Kiev is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and it is already more than one and a half thousand years old (according to historians, this year the capital of Ukraine will celebrate its 1534th anniversary). This four-digit figure gives rise to a burning desire to definitely get to know this East Slavic city. Kiev attracts thousands of tourists here, for whom walking around the city is similar to traveling in time - it is so full of ancient artifacts and cultural and historical monuments. Moreover, in order to see them, it is best to walk on foot - after all, they are literally found at every step, and even a simple listing inspires respect.
Sights of the Ukrainian capital
- Askold's grave. According to legend, it was here, on the left bank of the Dnieper, that Prince Askold was buried - one of the founders of the city, who was killed in 882 by the Novgorod prince Oleg, who seized Kiev and made it the center of the Russian state.
- Golden Gate. Built in the XII century. the grandson of Princess Olga, Prince Vladimir, they were the main entrance to the city, combining both the protective function and the role of the triumphal arch.
- Sophia Cathedral. The temple was built in Kiev during the reign of Yaroslav the Wise. It contains a sarcophagus with the remains of the prince. His son Vsevolod and grandchildren: Rostislav Vsevolodovich and Vladimir Monomakh were also buried here. Therefore, the cathedral, in addition to the cult, was also important as a grand ducal burial vault.
- Kiev-Pechersk Lavra. This largest monastery of ancient Russia was located in caves independently dug by monks in the Dnieper steep slopes (hence the name). The inhabitants of the monastery were distinguished by their special holiness and education: it was from here that 50 bishops came out, who took up ministry in various areas of the state.
- Monument to Prince Vladimir - the Baptist of Rus. The monument is installed on Vladimirskaya Gorka and depicts a prince holding a cross in his right hand as a symbol of Christianity, and in his left hand - a prince's cap as a symbol of state power.
- The monument to Bohdan Khmelnytsky is the riding figure of the hetman - an outstanding statesman and military leader of Ukraine, who stood at the head of the uprising of the Ukrainian people against Polish oppression and advocated its unification with the Russian state.
Khreshchatyk is the central metropolitan street, one of the widest in the world, and is also a landmark of the city. There are many shops, restaurants and cafes here, so guests will not be left without shopping and a hearty lunch.
Fans of wandering in the silence of the museum can find a lot of interesting things in Kiev: they have a rich selection of expositions in the Museum of Historical Treasures, the Museum of Medicine, the National Art Museum, and even - this is far from being found everywhere - in the Museum of One Street.
The richness of the historical heritage of Kiev defies description, so tourists should follow the saying: it is better to see once than hear a hundred times.
