Kyiv - the Capital of Ukraine

KYIV

Kyiv (also known as Kiev in russian), an amazing city with population nearly 3 million people situated on the Dnipro River, is the capital of Ukraine. Kiev is a city of invaluable historical and cultural monuments, a city of great events and outstanding people. City which has great history.
Ancient legend tells us that Kyiv, was founded by three brothers, Kyi, Shchek and Khoryv and their sister Lybid', at the end of the 5th-beginning of the 6th centuries. The city was named after the eldest brother Kyi and means “the city of Kyi”.
Archaeological excavations showed proof of the first settlements on the territory of Kyiv 15,000 to 20,000 years ago. The first settlers of Kyiv built their fortress on the right bank of the Dnipro River to protect themselves from different tribes.
At this period ancient tribes lived around Kyiv and at the end of the 9th century the city became the political center of the Eastern Slavs. In 988 Prince Volodymyr the Great brought Christianity to Kyivan Rus and it became the official religion of the Kyivan Rus. This helped to establish political and cultural relations with such states as the Byzantium Empire and Bulgaria. At that time it was considered to be a big city, ancient metropolis, almost 50,000 people lived in the city, for comparison, at the same time the population of London was about 20,000 people; there were about 400 churches and 8 markets.
After death of Volodymyr Monomakh in 1152, the mighty of Kyivan Rus began to decay. In 1240 Kyiv was destroyed by Baty-khan. But in the 14th century Kyiv began to revive. In 1362 Kyiv was occupied by Great Duke of Lithuania and for more than one hundred years it was under the command of Lithuanian and Polish dukes. In the 15th century Kyiv was granted the Magdeburg Rights, which permitted greater independence of the city in matters of international commerce. With the establishment of the Kyiv-Mogilyanska Academy in 1632, the city became a center of Ukrainian learning and scholarship.
The long road to the independence of Ukraine began with Cossack military campaigns headed by Hetman Bogdan Khmelnitsky – the greatest Ukraine's Cossack leader, waged several wars to liberate Ukraine. In 1648, when the Ukrainian Cossacks rose against Poland, Kyiv became for a brief period the center of the Ukrainian State. But soon, confronted by the armies of Polish and Lithuanian feudal lords, Bogdan Khmelnitsky sought the protection of the Russian Tsar in the Treaty of Pereyaslavl. But after Ukraine's union with Russia in 1654, the city went under control of Moscow. During a long period of domination by the Russian Empire Ukraine in the 17th and 18th centuries managed to preserve and enjoy some of its rich political, economic, cultural, and religious achievements.
In January 1918 after the fall of Russian Empire, the independence of Ukraine was proclaimed and the Ukrainian National Republic was established. During the Civil War that followed the October Revolution Bolshevik Party seized power and expanded their sphere of control into Ukraine. Ukraine becomes a part of the Soviet Union.
Kyiv suffered severely during the World War II, when many unique architectural and artistic treasures were destroyed. In the 1930s, the Soviet regime destroyed many churches. Despite repressions, suffering, political turmoil, and ecological disasters, Ukraine's spirit and national identity did not die. On August 24, 1991, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, Ukraine proclaimed its independence. This was the beginning of the whole new period in the history of Ukraine and its beautiful capital.

The art and architecture of Kyiv are admitted as world treasures, estimated by many famous artists, poets and writers in their works, because it is one of the oldest towns in Europe.
Kyiv is famous for its cultural life, there are many theaters offering various programs, the most eminent are Kyiv Opera House, which presents very good opera repertoire of ballets and opera and Ivan Franko Theater famous for drama, comedy, and musicals. A lot of various exhibitions are carried out in the city's numerous museums and art galleries.

WHAT TO SEE IN KIEV?

Khreshchatyk is the central most well-known and one of the busiest streets in Kyiv. It is a wide boulevard with plenty of chestnut trees. There are a lot of theories about name of Khreshchatyk, among them is that origin of name came from valley which was called Khreshchata (Crossed) because it was intersected by many ravines. According to another theory Khreshchatyk was called so in honor of Kyivan Rus baptizing ("khrest" means "cross" in ukrainian) and other.
Khreshchatyk got its final looking in 1837 and stretches from European Square to Bessarabia Square, where there are many important trade buildings, bank departments, luxurious restaurants, hotels and exchange houses located there.
By the end of the 19th century Khreshchatyk became the main Kyiv thoroughfare. The popular stores and restaurants turned into sources of the freshest news, as their owners received English, German, French, Petersburg and other newspapers and magazines two or three days earlier than the rest of the city.

During the World War I and the World War II Khreshchatyk was almost destroyed.
Nowadays Khreshchatyk is among the major attractions of Kiev. The citizens and the guests of Kiev like this street and tourists try to visit it and feel its very special atmosphere first of all.

Pechersk is an old district with many architectural monuments, historical buildings, including Arsenal of Pecherska Fortress, the grandeur building of Soviet of People's Commissars, the Museum of Ukrainian Art shaped as a Greek temple.

Lypki is a historical area of Pechersk. In 1744 the lime-tree grove was planted on this place, so it was called Lypki (from word “Lypa”– lime-tree). Nowadays the citizens of Kiev and the guests of the city can admire the beauty of Mariinsky Palace, which is the miniature replica of French Versailles. Lypki became aristocratic region for governors and their families, as well as the richest persons of those times lived, because they were attracted by perspective of having their mansions close to the Royal palace.
There is Klovsky Palace that was put up in 1756 and intended for honorable guests of Kyivo-Pecherska Lavra in Lypki. Now the palace contains the exposition of Kiev History Museum. In 1833 the lime-tree grove was cut and the district became the administrative center of the city and still remains, there are Ukrainian President Administration, Supreme Soviet, National Bank, Government House and other important government buildings are situated in this district

Andriivsky Spusk is one of the oldest streets in Kyiv. In ancient time it was the shortest way from the Upper Town to the Podol or the Lower Town, where merchants and craftspeople used to live. Nowadays this steep and tortuous street is a traditional place for arranging concerts, art festivals and city holidays. On Andriivsky Spusk there are many interesting picture galleries and souvenir stores. This street is often called Kyiv's Montmartre, as any time one can see here artists displaying their works. It is also the place where singers and actors give their performances.

One of the major attractions is Andriivska or Saint Andrew Church in Andriivsky Spusk. There is a legend that says that on the place where the Dnipro River flows nowadays, a sea used to be. When Saint Andrew came to Kiev and placed a cross on the place where Andriivska Church now stands, the sea receded, and only some water remained under the Andriivska Mountain. When the church was built, a spring appeared under the altar. That's why Andriivska Church doesn't have bells. The legend says that the sound of bells would awake sleeping water, and Kyiv would be overflowed.
Andriivsky Spusk is closely connected with the name of Mykhail Bulgakov, the outstanding author of “Master and Margarita”. He lived in the house number 3 and nowadays there is a Museum of Bulgakov. The neighboring house number 15 surprises with unusual architecture known as "Richard's Castle", as it is shaped as a medieval castle.
On Andriivsky Spusk there is an interesting museum dedicated to this old street. Its exposition is dedicated to the history of Andriivsky Spusk and contains pictures, photographs, engravings and other exhibits. On Andriivsky Spusk people enjoy to spend hours in numerous cafes.

Askold's Grave is a part of the park complex on the right bank of the Dnipro River. In ancient days this area was called Ygorske Urochyshche. According to a legend, on this very site near the Dnipro River in 882 prince Oleg killed sons of Kyi, princes Askold and Dir. Then he occupied the prince throne and became a very successful ruler of Rus. Askold and his brother were buried on the place where they were killed. According to chronicles, Askold was honored by Kyiv people. However, some historians think that the story of Askold and Dir murder is just folklore, but still people consider Askold's Grave to be the place of Kyiv prince burial. The place of Askold's tragic death was marked by constructing a small wooden chapel. In 1810 Saint Nicolas church was constructed and shaped as rotunda instead of old wooden one. Later it was rebuilt and turned into a park pavilion. In 1935 a colonnade was added to the construction, and it is the way the pavilion has remained until nowadays.
In the 19th century a small cemetery was founded around Askold's grave. Many outstanding persons were buried there. A wooden cross indicates that the young Ukranian patriots killed in the battle with the Bolsheviks near the Kruty station were buried in the cemetery in 1918. Their remains were transferred.

Near Askold's Grave there is a monument to Apostle Andrew the First-Called, a very important saint for Kiev and its citizens. According to Nestor's Rus Primary Chronicle, two thousands years ago Andrew the Apostle, while wandering around the Scythian land and preaching Christianity, blessed the hilly bank of the Dnipro River and forecasted glory to Jerusalem of Rus lands. The monument to Andrew the First-Called emphasizes importance of the saint for Kyiv.

Babyn Yar is known as place of grief over the victims of appalling genocide, anti-Semitism and World War II. Babyn Yar is a ravine that became the communal grave of thousands of people who were butchered by the Nazi. Each year on September, 29 Babyn Yar becomes the place of gathering of those who lost their friends and families in the days of the Nazi invasion.

Saint Kyrylo Church was built in the middle of the 12th century. The church was founded on the territory of old monastery, on the hill. It served as a summer residence and family burial place for the dynasty of Olgovych princes. The church was named in honor of Saint Kyrylo, one of the most eminent Orthodox saints. Kyrylo is also known as a Slavonic apostle and his brother Mephody preached the Gospel to the Slavs in Moravia, the land, from which Christianity spread to the Slavonic lands, including Kyivan Rus. They originated Cyrillic alphabet and translated the Gospel and some other Christian books into Old Slavonic language.
Saint Kyryl Church changed through the centuries according to architectural and aesthetic tastes and tendencies, as the result of the reconstruction of the 17th century, the church turned into Ukrainian baroque building.
In the second half of the 19th century under the plaster fresco paintings of the 12th century were found. Most old paintings were dedicated to the deeds of Saint Kyrylo. It was decided to clear the precious fresco paintings and restore them.
The fresco paintings of Saint Kyrylo church are among the most interesting examples of wall painting of the 12th century art of Kyivan Rus.

Golden Gate (Zoloti Vorota) is a unique fortification architectural monument that survived until nowadays. It was constructed in 1017-1024 and served as a main entrance to Kiev. The name of the Gate in Kyiv reminds of famous entrance to Constantinople: Kiev prince Yaroslav Mudry wanted to underline that his country was as powerful as Byzantine Empire.

The fortification construction of Golden Gate was totally inaccessible: nomadic tribes could never take it by assault, and even Baty-khan didn't manage to enter the city through the Gate. He stormed a less fortified city entrance and destroyed Golden Gate from inside.

In the 16th-17th centuries Golden Gate was in poor condition, but it was still used as a gala entrance to Kyiv until the middle of the 18th century. Golden Gate witnessed many important historical events. In 1648 citizens of Kyiv greeted the hero of the Ukrainian national liberation struggle Bogdan Khmelnitsky after his victory on Yellow Waters. In 1654, the year of reunion of Russia and Ukraine, Russian ambassadors solemnly passed through Golden Gate. In the middle of the 18th century the ruins of Golden Gate were covered up with earth.
The second birth of Golden Gate occurred in 1832, when archeologists discovered the ruins of old fortification construction. They were restored and fenced with metal iron. Citizens of Kyiv and guests of the city could admire the symbol of Rus power. In 1970 it was decided to construct a pavilion that would protect the ruins and recreate the original look of Golden Gate. The museum exposition presents items related to the history of old Kiev, including weapons, everyday life objects and other exhibits that were found in the course of archeological excavations in the area of Golden Gate. It was discovered that the floor and the walls of old Annunciation church were covered with frescos and mosaics. It was the very church that was put up in honor of the Virgin as the gratitude for the victory over the Pechenegs, so the little pieces of smalt and plaster that were found are especially precious. The restored church was also decorated with mosaics and frescos.

The reconstructed pavilion of Golden Gate was opened in May 1982, when the country celebrated the 1,500th anniversary of Kyiv.

The Independence Square (Maidan Nezalezhnosti in ukrainian), is the central square in Kyiv, it is truly the most beautiful one there. This square is popular for different kinds of parades, concerts, festivals and other city arrangements and holidays to take place on. The Independence Square has much to offer: the huge building with the tower and chimes, the Trade Union Association Office six fountains, Independence Column topped with a statue of Archangel Mykhail who is considered to be the saint patron of Kyiv and artificial waterfall and other attractions. The splendid panoramic view of Old Kyiv opens from the upper floors of the square buildings - the domes of Sofia Cathedral built in the 11th century, Andriivska Church built in the 18th century, City Parliament, the Central Mall, and a lot of administrative buildings.
One of the fountains of the square is decorated with statues of legendary brothers Kyi, Schek, Horyv and their sister Lybid. The sculpture composition on the central square of the Ukrainian capital depicts four founders of the city.

On the high hills of the right bank of the Dnipro River magnificent Kyevo-Pecherska Lavra topped with gilded domes is situated. According to the legend, Apostle Andrew, while preaching the Word of God in the Scythian Land, blessed the hilly bank of the Dnipro River and said to his disciples: "On these hills great city and many churches in glorification of Holy God will be". According to historical chronicles, Kyevo-Pecherskiy monastery was founded in 1051 by Reverend Anthony who settled in one of the Varangian caves that is a part of the Far Caves nowadays ("cave" means "pechera").
Some of Anthony's followers visited him in the cave and brought some food and necessary things. Soon they settled in the cave with him and started to build cells and temple in the cave. Many noble people and even Kiev princes visited Anthony and donated money for constructing over ground temple and monastery for the growing brotherhood of monks. Seeking for seclusion Reverend Anthony left the Far Cave in 1057 and went to another slope, where he dug one more underground cell in which he spent 40 years. It is known as the Near Caves now.
Soon after the overground monastery was built and the monks moved there, the caves were used as a burial place for the members of brotherhood. Reverend Anthony was the first one to be buried in the Near Caves in 1073. The caves were used as a burial place for more than 700 years.
The Pechersk Monastery was an important spiritual, social, cultural and educational center. It played an important part in the unification of Eastern Slavonic Lands. The monastery was honored in Poland, Armenia, Byzantine, Bulgaria and other countries. During the October Revolution of 1917 the property of lavra was nationalized, many monks were shot, imprisoned or exiled. In the years of the World War II the buildings of lavra were badly damaged. Kyevo-Pecherskaya Lavra survived and went through all the troubles. In June 1988 in commemoration of the 1,000 anniversary of Kyivan Rus Baptism the territory of the Far Caves and all the monastery buildings were transferred to the possession of the newly created Pechersk community. Kyevo-Pecherskaya Lavra still remains the sacred place and the center of pilgrimage of Orthodox Christians from all over the world.

St. Sofia Cathedral is the world famous historical and architectural monument of the first half of the 11th century. The name of the cathedral comes from Greek word "sofia", which means "wisdom". Built in the times of Yaroslav Mudry, the cathedral served as a social, political and cultural center of Kyivan Rus, where foreign ambassadors were received, chronicles were recorded and the first Russian library, founded by Yaroslav Mudry himself, functioned. Yaroslav Mudry's ruling was the time when art, education and culture prospered. As for Kiev, it became one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and Asia. Construction of Sofia cathedral played an important role in Kyiv's look formation.
The cathedral was founded in 1037. During the centuries the architectural look of the cathedral had been changing. The cathedral was badly damaged during the Tatar yoke and then restored; it was burned many times and was reconstructed again. In 1707 St. Sofia cathedral was rebuilt in the style of Ukrainian baroque and topped with typical pear-shaped cupolas. Nowadays the building of the cathedral combines constructions of the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries.For many years St. Sofia Cathedral served as a burial place of Kyiv princes. The remains of Yaroslav Mudry, his son Vsevolod, and Volodymy Monomakh are buried in the cathedral.
The cathedral is famous for its mosaics and frescos by Byzantine masters that date back to the 11th century. It ranges among the most beautiful temples of Kyiv and the major attractions of the capital of Ukraine

Saint Volodymyr Cathedral is one of the most beautiful temples in Kiev. It was built in the 19th century to commemorate the 900th anniversary of Rus baptizing.
The cathedral is dedicated to Saint Prince Volodymyr, who baptized Kyiv Rus and made Christianity official state religion. Interiors and exteriors of the cathedral are designed in Old Byzantine style, which makes the cathedral similar to temples of Old Rus in the times of Saint Prince Volodymyr.
Saint Volodymyr Cathedral is world famous for its unique frescos and mosaics. Salvation and symbolic history of Orthodox Christianity is the main subject that unifies all the frescos and mosaics of the cathedral, including those treating the Gospel subjects, depicting martyrs, apostles and saints.

Volodymyrska Girka is a visit card of Kiev. It is a green and cozy place with old pavilions offering picturesque views on the left bank of Dnipro and the river itself. Many young people come to celebrate graduation from school and enjoy the first sunrise of their new life. It is also the place where just married couples arrive to take beautiful pictures and enjoy the picturesque landscapes.
The park near it was settled at the end of the 19th century. It used to be the place where traditional religious procession started on the day of Saint Volodymyr.
One of the major attractions of Volodymyrska Girka is monument to Prince Volodymyr - the one who baptized Kyiv Rus' in 988. Saint Prince is depicted with a cross in his right hand and a prince cap in the left hand. The monument became one of the symbols of the Ukrainian capital.

Close to Volodymyrska Girka there is Mykhailivskyy Zolotoverhyy (gold-domed) Monastery. This monastery was founded in 1108-1113 and served as a burial place of Kyiv princes. During the Tatar yoke it was badly damaged, and then it was partly restored. The main sacred object of the monastery was relic of saint martyr Varvara, who disowned paganism and accepted Christianity in the 3d century. She didn't deny Christianity even after tortures and was executed by her father. Saint Varvara ranges among the most honored saints in Christian world.

There are a lot of other places to see in Kyiv, and for sure your stay in Kiev will become one of your most memorable experiences.