Kyiv is not in vain called the mother of Russian cities. Not every city in the world can boast of such a number of cultural monuments and such a rich history. Therefore, local residents are not perplexed by such a question of tourists: "What to see in Kyiv?". We suggest starting your acquaintance with the city from the historical and spiritual shrine of not only the Ukrainian people, but the entire Orthodox world of Eastern Europe.
Holy Assumption Kiev-Pechersk Lavra (Kyiv)
Leaving the metro station "Arsenalnaya", we immediately turn left. After about 10 minutes of walking, the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, located on the hilly high banks of the Dnieper, will shine in front of us with its golden domes. This historical place, they say, was once pointed out by Andrew the First-Called himself, who declared that the glory of God would shine on these hills. The monastery dates back to 1051. It was then that the Monk Anthony, the founder of Russian monasticism,dug here, in the distant caves, the first dugout. The influx of those wishing to devote their lives to serving God increased so much over time that there was no longer enough space for them all in cramped caves.
From the moment of its creation, the Abode attracted influential and noble people who sought solutions to vital and moral issues in it. Thanks to their contributions and donations, it expanded and developed.
The educated progressive part of the monastics, in addition, turned this monastery into a cultural center. Over time, it became a kind of academy that trained Orthodox pastors. For example, more than 50 bishops were appointed from among its monks by the beginning of the 13th century. They went to different parts of the country to fulfill their pastoral mission.
The most tragic events in its history took place in 1917, after the October Revolution. Lavra, like other churches in Kyiv, was devastated. Her property, according to the decree of the Soviet government, was nationalized. In 1930, the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra (Kyiv) ceased to exist as a monastery. Today it is divided into 2 parts - a museum and a functioning monastery. On its territory, in addition, there are the buildings of the Seminary and the Kyiv Theological Academy.
St. Sophia Cathedral
The capital of Ukraine is famous for its churches, temples and cathedrals. The most popular churches in Kyiv: St. Sophia Cathedral, St. Andrew's Church, St. Vladimir's Cathedral, Tithe and St. Cyril's Churches, St. Michael's Golden-domed Cathedral, St. Nicholas Church, Holy Trinity Cathedral and others. Let's talk a littlemore about Sophia Cathedral. It has now become a virtual museum. Only on strictly allotted days is it possible to pray to God here. Other Kyiv cathedrals are open to the public.
In the 11th century Yaroslav the Wise gave the order to build it. According to one version, its construction was associated with the arrival of Metropolitan Theopempt in the city. The cathedral was originally a 13-domed structure. A few centuries later, 6 more chapters were added to it. The building was reconstructed by the 17th century in the Ukrainian baroque style.
The cathedral has been attacked by invaders more than once during the 10 centuries of its existence. In the 13th century, he survived the invasion of Batu, whose hordes destroyed almost the entire building and carried out all the precious utensils from here. The temple was also robbed two centuries later by the Crimean Tatars, who killed Macarius, the Metropolitan of Kyiv. With the onset of the Soviet regime, it was decided to close the cathedral. It has become a museum-reserve. In it, after the secession of Ukraine from the USSR, services were resumed. However, the building was soon included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, and services were banned in the temple in accordance with this.
National Museum of the Great Patriotic War
What to see in Kyiv, except for religious monuments? Lots of options. Another attraction of the city, the National Museum of the Great Patriotic War, is located near the Lavra. Back in 1943, the countdown of its history begins. Then it was decided to create this museum. However, the urgent need to restore the national economy postponed the solution of this issue for almost 30 years.
In 1974, October 7, as part ofevents dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the liberation of the country from the Nazis, a museum was opened in a building that used to be the Klovsky Palace. In 1981, on May 9, the Memorial Complex was also opened. According to the historical value of exhibits and size, it is one of the largest in Ukraine. Today, this museum is the leading methodological and scientific and educational center dedicated to the military history of this country. During the existence of the memorial, more than 24 million visitors from about 200 countries of the world got acquainted with its exhibits.
Statue "Motherland"
The museum is located at the base of the statue called "Motherland" with a height of more than 60 meters. Exhibition halls are located around the circumference of the foot. Their total length is about 5 km. From the observation deck located at the top of the shield statue, located at a height of about 30 m, a beautiful view of the expanses of Kyiv opens up. If you are not afraid of heights, we recommend that you also admire the city views from the lower platform, which is located at the base of the statue, at the height of a 9-storey building.
Mariinsky Park
Leaving the museum of the Second World War, we will return back towards the station. "Arsenal". Having passed it and walking along Grushevsky Street a little forward, you will come to the entrance to the Mariinsky Park. This is an example of park architecture of the period of the 18th-19th centuries, amazing in its beauty. The area of the Mariinsky Park is approximately 9 hectares. It is considered one of the oldest in Ukrainian territory. Park bookmarktook place in 1874. O. G. Nedzelsky, an experienced gardener, created his project.
The atmosphere in the park, lined with old chestnuts, maples and lindens, is very cozy and quiet, conducive to philosophical reflection and a quiet pastime. Once upon a time, a children's railway functioned on its territory, cheerful screams and children's laughter were heard. Here you can see the monument to the participants of the January Uprising, the heroes of the October Revolution, General Vatutin and many others.
Mariinsky Palace
Mariinsky Palace is one of the main attractions of this park. It was built in the 18th century according to the project of V. Rastrelli, a famous architect from Italy. The palace was built in the Baroque style. It served as the temporary residence of Elizabeth, the Empress. The second floor of this palace, made of wood, burned down in a fire in 1819. And only at the end of the 19th century the palace was rebuilt according to the project developed by Mayevsky. This was done for the arrival of Alexander II and his wife, Empress Maria. The palace was named Mariinsky in her honor.
Today it serves as the official residence of the Ukrainian president. He uses it for meetings with foreign delegations and statesmen of the world. The Supreme Council of Ukraine is located next to this palace. The area in front of the building is called Constitution Square.
Summer stage and stadium. V. V. Lobanovsky
There is a small observation deck in the Mariinsky Park today. It offers an amazing view of the left bank of Kyiv from the height of the Pechersk Hills. From hereyou can also see the Dnieper, the Kyiv river with many green islands. After walking into the depths of the park alley, you will come to the summer stage, where various charity concerts and performances are held from time to time. The stadium named after V. V. Lobanovsky, the greatest coach, is located a little lower. Now it belongs to the most famous football team in Ukraine - Dynamo Kyiv.
Other attractions in the Mariinsky Park
A little lower is the most romantic place in the city - the bridge of lovers. It connects two parks: Khreschaty and Mariinsky. There are many beliefs and legends associated with this bridge. Young people who have been here consider it necessary to leave small locks, napkins and handkerchiefs tied with a ribbon knot on the bridge as a sign of eternal love. On the territory of the Mariinsky Park, in addition, you can find the Arch of Friendship of Peoples, the Puppet Theater and the Museum of Water. Prices for visiting the latter: 30 hryvnias for adults, 20 hryvnias for children (when translated into Russian rubles, the cost may vary depending on exchange rate fluctuations, but on average the amount is expressed as 71-73 and 47-50 rubles, respectively). Descending even lower from here, you will come to Evropeiskaya Square and Khreshchatyk Street.
Khreshchatyk
This is by far the most beautiful street in the city, its modern face. Here's what to see in Kyiv is a must! For more than 200 years, the whirlpool of business, cultural and political life of Kyivans has been seething here. The first high-rise building in the city appeared here, first gas and then electric lighting began to be implemented, andsewerage and water supply, later carried out to other streets of Kyiv. For the first time, the bell of the first Kyiv tram sounded on Khreshchatyk, its inhabitants were the first to feel the benefits of telegraph and telephone communications.
Pyotr Tchaikovsky, Taras Shevchenko, Vladimir Mayakovsky, Iosif Mandelstam, Fyodor Chaliapin and others walked along this street, one of the shortest among other central streets of European capitals (the length of Khreshchatyk is only 1200 meters). Looking at it, immersed in the greenery of chestnut trees, it is hard to believe that 300 years ago there was Kreshchatinsky stream here - the place where Prince Vladimir the Great christened his boyars and squad.
This area, the center of Kyiv, already in the 19th century experienced a grandiose reconstruction, and from an abandoned place turned into a cultural center of the city and its main thoroughfare. We can say that Khreshchatyk has since become a historical place in the capital of Ukraine, its calling card, like New York Broadway or Nevsky Prospekt in St. Petersburg. It was here that the most sophisticated and expensive shops, luxury hotels, banks were once located. And on Independence Square there was the building of the City Duma.
The events of 1941 tragically changed the face of Khreshchatyk. Almost all of its buildings were in ruins. But thanks to the efforts of the people of Kiev, the street was rebuilt. The center of Kyiv offers tourists other attractions. One of the most popular is Independence Square.
Independence Square
Walking along Khreshchatyk, examining the architectural complexes of buildingsbanks, we find ourselves on Independence Square - the central square of Kyiv. The buildings of the Central Post Office, the Conservatory, the former Institute for Noble Maidens, which now houses the International Cultural Center, and the Independence Monument will attract your attention here.
So, we briefly told you what to see in Kyiv. Of course, there are many more options. These are just some of the iconic places in the city. It is definitely worth a visit. The streets of Kyiv and its attractions will definitely not disappoint you.
