Kiev is an ancient, beautiful and comfortable city, which has something to surprise even experienced hikers.
If you are going to visit the capital of Ukraine, carefully plan what places you should see in the first place.
To save your time, we have compiled a list of 10 places in Kiev, which must be visited by every tourist.
1. Independence Square
Independence square, in Ukraine which is now commonly known as the Maidan, are not only the main square of Kiev and the place where the history of modern Ukraine. Here begins the revolutionary events in 2004 and 2013, known as the Orange revolution and the Revolution of dignity.
Independence square is literally imbued with the spirit of the history and atmosphere of the Ukrainian people’s struggle for democracy. Hard to believe that before the X century on the main square of Ukraine was a swamp. Of course, the Maidan is the place that should be number one on the list of tourist attractions of every guest of Kiev.
2. Kiev-Pechersk Lavra
Kiev-Pechersk Lavra to Kiev is the same as the Louvre for Paris, the White house for the US or the Madame Tussauds Museum in London. Without a visit to one of the main Orthodox shrines in the world it is difficult to imagine a real tourist visit to Kiev.
Kiev-Pechersk Lavra – a huge architectural complex, the historical and religious reminder of the times of Kievan Rus. Lavra was built in 1051, it is considered the most ancient monastery of Russia.
Kiev-Pechersk Lavra is famous for its churches and temples, caves with relics of saints, beautiful towers and many valuable buildings. Every year, tens of thousands of pilgrims come here to receive divine blessing.
3. Andreevsky descent
Andreevsky descent is a charming street in Kyiv, which is considered the oldest by joining important trade areas. The street was named in honor of St. Andrew’s Church, which is in its completion.
A stroll along the Andriyivsky descent will allow you to sense a specific combination of the old and full of comfort that prevails here on every corner. You will be able to enjoy the view of amazing architectural buildings, famous streets and squares, as well as cultural institutions like the Museum of Bulgakov.
By the way, Andrew’s descent is a place where people have always lived and rested the representatives of the Kiev Bohemia. Perhaps it is because of this Andreevsky descent is called the Montmartre of Kiev.
4. Golden gate
Golden gate is a historical monument of architecture, one of the few buildings of Kievan Rus, which survived until our days. Golden gate was built approximately in 1017-1037 by the order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, became part of the defensive system of the city.
Curiously, 50 years ago on the site of the modern Golden gate was ruined. Kyiv authorities decided to reconstruct the building in 1970. New Golden gate opened in 1982 to celebrate the 1500th anniversary of Kiev.
Golden gate can tell a lot about the defence buildings of the era of Kievan Rus. In those days the building was a huge fortress with a wide opening. To fully appreciate the grandeur of the tower, you need to visit it. Now the building of the Golden gate operates a Museum where everyone can learn a lot about the Kievan Rus.
5. Saint Sophia Cathedral
Saint Sophia Cathedral is another ancient tourist attraction of Kiev. It will interest first and foremost lovers of religious buildings and historical monuments.
Saint Sophia Cathedral, and Golden gate, was built in the XI century in the Central part of Kiev on the orders of Prince Yaroslav the Wise. Over time, the Cathedral was perfected, adding to it elements of the architectural style of Ukrainian Baroque. Visitors of St. Sophia Cathedral you can see a huge number of ancient frescoes and the original mosaic of images, including the famous mosaic “virgin Orans”.
Saint Sophia Cathedral is the oldest Church of Kiev. It belongs to the world heritage list of UNESCO.
6. The landscape alley
An infinity of alleys is called a recreation area in Kiev, which was created on the site razed the ramparts of the Upper town. It is interesting that there is the Landscape alley in place of simple Metropolitan court. It is essentially a track, repeating a track shaft and objects of landscape design around.
The landscape alley is not only bright and beautiful area in the center of Kyiv, but also the favorite platform for the debut of images of photographers-beginners. It is also considered the real heart of the Kiev creative crowd and is undoubtedly a place that must visit tourists. Landscape alley overflowing with fairy tale characters and sculptures, therefore we recommend to bring kids.
7. Mariinsky Palace
The Mariinsky Palace is considered one of the most beautiful and elegant architectural buildings in Kyiv. It is located on the right Bank of the Dnieper. The Mariinsky Palace is located near the building of Verkhovna Rada, it is the ceremonial residence of the President of Ukraine. In the Palace are often held official receptions and ceremonies of national importance.
The construction of the Mariinsky Palace began in 1744 on the orders of Empress Elizabeth. The Palace designed in the architectural style of Baroque. Unfortunately, at the moment, the Mariinsky Palace is on reconstruction, which promised to complete in 2019, so it is closed to visitors. But still worth the time to experience its historic aura.
8. Museum Pirogovo
In this outdoor Museum you can spend the whole day. Mirovogo is a picturesque area in which is concentrated the spirit of Ukrainian history, and its main decoration – the Museum of folk life and architecture. In it you will be able to stroll around the ancient rural huts, to watch their Windows to visit the wooden Church and make a photo on the background of the mills.
It is best to visit Pirogovo on the weekends. Then you will be able to dance with kusachkami on the Singing field, ride on a horse cart, and buy Souvenirs from artisans from different regions of Ukraine. Children can be interested in various master classes, and adults may want to try the sweet Mead in the tavern.
The house with chimeras or “the House” is a unique mansion built in the art Nouveau style, located in the center of Kiev near the presidential Administration of Ukraine. The name of this building received due to sculptural decorations that can be seen not only on the facade but also inside. The subject matter of terrestrial and underwater fauna, the attributes of hunting, fabulous creatures.
The house with chimeras has the status of a monument of architecture. Since 2005, the building serves as the residence of the President of Ukraine. The house with chimeras as one of the main attractions of Kiev. This is a wonderful place to take great photos, or sign up for an unforgettable tour.
10. National Museum “Chernobyl”
National Chernobyl Museum is a Museum in Kiev dedicated to the Chernobyl disaster. It was opened in 1992. The Museum exposition consists of about 7,000 exhibits, including declassified documents, photographs, maps and monuments of folk architecture, which the Museum expeditions collected in the Chernobyl exclusion zone.
In addition, in the Museum you can see unique video materials, which will help to learn more about the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant and its consequences. A visit to the Museum “Chernobyl” is a unique opportunity to learn the truth about the accident, which forced to shudder the whole world.
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