Kiev, Ukraine

Kiev is one of the biggest cities in Europe. It is a bustling capital of independent Ukraine, its administrative, economic, scientific, cultural and educational center. This scenic city with population of over 3 million people is located on the shores of the Dnepr River.

Kiev is a city of invaluable historical and cultural monuments, a city of great events and outstanding people. Everyone will find there something especially interesting for himself.

The art and architecture of Kiev are considered world treasures. Many famous artists, poets and writers estimated the unique beauty of this city. The most renowned landmarks include: Cathedral of St. Sophia with outstanding mosaics and frescoes dating back to the 11th century; Kievo-Percherskaya Lavra featuring several monasteries and cathedrals; Golden Gate of Kiev, which date back to 1037; Ukrainian Baroque Church of St. Andrew; the magnificent 19th-century Cathedral of St. Vladimir; and many other attractions. Kiev is often referred to as "the mother of all cities" by Russians and Ukrainians. It is one of the oldest towns in Europe. In the historical center of Kiev you can feel the spirit of the past everywhere.

Kiev is distinguished for its rich cultural life. Theater lovers will find many theatres offering various theatrical programs. Most performances are held in Ukrainian or Russian. The recently renovated Kiev Opera House presents very good opera as well as a broad repertoire of ballets. Ivan Franko Theater is a center of Ukrainian drama, comedy, and musicals. A lot of various exhibitions are carried out in the city's numerous museums and art galleries.

Kiev is also a scientific and educational center of independent Ukraine. Various universities and science academies including famous Kiev-Mogilyanskaya Academy, which is one of the first scientific establishments in Eastern Europe, are located there.

Being the largest city of Ukraine, Kiev is a leading industrial and commercial center of the country. Kiev's major industries include: food processing (especially processing of beet sugar), metallurgy, manufacture of machinery, machine tools, rolling stock, chemicals, building materials, and textiles. The development of Ukrainian economy gave impulse to business activity of the city. There are a lot of new office centers, banks, trade exhibition centers and other commercial enterprises appearing in the city nowadays.

Take a walk through the ancient streets of this scenic city, feel its unique beauty and the spirit of its past. For sure your stay in Kiev will become one of your most memorable experiences.

Quick Facts about Kiev

Area:

827 sq km

Location:

Kievan region, on the River Dnepr

Geographic coordinates:

50 28 N, 30 29 E

Population:

2,900,000 (2001 est.)

Foundation:

482 A.D.

Climate:

Temperate continental. It is mainly characterized by plentiful precipitation and cloudiness in winter and fall. Winters are usually long and cold. Summers are short but can be pretty hot.

UTC/GMT Offset:

UTC/GMT + 2 hours

Area code:

44

Major attractions:

St. Sophia's Cathedral, Uspensky Cathedral, St. Michael Monastery, Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra, Golden Gate, Andreyevsky Spusk.

Major industries:

Metallurgy, engineering industry, chemicals, textiles, food processing, building materials, electric products, gas, oil, coal and peat production, woodworking industry.

History of Kiev

According to the ancient legend, Kiev, the capital of Ukraine, was founded by three brothers, Kyi, Schek and Khoryv, and their sister Lybed, at the end of the 5th-beginning of the 6th centuries. The city was named after the eldest brother Kyi. Kyiv means the city of Kyi. Kyiv is a Ukrainian spelling and Kiev is Russian, more known worldwide since the Soviet times.

Many ancient tribes gathered around Kiev, and at the end of the 9th century the city became the political center of the Eastern Slavs. In the year 988 Christianity, introduced by Great Prince Vladimir, became the official religion of the Kievan Rus. This helped to establish political and cultural relations with such states as the Byzantium Empire and Bulgaria. At that time almost 50,000 people lived in the city; there were about 400 churches and 8 markets. When Vladimir Monomakh died in the year 1152, the mighty Kievan Rus began to decay. In 1240 Kiev was demolished by Baty-khan. Only in the 14th century Kiev began to revive. But in 1362 Great Duke of Lithuania captured the city. For more than one hundred years it was under the command of Lithuanian and Polish dukes. People's liberation war of 1648-1654 against the Lithuanian-Polish Yoke led to liberation. But Cossack armies, headed by Hetman Bogdan Khmelnitsky, couldn't manage to conquer the enemy without help from Russia. As a result, Ukraine plunged under a long period of domination by the Russian Empire. Since that time the history of Ukraine and Kiev was closely connected with Russian history.

Archeological excavations show evidence of the first settlements on the territory of Kiev 15,000 to 20,000 years ago. The early settlers of Kiev built their citadel on the steep right bank of the Dnepr River to protect themselves from Nomadic tribes. Later, Kiev's Grand Dukes built their palaces and churches on Starokievskiy Hill, while artisans and merchants settled next to the wharf on the Dnepr. By the end of the 9th century, when the Grand Dukes of Kiev united scattered Slavic tribes, Kiev became the political center of the Eastern Slavs. The city maintained wide foreign and commercial trade links due to its favorable position in the middle of trade routes between the Vikings and the Greeks (strict way from Northern Europe and the Baltics to the Mediterranean). Kiev`s development accelerated during the reign of Grand Duke Vladimir the Great (980-1015). In 988 Vladimir established Orthodox Christianity as the official religion of the realm in order to strengthen the power of Kiev on the broader international arena. During that time the first stone temple in Russia, Desyatinnaya church, was constructed.

During the 11th and 12th centuries ancient Kiev Rus reached its greatest period of ascendancy. By the 11th century Kiev was one of the largest centers of civilization in the Eastern christian world. At that time, there were about 400 churches, 8 markets and more than 50,000 inhabitants in Kiev. For comparison, at the same time the population of London, Hamburg and Gdansk was about 20,000 people. Kiev was among the most prospering craft and shopping centers of Europe. After the death of Kiev`s great Prince Vladimir Monomakh in 1125, Kiev Rus became involved in a long period of feudal wars. Foreign powers were quick to take advantage of this situation. In the fall of 1240, the Tatar-Mongols headed by Baty-khan, captured Kiev after series of long and bloody battles. Kiev fell into a prolonged period of decline. The Tartar-Mongols ruled for almost a century. Despite a foreign rule, Kiev retained its artisan, trade and cultural traditions and remained an important political, trade and cultural center. In the 14th century, the Kiev region became the cradle for the modern Ukrainian nation.

In the 15th century Kiev was granted the Magdeburg Rights, which permitted greater independence of the city in matters of international commerce. Until the 14th century Kiev paid tribute to the Golden Horde. Then it passed under the control of Great Lithuaninan Duchy, which in 1569 was united with Poland. With the establishment of the Kiev-Mogilyanskaya 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. In 1648-1654 Cossack armies, headed by Hetman Bogdan Khmelnitsky, Ukraine's Cossack leader, waged several wars to liberate Ukraine. In 1648, when the Ukrainian Cossacks rose against Poland, Kiev 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. After Ukraine's union with Russia in 1654, however, the city was acquired by 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.

Kiev suffered severely during the World War II, when many unique architectural and artistic treasures were destroyed. Earlier, in the 1930s, the Soviet authorities systematically destroyed many churches. Extensive restoration of the after-war days has revived much of Kiev's historical and cultural heritage. Despite repressions, suffering, political turmoil, and ecological disasters, Ukraine's spirit and national identity have never died. 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.

Ukrainian Holidays

The Ukrainians are just fond of celebrating holidays. They strictly observe the traditions of Orthodox and Soviet holidays and readily accept Western holidays like St. Valentine Day, Halloween, St. Patrick's Day and so on. A great number of holidays can be divided into several groups - public, religious and just holidays. Public holidays are marked with red in the calendar for you not to forget to have a good rest. When a holiday falls on a non-work day, Saturday or Sunday, the nearest Friday or Monday is a day-off.

Jan 1 New Year's Day

...is no doubt the main holiday of the year. According to the most recent polls about 90% of the Ukrainians have called it their favorite holiday, everybody impatiently waits for round the year. People decorate the New Year Tree, cook festive dinners, buy presents, go to numerous New Year's parties that are generously held not only at the end of December but also in the first two weeks of January. There is a saying that a person will spend the year the way he has welcomed it, so many do their best to have fun on the New Year's Day. One usually spends this day or, to be more precise, evening and night with his family or friends. The local channels show loved-by-all Soviet films and a few minutes before midnight, the annual festive address of the President to his nation is broadcasted. This bright holiday is loved by people of different ages, but it is especially dear to children. They believe that Ded Moroz, or Santa Claus, comes this night and puts gifts under the tree, of course if they haven't been naughty in the old year.

Jan 7 Orthodox Christmas

...Orthodox Church uses the Julian calendar, which is 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar, used in Europe and North America. Therefore the Ukrainians celebrate Christmas on January 7, 13 days later than the Catholic world. A very important religious holiday, Christmas wasn't celebrated under the Soviets almost during the whole 20th century and only at the end of 1990s it was resurrected. On January 6th, Christmas Eve, many families gather for Sviata Vecheria (Holy Supper). The twelve-course meal is dedicated to Christ's twelve apostles. The traditional meals included are kutia (home-made bread with honey and red poppies), borsch (beet soup), vushka (dumplings filled with onions and mushrooms), a variety of fish, vareniki (dumplings filled with cabbage, potatoes, or prunes), andholubtsi (stuffed cabbage). In the last few years many forgotten traditions like Kolyadki (masked children going door-to-door to receive candy in exchange for traditional songs and jokes) have being reviving.

Jan 13 Old New Year's Day

...The strangest holiday of the Slavonic calendar. In fact, it is also connected with the conservatism of Slavonic people. After the 1917 Revolution, Russia and Ukraine switched to the western calendar. Before that time they have been 13 days behind the rest of the world. However, even though the official calendar was switched, many people did not want to change and others refused to celebrate New Year before Christmas. The celebrations are not of such an enormous scale as the ones of the New Year's Day and it is not a day off.

Jan 25 Tatiana's Day

...or Students' Day. The holiday originates to the 18th century. In 1775, on the day of Maiden Tatiana the Martyr Empress Elizabeth Petrovna signed the regulation about the foundation of Moscow University, which went down into history as the first Russian University. In the 18th and 19th centuries this day was celebrated as the Day of Foundation of Moscow University, but already in the second half of the 19th century it became a holiday of all the Universities and students. Today, Tatiana's Day is a kind and cheerful holiday, when students enjoy the freedom, youth and coming vacations. Those who have been students decades ago remember their old good days at universities.

Feb 14 St. Valentine's Day

... When the so-called Iron Curtain fell down, people of the Former Soviet Union saw that there are a lot of nice European and American holidays and have eagerly adopted some of them. There is no point in describing Ukrainian St. Valentine's Day as there is practically no difference from the Western holiday of the same name.

Feb 23 Former Red Army Day

...Men's Day In Soviet times it was the holiday of all those who had ever served in the military. While the Soviet Union was rather a military state, about 90% of men were at some point connected to the Red Army, so later it became a holiday for men. It is not a public holiday in Ukraine, but most women make some presents to their male relatives and friends and do their best to please their husbands and boyfriends.

March 8 Women's Day

...Originally introduced by the Communists, this holiday has lost its political content and has become a cultural tradition. On this extremely popular holiday men are expected to do everything around the house and give their women the possibility to have at least the only day off from all that cleaning and cooking. Men present chocolate, flowers and small gifts to their wives, mothers, daughters, sisters, female friends and colleagues.

Apr 1 Fool's Day

...or Humor Day People play tricks on their friends and if they have a sense of humor then everybody have fun. The best tricks are considered the ones made before midday.

Orthodox Easter

...The major holiday of the Orthodox religious calendar. It is usually about two weeks after Catholic Easter. For many people this holiday starts with church attendance on Saturday evening, where the festive church service is held and the father, or Orthodox priest blesses kulichi (traditional Easter cake) and pisanki (painted Easter eggs). The father greets the congregation repeating many times over: "Christ is risen!" and the congregation replies in chorus "Indeed He is risen!" During the day people visit relatives and closest friends and present them with Easter basket, filled with kulichi and pisanki, which are believed to posses a spiritual power. Everybody greets each other with "Christ is risen", then follows the answer "Indeed He is risen!" and exchange with triple kiss, the so-called Khrystosuvanni.

May 1 Labor Day

...or May Day. Under the Soviets, it was one of the greatest holidays of the year - with colorful demonstrations and celebration of the workers and kolkhozniks, or collective farmers. Today, practically nobody bothers with parades, transparency and that entire Soviet staff (surely except for some energetic old people, who try to revive those "good old days"). People just stay at home and rest. Nevertheless, this remnant of Communism is unlike to die in the near future.

May 9 Victory Day

...Owning to the closeness of this holiday to May Day, often the first week of May is weeklong holiday for the whole country. It is a very important holiday for all the Ukrainians, while you hardly find a family, which would not suffer from Nazis in the World War II. Large military parades are held, wreathes and flowers are put on graves of soldiers and those who died in war. Family and friends congratulate veterans who wear their uniforms and medals on this day.

Kiev Day

...Each Ukrainian city has its City Day, the day when the city was founded. Kiev Day is usually celebrated at the last weekend of May. During two days various performances of popular actors and musicians are held. Many people from suburbs and even other towns come to Kiev to see performances, walk along nicely decorated streets and have a great time. The celebration is usually accomplished with fireworks at about 10 p.m.

Holy Trinity Day

...It comes fifty days after Easter and celebrates the Descent of the Holy Spirit who poured himself out on the apostles. On this day people decorate their houses and apartments with greenery, which is a reminder of the new life that comes through baptism. The wildflowers blessed on the festive church service are dried up and kept behind the icons, as they are believed to possess special spiritual powers. For example, if the mistress of the house puts dried flowers in the garret, they will protect the house from fire. On Holy Trinity Day young girls make garlands and throw them in the river or lakes to foresee the future. If the garland sinks, the girl who made it will die in the following year, if not, she will get married. This tradition originates from the pagan holiday celebrating the beginning of summer, which was forbidden after the Christening of Kievan Rus.

Jun 28 Constitution Day

...It is quite obvious that this holiday commemorates the signing of the Ukrainian Constitution that took place in 1996. As this holiday is rather new there are no particular traditions of celebrating it. For example, in Kiev on the Constitution Day on Maidan Nezalezhnosty Square concerts of popular Ukrainian singers are held. Besides, on this day you are sure to hear the hymn of Ukraine, broadcasted on radio or TV or sung by people in the street.

Aug 24 Independence Day

...In 1991 Ukraine became independent from the USSR and was proclaimed a Sovereign State. The Independence Day is usually celebrated with festivals and military parades. If you have a possibility, visit the performance of military orchestras that is quite interesting.

Sep 1 Day of Knowledge

...The first day of the new school year. Children go to schools; students go to universities and institutions, where on this day different celebrations are held. The most spectacular events are at elementary school. Well-dressed first-year children, bringing flowers for their first teacher, gather in the schoolyard or in the school to listen to the first bell ringing. A first-year child, usually a girl, is carried by a graduating student, usually a boy, and she rings a bell, thus, opening a new school year.

Nov 7 October Revolution

...Once a great Soviet holiday, since 2002 it ceased to be public, but you still can see some communist pensioners marching with red flags and transparencies in Kiev's streets.

Culture and Arts

One of the most ancient of Slavonic cities, Kiev for centuries has remained Russia's major historic and cultural center. Nowadays the cultural life of the Ukrainian capital is extremely rich and diverse and represents a wide range of experimental and traditional styles. For those interested in art, Kiev has a lot to offer. The art collections and architecture of Kiev are recognized world treasures. Theatre and museums buffs are offered an extensive list of celebrated establishments to choose from.

Sights

Kiev is often called the mother of Slavic cities. It is more than 15 centuries old and during this time Kiev has made a long way from an ancient settlement of nomadic tribes to one of the largest cities in the world. Kiev is integrally connected to Slavic culture development. Its monuments, architectural ensembles and cathedrals charm with their beauty, harmony and historical meaningfulness. The Ukrainian capital's attractions are covered with the spirit of old glorious times.

Andreevsky Spusk

Address: Andreevsky Spusk

Andreevsky Spusk is one of the oldest streets in Kiev. In ancient days 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 meandering street is a traditional place for arranging concerts, art festivals and city holidays. On Andreevsky Spusk there are many interesting picture galleries and souvenir stores. This street is often called Kiev'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 of Andreevsky Spusk is Andreevskaya, or Saint Andrew, Church. There is a legend that says that on the site where the Dnepr River flows nowadays, a sea used to be. When Saint Andrew came to Kiev and placed a cross on the site where Andreevskaya Church now stands, the sea receded, and only some water remained under the Andreevskaya Mountain. When the church was built, a spring appeared under the altar. That's why Andreevskaya Church doesn't have bells. The legend says that the sound of bells would awake sleeping water, and Kiev would be overflowed.

Andreevskaya Church was built by order of Russian Empress Elizabeth who intended to make Kiev her summer residence. The Empress herself founded the church and entrusted architect Bartholomeo Rastrelli to construct it. In 1749-1754 the construction was carried out under guidance of Ivan Michurin, an architect from Moscow.

Andreevskaya Church is the perfect example of baroque style: it features efficiency, magnificence, plenty of gold and rich decoration. Expressiveness and eccentricity make Andreevskaya Church one of the masterpieces of native architecture of the 18 century. Among its sacred objects is a part of Saint Andrew relics that was delivered from Italy and now is kept in precious shrine. Pilgrims also value the Gospel in diamond setting that was presented to the church by Emperor Alexander.

A picturesque terrace stretches around the church. It is said that famous writer Nikolay Gogol adored the surroundings of Andreevskaya Church and enjoyed walking along his favorite places. Andreevsky Spusk is closely connected with the name of one more writer, Mikhail Bulgakov. He lived in the house number3 in 1906-1916 and 1918-1919. In this house nowadays there is a Museum of Bulgakov. The neighboring house number 15 surprises with unusual architecture. Among the citizens of Kiev this house is known as "Richard's Castle", as it is shaped as a medieval castle. On the right side of this house there are stairs that lead to the sight place offering a splendid view on Podol, Dnepr and its bridges, as well as houses of the left bank.

On Andreevsky Spusk there is an interesting museum dedicated to this old street. Its exposition is dedicated to the history of Andreevsky Spusk and contains pictures, photographs, engravings and other exhibits.

Andreevsky Spusk 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.

Askold's Grave

Address: Askold Grave Park

Askold's Grave is a part of the park complex on the right bank of the Dnepr River. In ancient days this area was called Ygorskoe Urochishe. According to a legend, on this very site near the Dnepr River in 882 prince Oleg killed sons of Kie, princes Askold and Dir. Then he ascended the prince throne and became a very successful ruler of Rus. As for Askold and his brother, they were buried on the place where they were killed. According chronicles, Askold was honored by Kievers. There are reports that he was baptized in Tsargrad in the 860s taking the name Nicholas and that he tried to convert Rus to Christianity. However, some historians offer a hypothesis that the story of Askold and Dir murder is just folklore, but still people consider Askold's Grave to be the place of Kiev prince burial. The site of Askold's tragic death was marked by constructing a small wooden chapel.

In 1810 architect Melenskii constructed a stone Saint Nicolas church 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. Among them were medical professor Mering, famous pilot, the author of dead loop Nesterov and some others. The cemetery existed until 1935. When the area of Askold's Grave turned into park zone, all the burial places were transferred to other cemeteries. 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 also transferred.

This picturesque place has always been surrounded with mystic legends and stories. It attracted attention of Kiev citizens and guests of the city, as well as art creators. Taras Shevshenko dedicated his works to Askold's Grave, writer Zagorskiy wrote a novel about this historical place, and it underlay libretto of opera by Verestovsky. This opera became very popular, and one can still see it in a number of Ukrainian modern theaters.

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 Russian Primary Chronicle, two thousands years ago Andrew the Apostle, while wandering around the Scythian land and preaching Christianity, blessed the hilly bank of the Dnepr River and forecasted glory to Jerusalem of Russian lands. The monument to Andrew the First-Called emphasizes importance of the saint for Kiev. The sculpture designed by master Shvetsov is made of solid piece of granite. It immortalizes glorious deeds of Saint Andrew the Apostle.

Babiy Yar

Address: Babiy Yar

Babiy Yar is a ruefully known place of grief over the victims of appalling genocide, anti-Semitism and World War II. Babiy Yar is a ravine that became the communal grave of thousands of people who were butchered by the Nazi.

On September 19, 1941 the Fascist troops occupied Kiev, and in 10 days, on September, 29 they started to shoot civilians in Babiy Yar. According to German documents, in two days 33,771 Jews were killed. The ravine was turned into a burial place of Jews, Russians, Ukrainians, Hungarians, Czechs, Gypsies, prisoners of war, patriots, mentally handicapped and ill people. The Nazi did not even spare children, old people, pregnant women. According to historical data, over 100,000 people were interred on the lands adjoining Babiy Yar, including 40,000 Jews. Some of victims were buried alive.

Near Babiy Yar the fascists built a concentration camp that was called Sirez. It was the place where the Nazi kept their captives and forced them to work before murder. Those who managed to survive after the Sirez recall that they had to live in inhuman conditions. Every evening all the concentration camp prisoners had to align on the square, and each fifth or each tenth was shot. If someone managed to escape from the camp, each third captive was murdered. The hospital of the camp was full of ill, weak, bleeding and exhausted people. When it became too crowded, the Nazi removed the patients from the hospital and shot. Every day the Sirez was filled up with new victims. Some of them after a few weeks or months of living in the concentration camp were taken to Babiy Yar, where they were shot or just covered with earth. Small groups of people were put to the basket of the car that functioned so that the gas evaporations penetrated into the basket and people died of asphyxiation. Later the captives were forced to disinter the corpses, which were then burnt in the ovens made of old Jewish tombstones. The ash of burnt people was used as a fertilizer for German fields. The camp prisoners were suffering malicious insults; they lived and dyed in horrible conditions.

The tragic events that took place in Babiy Yar became a subject of many art works, such as Evgeniy Evtushenko's poem, novel by Anatoliy Kuznetzov, historical investigations, memoirs of those whose friends and relatives were slaughtered in Babiy Yar, paintings dedicated to the awful days of Nazi invasion and so forth. Nowadays the communal grave of numerous victims of fascists' cruelty is marked by monuments, including the one dedicated to children that died in Babiy Yar. The monuments symbolize pain, despair and sufferings of those who experienced all the horrors of the Nazi invasion. In 1991 the USA President George Bush Senior paid a visit to Babiy Yar and rendered homage to the memory of the victims. Each year on September, 29 Babiy Yar becomes the place of gathering of those who lost their friends and families in the days of the Nazi invasion.

Children Railway

Address: Sirez Park

Some people think that children railway is just a toy, a little steam engine and cars with a remote control. It is not really true. Children railway is a narrow-gauge line with real trains and stations. Children in the age of 9-15 years old work on the railway as machinists, train-drivers, conductors and so forth. All summer long, supervised by experienced professionals, they drive trains, take care of the cars and transport passengers. All year long children study the basic principles of railway functioning and hone their skills of working on the railway, so that in summer they could demonstrate their abilities and acquirements.

Children railway line runs for several kilometers and doesn't adjoin the main railway line of the country. Usually such railways are used not for public transportation, but as attractions and traveling along parks and rest zones. Still, children railway station is a very good school for kids. When they grow up, many of them continue working on the railway.

Kiev children railway is located in the Sirez Park, a cozy and picturesque place of the city. The Sirez Park was named after the Sirez River that flows into the Dnepr. Sirez was first mentioned in chronicles in 1381: it used to be a village presented by Prince Vladimir Olgerdovitch to the Dominican monastery. In the first half of the 19th century Sirez became a part of Kiev. It was a farmland that gradually turned into the place for Kiev garrison summer camps quartering and military aerodrome. During the World War II Sirez became a tragically known concentration camp, where the Nazi kept their prisoners. Nowadays Sirez is a housing estate with a beautiful green park in the middle. Children railway functions in the park and consists of Pioneers' platform and two stations, Yablonka and Vishenka, which mean Apple tree and Cherry tree.

Kiev children railway was built in 1953. It took three years to construct it: originally it passed through the vacant lot near Babiy Yar and was 8 kilometers long. After some time it was shortened and became just 2,8 kilometers long. There is an additional line that passes through the forest in the middle of the park and serves for the trains' turns. Soon the locomotive depot will be built, so that the trains will be protected from precipitations and vandals' loots.

The circular line of the railway passes through the dwelling houses, well-room, hospital and ravine. The route boasts a grand construction, which is the bridge through the ravine. Its length is about 100 meters, and its height equals 20 meters. In 2001 the railway was reconstructed and repaired. Now each trip by railway train takes about 10 minutes. The season starts on May 2 and ends on the last Sunday of August. The railway functions from 11:00 till 16:00.

Saint Cyril Church

Address: 103 Frunze St.

Saint Cyril Church was built near Dorogozhichi region 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 Olgovitch princes. In 1194 in the church Kiev prince Svyatoslav, the hero of the ancient Russian poem The Lay of Igor's Host, was interred.

The church was named in honor of Saint Cyril, one of the most eminent Orthodox saints. Cyril is also known as a Slavonic apostle. Cyril and his brother Mephody preached the Gospel to the Slavs in Moravia, the land, from which Christianity spread to the Slavonic lands, including Kievan Rus. They originated Cyrillic alphabet and translated the Gospel and some other Christian books into Old Slavonic language.

Saint Cyril Church changed through the centuries according to architectural and aesthetic tastes and tendencies. It has always been considered first of all as a functional church, not as a monument of old architecture. As the result of the reconstruction of the 17th century, the church turned into Ukrainian baroque building. Cupolas give the whole construction lightness and loftiness.

Interiors of the church had not been changed dramatically, so it gives an idea of the church's original look. Inside the temple there are several sources of natural light, so twilight perfectly contrasts with a very well lighted central part under a large dome. In the second half of the 19th century under the plaster fresco paintings of the 12th century were found. Most old frescos are dedicated to the deeds of Saint Cyril. It was decided to clear the precious frescos and restore them. The works were supervised by professor Prakhov. Outstanding Russian artist Vrubel participated in those works: he had to paint the old frescoes in oil and decorate marble iconstand. Vrubel's works, including Christ, Cyril and Afanasiy stand apart for their expressiveness, realism and superb artistic mastery.

There is a romantic story connected to the icon Mother of God painted by Mikhail Vrubel. When the icon was finished, the contemporaries paid attention that the Virgin's face bears features of professor Prakhov's wife. It didn't break the canons, but still it looked very unusual. There is no reliable data what happened afterwards, but Mikhail Vrubel, in spite of his recognized talent, was never again invited to work in the temples of Kiev.

The frescos of Saint Cyril church range among the most interesting examples of wall painting of the 12th century Russian art. The frescoes feature bright colors, plenty of details, compositional innovations. One of the gems of the church is tempera painting of the 17th century. It depicts Superior Father Innocent Monastirsky, an outstanding diplomat and public figure. His portrait on the pylon of the southern aisle is a valuable example of Ukrainian portraiture of the period.

The old architecture of Saint Cyril Church and its magnificent wall paintings make this temple one of the most valuable and interesting museums in the country.

Golden Gate

Address: Golden Gate

Golden Gate is a unique fortification architecture monument that survived until nowadays. It was constructed in 1017-1024 and served as a main gala entrance to Kiev. The great tower with Annunciation Church delighted contemporaries and terrified enemies, die to its inaccessibility. The name of the Gate in Kiev reminds of famous entrance to Constantinople: Kiev prince Yaroslav Mudry wanted to underline that his country was as powerful as Byzantine Empire.

Yaroslav Mudry paid much attention to Kiev enlargement, consolidation and fortification. During the time of his rule the territory of the city became 10 times larger than it had used to be. Yaroslav was the one who destroyed hordes of nomads Pechenegs who regularly attacked Kiev. On the site where Yaroslav's troops won the final victory over the nomads the prince ordered to found the fortification tower that was named Golden Gate. The legend says that before the final battle with powerful Pechenegs Yaroslav Mudry prayed and begged the Virgin to help him to defeat the enemy. He promised to build the church dedicated to the Mother of God in case of success. He did not forget his promise and ordered to top Golden Gate with gilded-domed Annunciation Church. Until 1699 Golden Gate was decorated with the image of Our Lady of Kazan.

Kievers called Golden Gate "the sky gate", as every morning the sun passed through it, rose and entered "the vault of heaven". It was a splendid view, and the citizens of Kiev believed that sun and Golden Gate saved the city from darkness and death. 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 Kiev until the middle of the 18th century. Golden Gate witnessed many important historical events. In 1648 Kievers 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. Kievers and guests of the city could admire the symbol of Russia's 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 Kiev.

House with Chimeras

Address: 10 Bankovaya St.

In 1901-1903 popular and spectacular Kiev architect Vladislav Gorodezhkii put up a private house that is known as a House with Chimeras. Inside and outside the building is decorated with quaint and sometimes even freakish sculptures, including maidens on fantastic fishes, elephants, rhinoceroses, antelopes, frogs, lizards, eagles, snakes and even a little crocodile. The sculptures are made of cement, and there is a legend saying that architect Gorodezhkii together with companies producing cement intended to construct a house that would be kind of advertisement for new building material. Modern historians consider this legend to be close to reality, because Gorodezhkii was one of the owners of cement producing plants. So orders for the materials that followed after the House with Chimeras construction would be very profitable for him.

Gorodezhkii built the House with Chimeras for his family. He was very ambitious architect and did not want any other building to stand next to his house, so he decided to purchase two plots of land. One plot was intended for the house and another one was empty, but still the architect reached his goal, as nobody could buy that land and put up a building there. Nowadays this plot of land is occupied by stairs leading to Ivan Franko Theater.

Immediately after the construction works of the House with Chimeras were completed, it became surrounded with numerous legends. One of them says that the architect planned to construct the house after the death of his daughter who drowned in Dnepr or committed suicide because of unrequited love. According to this legend, the architect went crazy and decided to decorate the house with Dnepr inhabitants, such as fishes and weird maidens, who, as he thought, surrounded his daughter after her tragic death.

Another legend is not so ominous. It explains a very unprofitable location of the House with Chimeras from strategical point of view. The thing is that the house is situated on steep slope of Pecherskie Hills, which made the building construction a real challenge. Gorodezhkii, who was famous for his adventurism, betted with his friends architects that he would complete such a difficult task. He really managed to put up the House on the edge of dangerous precipice and won the bet. However, modern architects confirm that the House with Chimeras is in poor condition today, as its facade is covered with cracks, and according to the results of specialists' investigation works, the whole building sinks down the slope. Still once there was an idea to make the House with Chimeras the new residence of Ukrainian President. His present residence is located in front of the Gorodezhkii's house. The question of the residence transformation is still being discussed, but it is obvious that the House with Chimeras needs a thorough repair.

There is one more legend about the house. It says that Gorodezhkii, who was a talented architect and passionate hunter, also was a sorcerer. Some people believe that he put a paternoster on his house, so that only his descendants could happily live in the House with Chimeras. According to the legend, the house will bring misfortune to any stranger who would try to live in it.

Independence Square

Address: Independence Square

The Independence Square, or Maidan Nezalezhnosti, is the central square in Kiev, the main and the most beautiful one. Parades, concerts, festivals and other city arrangements and holidays take place on this square. It contains six fountains, Independence Column and artificial waterfall. The Independence Square has much to offer: the huge building with the tower and chimes, the Trade Union Association Office and other attractions. The left side of the Independence square is covered with granite. The splendid panoramic view of Old Kiev opens from the upper floors of the square buildings. One can see the domes of Sofia Cathedral built in the 11th century, Andreevskaya Church built in the 18th century, City Parliament, the Central Mall, and a lot of administrative buildings. A great amount of shops, hotels and cafes are situated on the Independence square. Two metro stations, Kreschatik and Maidan Nezalezhnosti, are also situated nearby.

One of the fountains of the square is decorated with statues of legendary brothers Kie, Schek, Horiv and their sister Libed. According to Nikon's Russian Primary Chronicle they chose the place for the city foundation and decided to name it in honor of the elder brother Kie. The sculpture composition on the central square of the Ukrainian capital depicts four founders of the city.

Till the end of the 10th century the site of Independence square used to be occupied by forests. In the 18th century on the plot of land the Pecherskie Gate was put up, but the square still looked like an abandoned lot called Goat Swamp. In 1833 the gate was destroyed, but in the modern pedestrian subway system the basements of the Pecherskie Gate are preserved.

One of the best notable decorations of the central square is the Independency Column topped with a statue of Archangel Mikhail, who is considered to be the saint patron of Kiev. In front of the column, at the end of the square there is an arch decorated with the statue of Archangel with sword and shield. Another attraction of the square is 5,000-sprays fountain called Friendship of Nations designed by architect Komarovsky.

The site of Independence Square used to be the border of Kiev fortified with defense ramparts. Archeologists also found old parts of a water mill there. The first large stone building was constructed on the place in the middle of the 19th century: it was designed by architect Beretti and housed the Province Noblemen' Assembly. In the 20th century the square got its modern look.

Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra

Address: 25 Sichnego Povsstanniya St.

On the high hills of the right bank of the Dnepr River magnificent Kievo-Pecherskaya 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 Dnepr River and said to his disciples: "On these hills great city and many churches in glorification of Holy God will be".

The history of Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra started in remote days and is closely connected to the Far and Near Caves. According to historical chronicles, in 1051 Reverend Anthony settled in one of the Varangian caves that is a part of the Far Caves nowadays. This year is recognized as the foundation date of Kievo-Pecherskiy monastery ("pechera" means "cave"). Those who knew Anthony visited him in the cave and brought some food and necessary things. Some of his followers settled in the cave with him. Soon the number of Anthony's associates reached 12, and they started to build cells and temple in the cave. Many people wanted to visit Anthony. Among them were even Kiev princes and nobility who donated money for constructing over groundtemple and monastery for the growing brotherhood of monks. As of Reverend Anthony, he was anxious for seclusion, so in 1057 he left the Far Cave and went to another slope, where he dug one more underground cell, which is now is known as the Near Caves. He spent 40 years there.

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.

An important event in the history of Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra was foundation and construction of the Assumption Cathedral. It took 15 years to build the cathedral. Greek and Russian architects and icon-painters participated in the process of the cathedral construction. Venerable Alypios, the one who is considered to be the founder of special way of icon painting, which was different from Greek one, also took part in the Assumption Cathedral decoration.

Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra is closely connected with Russian chronicles. The first chronicler was Venerable Nikon, Father Superior of the Pechersky Monastery. He finished his great "The Russian Primary Chronicle" about 1113. Another unique work of literature, Kiev-Pechersk Paterikon, was written in the monastery in the 13 century. 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.

Gradually Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra became the largest monastery on the territory of Russia: its' total area reached 30 hectares (1 hectare is 10,000 square meters). On the lands of lavra there were about 100 constructions, 42 of which were considered to be unique. On the territory of lavra 23 temples were erected, including 6 cave temples, with 36 altars. More than 150 saint hermits came from lavra, and remains of many monks, preachers and ascetics are buried in the caves of lavra. 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. Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra survived and went through all the troubles. In June 1988 in commemoration of the 1,000 anniversary of Kievan Rus Baptism the territory of the Far Caves and all the monastery buildings were transferred to the possession of the newly created Pechersk community. Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra still remains the sacred place and the center of pilgrimage of Orthodox Christians from all over the world. Thanks to Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra, Kiev is known as the "Russian Jerusalem".

Kreschatik

Address: Kreschatik St.

Kreschatik is the most famous and one of the busiest streets in Kiev. It is a wide boulevard with plenty of chestnut trees. It is hard to believe that some time ago on the site of Kreschatik used to be a valley and a river surrounded by forest. The valley was called Kreshataya (Crossed) because it was intersected by many ravines. It was one of the favorite hunting places of Kiev princes. There is a version, according to which Kreschatik was called so in honor of Russia's baptizing ("krest" means "cross" in Russian), but it is not reliable enough. Along the bank of the river through the valley an important trade route passed. In the end of the 18th century the first construction appeared on the right side of the road. Gradually left side of the road was also built up with dwelling houses, and in 1805 the first Kiev Theater appeared in the street. Nowadays on the site of the theater the Ukrainian House is situated.

Kreschatik got its final modern shape in 1837. It stretches from European Square till Bessarabia Square and contains many important trade buildings, bank departments, luxurious restaurants, hotels and exchange house.

The architectural look of the Kreschatik Street was changing gradually. For a long time beautiful stone buildings adjoined haulm-roofed houses and clay-walled huts. In the puddles one could see pigs, and it was impossible to cross Kreschatik without special devices, such as stilts. There were people called bosyaki, or tramps, who took money for carrying people from one side of Kreschatik to another. The situation changed after canalization system installation. The street was paved with granite cubes and became elegant and fashionable.

By the end of the 19th century Kreschatik became the main Kiev thoroughfare. It was the place where the venues famous all over the country, such as Semadeni confectionary and Tarasova's dairy were located. The popular stores and restaurants turned into sources of the freshest news, as their owners received English, Belgium, German, French, Petersburg and Moscow newspapers and magazines two or three days earlier than the rest of the city. Nice buildings and refined street lamps, monuments to Alexander the Liberator and Stolipin made Kreschatik a very charming street. The first tram in the country went along Kreschatik Street.

The fate of Kreschatik during the World War I and the World War II was tragic: the street was badly damaged and destroyed. In 1943, immediately after Kiev liberation, reconstruction works on Kreschatik started. After the works were finished, the street became "higher and wider" than it used to be. Today its buildings perfectly harmonize with surrounding landscape, and Kreschatik impresses as a single whole.

Nowadays Kreschatik ranges among the major attractions of Kiev. The citizens of the city adore this street, and the guests of Kiev try to visit it and feel its charming atmosphere first of all. Such Kreschatik buildings as Kiev City Council, Central Department Store, National Philharmonic, as well as other administrative constructions, stores, hotels and metro stations deserve special attention of Kiev guests.

Pechersk-Lipki

Address: Pechersk-Lipki

To the south-east of Kreschatik Street there is a height that in the old days used to be called Klov after the Klov creek that rounded it. Nowadays the former Klov height consists of two districts, which are Pechersk and Lipki. The main thoroughfare of the region, Gryshevskogo Street, begins at the Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra, which gave the name to Pechersk, and leads to the Evropeyskaya, or European, Square.

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

Lipki is a historical area of Pechersk. In 1744 the lime-tree grove was planted on this place, so it was called Lipki, which means little lime-trees. Russian Empress Elizabeth chose the site for her summer residence and ordered court architect Bartholomeo Rastrelli to build a palace for her. 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. Kiev noble families were attracted by perspective of having their mansions close to the Royal palace, so they started to put up their palaces close to the Mariinsky palace. Lipki became aristocratic region, where governors of Russian provinces and their families, as well as the richest persons of those times lived.

In Lipki there is Klovsky Palace that was put up in 1756 and intended for honorable guests of Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra. 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. The house of governor general and his chancellery, the mansion of Kiev Commander-in-Chief, bank departments were located in Lipki. Traditions that were founded at the beginning of the 18th century are carefully kept today, and Lipki still remains an administrative district of the Ukrainian capital: Ukrainian President Administration, Supreme Soviet, National Bank, Government House and other important government buildings are situated in this district.

Pechersk and Lipki are very nice places for walking. Here old restored mansions adjoin new houses, and green trees help escaping summer heat. There are several houses that have unusual names. For example, the mansion built at the beginning of the 20th century in Art Nouveau style is called the House of Crying Widow. It was named after the decoration element of facade representing the face of a beautiful woman. When it rains the water drops run down woman's face and create an impression of crying lady. Another unusual construction is called Chocolate House. The building used to belong to patron of art Mogilzhev. The weird name of the house could be explained by its brown color and facade decorations that look like chocolate segments. The building used to be Wedding Palace.

Recently the streets of Pechersk and Lipki were returned their original names, and nowadays one can enjoy walking along the old lanes and discover new nooks of Kiev history. Such streets as Institutskaya, Shelkovichnaya, Luteranskaya and Bankovskaya are especially charming.

Podol

Address: Podol

Podol is an old district of Kiev, where craftsmen and fishermen used to live. The district was formed after fire of 1811, when all the wooden constructions burnt down. Several slopes, including the famous Andreevsky Spusk, lead to Podol. The compositional center of Podol is large Kontraktovaya Square, where each house is interesting in its own way. Since 1798 the square was the place for al Russian fairs, and for the needs of customers the Merchants' Yard was put up. It contained 50 stores with various goods and products. Unfortunately the original building didn't survive until today, and the new building of the same look was constructed. Near the Merchants' Yard there is the fountain Samson, designed by Ukrainian architect Grigorovich-Barsky in 1749. The fountain is object of many legends, one of which says that the one who tries "Samson water" will stay in Kiev forever.

In this old district of Kiev there is the block of Kievo-Mogilyanskaya academy that was founded in 1632 and became the center of Orthodox education of Slavonic people. Such historical persons as Lomonosov, Skovoroda, Miloradovitch and many other studied in the academy.

In Podol there is a monument to outstanding Ukrainian philosopher Grigoriy Skovoroda. He is famous for wandering around Ukraine and teaching people the laws of morality. He was against ostentatious religious devotions and propagated harmonious union of faith and mind.

In Podol there are many attractions. Among them is functioning Florovsky Convent built in the 15th century and restored in the 19th century, elegant Iliinskaya Church that was built on the very place where ambassadors of prince Igor took an oath while making peace with Greeks. Nikola Pritisk Church, which is functioning now, looks like an old wooden Ukrainian temple. And when one is inside he or she might feel the atmosphere of the past.

Near the Florovsky Convent used to be the first drug store in Kiev. Nowadays the building contains the museum of pharmaceutics and one of the largest drug stores in the city.

St. Sofia Cathedral

Address: 24 Vladimirskaya St.

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 Kievan 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 of Kiev, it became one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and Asia. Construction of Sofia cathedral played an important role in Kiev's look formation.

The cathedral was founded in 1037. Originally it had 5 naves and was surrounded with 2 circled galleries. 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. In the temple erection in different times participated such architects as Shedel, Sparro, Zaborovsky and others.

For many years St. Sofia Cathedral served as a burial place of Kiev princes. In the cathedral remains of Yaroslav Mudry, his son Vsevolod, and Vladimir Monomakh are buried.

The cathedral is famous for its mosaics and frescos by Byzantine masters that date back to the 11th century. Marvelous frescos decorate walls, pillars and vaults. Inside, the central part of the cathedral is decorated with large mosaic depicting praying Virgin Maria. The mosaic is 6 meters high and consists of stone and glass plates of different colors and hues. Some frescos are especially interesting from both historical and artistic points of view, as they represent not only Holy Bible subjects, but also secular ones. For example, in the cathedral one can see portraits of Yaroslav Mudry family members. The belfry is decorated with paintings of the 11th century depicting scenes of the games arranged in Constantinople by Emperor Constantine in honor of Princess Olga. Paintings represent clowns, jugglers, musicians, dancers, animal trainers and chariot races.

Notes and images on the walls and architectural details of St. Sophia Cathedral, known as Sophia graffiti, are of great historical value. About 300 graffiti relate political events of ancient days and historical personalities. The earliest notes gave the historians opportunity to define time of the cathedral construction and decoration more accurately. Nowadays St. Sofia Cathedral is an architectural and historical preserve. It ranges among the most beautiful temples of Kiev and the major attractions of the capital of Ukraine.

Saint Vladimir Cathedral

Address: 20 Taras Shevchenko Blvrd.

Saint Vladimir Cathedral is one of the most beautiful temples in Kiev. It was built in the 19th century to commemorate the 900th anniversary of Russian baptizing. Russian Emperor Nicolas I himself approved the project of the cathedral and ordered to collect money all over Russia. By 1859 more than 100,000 rubles were donated by people of different regions of the country. Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra donated one million bricks for the cathedral construction.

Original design of the cathedral was elaborated by Saint Petersburg architect Strom and Kiev eparchy architect Sparro. Later the project was completed by architect Beretti.

The cathedral is dedicated to Saint Prince Vladimir, who baptized Russia 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 Russia in the times of Saint Prince Vladimir. The cathedral topped with seven domes is 49 meters high. The door of the cathedral decorated with relieves is a masterpiece. Relieves depict Princess Olga, who was the first one in Russia to adopt Christianity, and her grandson prince Vladimir, who baptized Russia.

Saint Vladimir Cathedral was put up in 1862-1896. In 1896 it was solemnly consecrated at presence of Emperor Nicolas II and his wife Alexandra Fyodorovna.

Saint Vladimir Cathedral is world famous for its unique frescos and mosaics. Outstanding Russian artists, such as Vasnetsov, Vrubel, Nesterov and others, as well as Venetian masters, participated in the cathedral decoration. Salvation and symbolic history of Russian 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.

Among the most precious frescoes of Saint Vladimir Cathedral are Vasnetsov's works The Baptizing of Kievers, Virgin with the Child, The Baptizing of Vladimir and others. Many compositions that were created in Saint Vladimir Cathedral for the first time later were repeated in other churches and temples all over the country.

The iconstand of the cathedral is made of gray carrara marble. Multicolored marbles from Italy, France, Belgium and Spain decorate the walls and the floor of the temple.

Brilliant work of artists and special meaning of the temple explain why Saint Vladimir Cathedral is such a popular place for pilgrimage. Contemporaries called Saint Vladimir Cathedral "the first inspired example of Russian religious art", and it still attracts visitors with its majesty and beauty.

Vladimirskaya Gorka

Address: Vladimirskaya Gorka Park

Vladimirskaya Gorka is a visit card of Kiev. It is a green and cozy place with old pavilions offering picturesque views on the left bank of Dnepr and the river itself. On Vladimirskaya Gorka 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 Vladimirskaya Gorka was settled at the end of the 19th century. It used to be the site where traditional religious procession sta