KIEV
Kyiv had been the capital of the first great civilization of the Slavic east, the Kyiv Rus. Kyiv became a political and cultural center known for its beauty. Balsac told once: "Kiev, the eternal city. It is the Rome of the north". Then came the decline and rebirth ... Under Russian rule, Kyiv began to grow. With the collapse of the Soviet Union, Kyiv became the capital of Ukraine.
Khreshchatyk Avenue and Independence Square (Maidan Nezalezhnosti)
Planted with chestnut trees, the avenue is the most beautiful and most popular in Kiev. Do not miss a stroll along the "Elysian Fields" of Kiev, admiring the unique architecture and fountains. On weekends, the street becomes a very nice pedestrian area... After World War II, the avenue was rebuilt in an imposing Soviet-style. Yet the whole city is very nice:
The cathedral of St.Sophia
The Cathedral (12th century) and the monastery are of great interest for visitors of Kiev. From the tower of the cathedral, you'll have a superb view on the golden domes of the Monastery of Saint Michael.
The Monastery of Saint Michael
On your promenade from St. Sophia, you will not miss the golden domes of the monastery, named after the patron of Kiev. Situated in the upper part of the city, it is the administrative and historic heart of Kiev ...
District Andriyivski Spusk and the Church of Saint-Andrew
In this ancient part of the city, known as the "Montmartre of Kyiv", is situated the museum of Bulgakov. This district on weekends turns into a giant outdoor art gallery. The historical center of Kiev is traditionally a place where artisans work. There are a lot of art galleries and souvenir shops here.
Cave monastery Kyevo-Pecherska Lavra world cultural heritage of UNESCO
One of the oldest churches in Russia, Kiev-Pechersk built in 1051 is situated here. "Lavra"is the name given to the largest and most influential monasteries in the Orthodox world. "Pechera" means a cave. This ensemble includes caves, tunnels, 16 churches and other numerous buildings. The monastery has played a leading role in the development of Ukrainian culture: the first printing workshop of Russia was established here. After the great fire of 1718, the damaged buildings were renovated and new constructions were built. In the middle of the eighteenth century, a unique architectural ensemble was created and became the largest monastery in all Russia with an area of 30 hectares. After the communist revolution in 1917, all property was confiscated, and the monastery was closed. Lavra was again occupied by monks in 1988. The site overlooking the Dnieper. From the island of Trukhaniv the view on the monastery is magnificent.
Opera of Kyiv
The Kiev Opera House was built in 1901 instead of the theater destroyed by fire in 1896. After the fire, the council has decided to launch an international competition for the project of the Kiev Opera. Finally he appeared to be an architect from St Petersburg, who designed the Opera. In a velvet and bronze decorations, the Opera can host up to 1,650 spectators. The building was seriously damaged during the Second World War. In 1988, the Opera has been completely rebuilt.
National museum of art
Opened in 1899. Icons from the 12th to 18th centuries, Ukrainian Painters of the 19th and 20th centuries.
Museum of the Great patriotic war
opened in 1981, the museum is dedicated to the events of the World War II of 1941-1945.
The statue of "Motherland"
of titan (108 m of hight) of «Soviet» style offers an interesting contrast to golden domes of Pecherskaya Lavra. Address: Sichnevogo povstannya st. - subway station "Arsenalnaya"
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