In every city there are a large number of attractions worthy of being carefully studied by tourists. Among them there are places that are his calling card. In Moscow, these are Red Square and Arbat. In St. Petersburg - the Hermitage and St. Isaac's Cathedral. When people talk about Paris, the first thing we think of is the Eiffel Tower.
There are such places in Kyiv - the capital and one of the largest cities in Ukraine. Let's name them. Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, St. Volodymyr's Cathedral, Andreevsky Spusk, Khreshchatyk Street. In Kyiv, of course, there are many other worthy places, but these are the ones that come to mind in the first place. Today we want to tell our readers about one of them.
Khreshchatyk in Kyiv
This is a world-famous street. How many secrets and mysteries she is fraught with. A large number of entertaining stories and legends are associated with it. During the Great Patriotic Warit was almost completely destroyed, and already in peaceful years it was restored. We will introduce you to her and try to reveal all her secrets. And for this, let's first sit in a virtual time machine and go to the distant past of the city of Kyiv.
A bit of history
There are two versions of the origin of the name Khreschatyk Street. The first one says that Prince Vladimir baptized Russian people in this place. The second says that the street got its name from the intersection of hollows in the place where it was located. Its active settlement began when the annual fair or auction, as they were then called, was transferred here by royal decree. Circus performances were also shown here and folk festivals were held. This area was called Khreschataya Valley. At the end of the 18th century, a two-story palace was built here for one of the local landowners. Then other houses began to appear.
Curious facts
We invite you to get acquainted with some interesting information about the legendary street of Kyiv.
- In ancient times there was a dense forest on the territory of Khreshchatyk.
- Russian princes, and later other Kievans, hunted small animals and birds here with the help of special nets - overhangs. Hence the first name of the street appeared - Perevishche.
- Today the highway passes through three squares: Independence, European, Bessarabia.
- Here is a boulevard with chestnut trees.
- At the end of the 19th century, the first tram line in Russia was built along it.
- Bthe forties the street was almost completely destroyed.
- It is considered one of the shortest main streets in the world.
- During the Great Patriotic War, it was called Teatralnaya, and then Khreshchatitskaya.
Description
One of the most beautiful streets in the city is over a kilometer long. How can you get here when you come to Kyiv? Metro "Khreshchatyk" will take you directly to the main thoroughfare of the Ukrainian capital. And there is something for tourists to see. It is also interesting that the street is located in two districts at once: Shevchenkovskiy and Pecherskiy. On its sides grow lush chestnut trees, many flowers and other vegetation. On weekends and holidays, it becomes completely pedestrian, as the passage of vehicles at this time is strictly prohibited. There are a large number of popular shops, entertainment centers, office buildings, cafes and restaurants. Locals love to arrange romantic dates or make acquaintances on Khreshchatyk.
Fountains on Khreshchatyk
Many people come to Kyiv to see an amazing and unusual sight. And this is not an exaggeration! Fountains on Khreshchatyk amaze with their beauty and sophistication. I must say that in Kyiv there are a large number of them. But the most unusual are located on Independence Square (Maidan). The fact is that fountains are not only able to save from the heat on the hottest day, but also "dance" to the music, shimmering with colorful colors. You can see a wonderful show on any day except Monday, from 21.00 to 23.00. Be sure to visit this place. Trust me, you won't regret it!
Other attractions
What other interesting monuments can be seen on Khreshchatyk? We offer you information about the most popular of them:
- House with chimeras. This building attracts the eyes of passers-by even from afar. Amazing sculptures of animals, sea monsters, mermaids are installed on the house. Women's faces coexist here with the muzzles of animals. The sight is absolutely amazing. It is also interesting to visit inside the mysterious building, which is located along Bankova Street, 10.
- Druzhba Cinema. It has two halls equipped with the highest quality technology. His address is Kyiv, Khreshchatyk, 25.
- House-museum of Taras Shevchenko. Here you can see things that once belonged to the great Ukrainian poet. Visitors pay attention to the original interiors of the rooms. The museum was opened in the twenties of the last century.
- Passage. Every citizen of Kiev knows this place. Here are the most fashionable shops and cozy cafes.
- Monument "Lanterns in love". It is installed on one of the benches located on Independence Square. The sculptures reach almost two meters in height. Young couples like to be photographed near unusual lovers.
Where to shop
Many readers will be interested to know about the most popular stores that are located on the main street of Kyiv. We offer you useful information about some of them:
- Market "Vsі Svoi". This is one of the largest shopping centers in Kyiv. The building has 5 floors. More than 200 different brands are sold here. They are represented by both proven Ukrainian manufacturers of goods, and completely new ones that have not yet declared themselves. The store has four categories of products: household goods, children's goods, gastronomic products, clothes, shoes and accessories. Prices are calculated for buyers with an average income. Store address - Kyiv, st. Khreschatyk, 27.
- Central department store - TSUM. It attracts a large number of buyers not only with a variety of assortment, but also with its rich history. A concert hall was once located on its territory, then warehouses, the House of the Book and even a printing house. TSUM was opened to customers in 1939. At the beginning of the war, it was completely destroyed, but already in 1944 it resumed its work. In TSUM there are a large number of boutiques of the most famous world companies, there are beauty salons, dry cleaning, ateliers, fitting rooms, cafes and restaurants. The store is located in the Shevchenko district.
- "Monarch" - shoe store. This brand is known and popular in many countries. The address of the store in Kyiv is Khreshchatyk, 21. Here you can always find something special for yourself and your family.
- Store "Roshen". It attracts attention with its showcases and, of course, an abundance of all kinds of sweets produced by a well-known confectionery company. This is a real paradise for the sweet tooth. Here you can buy a variety of sweets, waffles, chocolate, cakes, marshmallows and much more. Also available for salegift sets and souvenirs. Store address - Khreshchatyk, 29/1.
We have introduced you to only some of the shops located on the main street of the city. There are many more of them here. All of them, no doubt, deserve your attention.
Cafes and restaurants
After walking along the street and getting to know its main attractions, a natural question arises, where can I eat deliciously and inexpensively? There are many options on Khreshchatyk and near it. Here are some of them:
- Dining room of national cuisine "Puzata Hata". Here you will be offered a large selection of salads, fish and other dishes. The self-service system will appeal to many visitors. Address - Khreshchatyk, 15.
- Cafe "He althy Bula". The assortment includes a large selection of pizza, meat dishes, fish, poultry, soups, all kinds of side dishes. The institution is located on Lutheran street, 3.
- Restaurant "Sushiya". The menu features popular Japanese dishes. Location - Bohdan Khmelnitsky street, 10.
- Restaurant "Murakami". Its specialization is already clear from the name. The menu will offer you rolls, seafood appetizers, a large number of desserts. Restaurant address - Khreshchatyk street, 14/1.
- "Mafia". A restaurant of Italian cuisine is waiting for its visitors at Khreshchatyk, 6. For lovers of singing, there is a karaoke here.
- "McDonald's" - Khreschatyk, 19.
- Cafe "City" hospitably welcomes everyone on Khreshchatyk Street, 7/11. Selling here is verydelicious pizza.
- Beer restaurant "Chateau". Here you will be offered a wide selection of drinks, including alcoholic ones. The menu also includes appetizers, hot dishes, desserts and more.
In these establishments you can eat very tasty, and most importantly, the prices in the above catering establishments are quite affordable. The quality of service is also at the highest level.
Amazing place
Khreshchatyk in Kyiv is considered a must-see for tourists who come to Ukraine. It's always noisy and crowded here. Street trading is carried out, passers-by communicate and take pictures, street musicians and singers perform. Liveliness and fun reigns everywhere, even at night life on the street is in full swing.
