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Kiev, "the mother of Slavic cities," is the bustling capital city of Ukraine. One of the biggest cities in Europe, Kiev is located on the shores of the Dnepr River and has a population of almost 3 million people. Not only is the city Ukraine's leading industrial and commercial center, Kiev offers visitors a wealth of attractions to explore, including historical and cultural monuments, a lively theatrical community and regular cultural events.
Locals are proud of the city's long and glorious history that is filled with heroic deeds. The golden age of Kiev occurred during the 11th and12th centuries, when the city was the center of trading routes between the Baltic and the Mediterranean. For long centuries Kiev was badly damaged and looted, but Kiev survived with much of its beautiful architecture, ancient frescos and art intact. There is a unique beauty to the city, thanks to renowned landmarks like Cathedral of St. Sophia, Kievo-Percherskaya Lavra, which features several monasteries and cathedrals; Golden Gate of Kiev, dating back to 1037; and the magnificent 19th-century Cathedral of St. Vladimir. Kiev is one of the oldest and noblest towns in Europe, celebrating its 1500th anniversary in 1982.
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Andreevsky Spusk
Andreevsky Spusk is one of the oldest streets in Kiev. It is one of the places of gathering of Kiev bohemia: on the street there are many bars and cozy cafes where it is pleasant to spend an hour or two. Along this steep and meandering street, merchants, souvenir stories and galleries provide points of interest for tourists and locals alike. The street is also a traditional place for arranging concerts, art festivals and city holiday events. This street is often called Kiev's Montmartre, as any time visitors can see artists displaying their works.
Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra
The magnificent Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra sits high on the hills of the right bank of the Dnepr River. Topped with gilded domes, the historic monastery had humbler beginnings in the underground temples of the Far and Near Caves. Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra was built in the 12th century by Greek and Russian architects. Over the years, the lands of lavra became home to about 100 constructions, including 23 temples, six of which were cave temples. The monastery survived the October Revolution of 1917, and World War II, when the buildings of lavra were badly damaged but survived to still be standing today.
Saint Vladimir Cathedral
Saint Vladimir Cathedral was built in the second half of the 19th century to commemorate the 900th anniversary of Russian baptizing. One of the most beautiful temples in Kiev, Saint Vladimir Cathedral is world famous for its historic frescos and magnificent mosaics. Renowned Russian artists, such as Vasnetsov, Vrubel, Nesterov and others participated in the cathedral adornment. Multicolored marble imported from Italy, France, Belgium and Spain adorns the walls and the floor of the temple. Saint Vladimir is regarded as "the first inspired example of Russian religious art", and it still attracts visitors and pilgrims with its majesty and beauty.
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