick,
exciting, and inexpensive rides from Podil (Lower City) up to Mykhailivska
Ploscha (Upper City). The ride is short (about 2 minutes), but it is worth
seeing a magnificent panorama of Kyiv and the Dnipro River that uncovers from
the Funicular. The cost is the same as the fares in city transport. Children
under 7 can have a free ride.
Horodetskyi
Building
One
of the most interesting buildings in Kyiv is located in a very quiet and
peaceful part of the downtown. A well-known architect Horodetskyi built the
house as a private residence in 1902-1903. The walls and the roof of the
structure are decorated with intricate sculptural ornaments of mythological and
hunting themes. The building is considered one of the most fascinating
architectural creations in Kyiv.
Volodymyr
Cathedral
The
structure of this Russian Orthodox Church which was built in 1882 reflects
features of the Neo-Byzantine style. The murals of the church interior done by
famous Russian painters present considerable artistic significance. The mosaics
of the authorship of Venetian masters and the choir music performed in the
cathedral are not to be missed. The building is located on one of city's
central streets, Tarasa Shevchenka blvd.
Khreschatyk
Khreschatyk
is the main street in Kyiv. It was recently renovated into one of the most
scenic and beautiful places that combines the features of a busy business
center with the historical architectural design of buildings. The street leads
to Maidan Nezalezhnosti, the city's main square and one of the most popular
places of meetings. On weekends, the traffic is blocked on Khreschatyk, and
visitors can enjoy a nice walk right in the middle of the street