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You have not seen the Dniper far in the distance from Historical Museum.
You have been neither by St. Andrew's Church nor by St. Sophia's Cathedral.
You even did not pass a monument to Bohdan Khmelnytsky. So, who will believe
that you have ever been to Kiev?
STAROKYIVSKA HORA (OLD KIEV HILL)
There
was a stone behind the Historical Museum, which said "From Here Russian
Land Comes". This hill was the political, economic and spiritual
center of Kievan Rus. Overseas ambassadors arrived here to find brides
for their kings in the Kiev court. The most grand and splendid temples
were built here - here only the most skilled masters and kraftsmen could
find their job. When troops of Mongol -Tatars invaded the city it was
turned into ruins for a long time, but even now we can find here the splendid
and unique. There is a tree on the hill, on which travellers leave their
pieces of clothes - they believe that will definitely come back to the
city. Now you can enjoy the Historical museum. It is open daily from 10
to 18, closed - Wednesday.
ST. ANDREW'S CHURCH
In
the year 1744 the Russian Empress Elizabeth was visiting the home-land
of her favorite Alexey Rozumovsky and decided to build her summer residence
here. She herself laid the first symbolic brick of the new palace and
church. A famous Italian architect Bartolomeo Rastrelly supervised the
construction. Now the church-museum catches the eye of the visitors straight
away. Its beauty and the aura of history make the place a must for visitors.
Admission fee - from UAH 10.
KIEV-PECHERS'KA LAVRA (THE CAVE MONASTERY)
The Cave Monastery was built almost eight centuries ago. First mentioned
in the Tale of Bygone Years for the year 1051.
Near Caves, so-called because of their proximity to the Dormition Cathedral.
The caves measure 228 m in length, with a depth of 5-20 m. The caves were
first used to house monks and later as burial places. The unique geological
structure of the soil and constant temperature resulted in the natural
mummification of some of the interred remains. There are 75 burial niches
in the caves, including the remains of saints and political leaders. In
the Near Caves three crypt churches have been preserved.
Far Caves. measure 280 m in length and are 5-20 m deep. They contain 45
burial niches and three churches.
Besides these monuments, the Cave Monastery contains many examples of
civil architecture of the 18th-20th centuries and fortification structures
from 1698 - 1701.
To enter the caves you will have to buy a candle (UAH 0,5), museum admission
fees are from UAH 5,00.
MUSEUM OF FOLK ARCHITECTURE AND RURAL LIFE
The open-air museum is set on 150 hectares of picturesque terrain on the
southwestern outskirts of Kyiv. It has over 200 structures moved here
from various regions of Ukraine or reconstructed on the spot. The museum
has some 40,000 ethnographic exhibits, including folk costumes, fabrics,
embroidery, carpets, ceramics, articles of metal, wood, glassware, musical
instruments, paintings, tools, household articles and the like. These
objects are exhibited both inside the cottages and other farm buildings
and in the permanent exhibition halls.
The museum organizes craft days three or four times from May to November,
when visitors can see blacksmiths, potters, coopers, weavers, carpet makers
and other craftsmen at work. On Sundays, choirs and folk musicians stage
concerts of Ukrainian music. Enjoy your time - you can ride a horse here
(US$ 10 per hour) and also have real Ukrainian borsch in a local restaurant.
A unique place, wich makes you feel as if you were living in the 18-19th
centuries!
Admission fee - UAH 3,00.
GOLDEN GATE
This fortified wall, defining the limits of the city and serving as a
protective barrier from invaders in centuries past, dates back to 1037,
the reign of prince Yaroslav the Wise. When Mongol Tatars tried to break
through the gates, they did not manage and moved on to search another
way to invade the city. The place was restored to its present condition
in 1983, and it now serves as the Golden Gate Historical museum. The structure
is located in downtown Kiev, just outsite the Zoloti Vorota metro station.
ST SOPHIA CATHEDRAL
Was built in the first half of the 11th century to commemorate the victory
over the Pecheneg tribe. Here you will see portraits painted by unknown
painters of the past, will be able to read frescoes on the walls (the
11th century) - people's requests to God, great mosaics (some of them
were so unique, that they were stolen by Nazis during the Second world
war and are preserved in German museums now). The cathedral preserves
a sarcophagus with the remains of Prince Volodymyr. St Sophia is rightfully
considered as the treasure of Ukraine and is protected by UNESCO.
Admission fee - from UAH 15.
NATIONAL OPERA HOUSE
Is situated at the crossing of Khmelnyts'koho and Volodymyrs'ka streets.
The beautiful exterior of the building is supported by the impressive
majestic interior design. The Opera staff does all their best to satisfy
the most demanding spectators. See the ballet "Spartacus" with
more than 80 ballet-dancers or the opera "The Fair in Sorotchintsy"
- about 100 singers and 40 musicians leave great memories - you will be
impressed by the creativity of Ukrainians. The Ukrainian "Scheherezade"
ballet is considered to be one of the best in Europe.
Order the tickets from us - purchase including delivery - from US$ 7.
ANDRIYIVS'KIY UZVIZ (ANDREW'S DESCENT)
There are some special places in every city that make it distinct from
the others. Andriyivs'kiy Uzviz is an integral part of the Old Kiev Preserve;
once it was the shortest way to connect the princely Upper Town with commercial
Podil. Now it is the Kievites' favorite place for outdoor fairs, festivals
and concerts. Travellers come here to visit art-galleries, shops and studios.
Only here wiil you see a great selection of innumerable souvenirs, antiques
and paintings! Be sure - you will leave this place with many pleasant
impressions and nice gifts.
KRESCHATIK
Once upon a time this place (now the city's main avenue) was a woody valley
with a brook on the bottom. The valley was called "Kreschata"
(Crossed) and it was crossed with ravines and paths leading from the Upper
Town to Pechersk. Now it is a street of restaurants, cafes, shops, etc.
Many Kievites and travellers gather here both on cold winter days and
hot summer nights to socialize, meet friends, have a rest and enjoy their
evenings and week ends. On weekends and holidays this wide avenue with
chestnut-trees on the left side is closed to transport - very often you
can see your friends and acquaintances among this huge colorful crowd,
singing karaoke, listening to musicians and gazing at clowns.
INDEPENDENCE SQUARE
The reconstruction works finished in 2002 on the square profoundly changed
the city's image. During the reconstruction the Lyads'ky Gate was found
right on the spot. It was the same gate which was assaulted by Batu Khan
in the 13th century, having lost any hope to force his way through the
Golden Gate. He managed to destroy the Gate enough to allow his numerous
troops to break into the city. You will see the gate as a backdrop to
fountains, which gather people around. If you have a chance, visit the
underground entertainment center "Globus" right under the square,
where you will be able to have a rest from the noisy and crowded street.
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