Kyiv is one of the most beautiful cities of the world, picturesquely spreading over the Dnipro river hills. According to legend Kyiv was founded more than 1,500 years ago by three brothers Kyi, Schek, Khoryv and their sister Lybid. The city was named after the oldest brother Kyi. In the 9th century Kyiv became the capital of the Ancient Rus. The territory of this independent state stretched out from the Baltic Sea in the North to the Black Sea in the South and from Volga River in the East to the Carpathians Mountains in the West. Kyiv is often referred as "the mother of all cities" by Russians and Ukrainians and as a cradle of Slavonic civilization.

Kyiv, which is one of the tenth largest cities Europe, has developed into an important Eastern European centre, attracting foreign businesses and investors to its economic and natural potential. Its historical past reflects the great political and cultural events in Europe and this is represented in many architectural monuments.

Kyiv is the third greenest capital city in Europe and is considered to be one of the oldest and most beautiful. You will find many parks and tree lined boulevards that are renowned for their beauty in spring and autumn. Kyiv is built mostly on hills overlooking the river Dnipro. The city is steeped in history and bursting with culture. There are more than 100 museums, innumerable theatres, ballet, opera and art galleries. The art and architecture of Kyiv are considered world treasures and is listed on UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE site. For more information visit the official website of the city of Kyiv: http://kyivcity.travel/explore/kyiv/about-kyiv

Kreschatik is Kyiv's most famous street. Lined with chestnut trees, it runs through most of central Kyiv. Kreschatik comes to life at weekends and public holidays when it is closed to traffic and welcomes street performers and musicians. It contains many shops, restaurants, banks, hotels and governmental buildings and is a very popular tourist attraction.

Metro - Maidan Nezalezhnosti (blue line), also called Maidan Nezalezhnosti.

Independence square or "Maidan Nezalezhnosti" is situated to the north of Khreschatyk Street, it is Kyiv's most beautiful square and an excellent place to begin sightseeing in Kyiv.
In Soviet times, Maidan Nezalezhnosti was known as the Square of the October revolution. To most people Independence Square is most commonly known for staging the events of the Orange revolution in 2004. For weeks, images were transmitted around the world as 500,000 supporters of Yuschenko's orange party, demonstrated against the corrupt elections illegally won by Victor Yanukovych. The mass protest orchestrated by Viktor Yuschenko and his supporters were eventually to succeed in annulling the first election result and a second ballot was organised.

On December 28th 2004, under extreme scrutiny from Ukrainian and International monitors, the Election Commission declared Yuschenko the winner with 52 percent of the vote. Ukraine's turbulent history has seen the destruction of the city's main square no less than six times. In recent history the retreating Russian army destroyed the square in 1941. After the 2nd world war the Soviets embarked on rebuilding Kyiv, and today you will see many Soviet style building and monuments still standing.

In 2002 to mark 10 years of independence the entire square was completely reconstructed. Many of the Soviet monuments were removed and now the gold wings of the Archangel Michael sparkle majestically from the top of Independence column.

Metro - Maidan Nezalezhnosti (blue line)

The Friendship of Nations Arch is a monument dedicated to the unification of Ukraine and Russia. The monument is a 6.2 metres high rainbow-shaped arch, made of titanium and bronze alloy. The arch is located on the right bank in the Cross Park.

Metro - Zoloti Vorota (green line)

The Golden Gate (Zolotie Vorota) was erected in 1037 as the main entrance into the ancient city, with ramparts stretching out from both sides. In 1970 work began to protect the ruins from further damage and a reconstruction was built over the ancient brick walls.

Metro - Kontraktova Ploscha (blue line)

Andriyivs'kyi Uzviz is an integral part of the old Kyiv and one of the oldest streets in Eastern Europe. The first settlements were founded here more than three thousand years ago and link the upper town to the lower district of Podil. Numerous tourist shops and art galleries line the street and you will also find a variety of good restaurants, bars and cafe's.

Sophia Square has always been at the centre of political and cultural life of Kyiv. It is named after St. Sophia Cathedral, one of the world famous historical and architectural monuments situated in the square. Another important monument in Sophia Square is the statue of Bohdan Khmelnitsky, the Ukrainian historical and political leader, which is installed on a granite pedestal in the centre of the square.

Metro Arsenal'na (red line) 21 Ivana Mazepy Street Kyiv

Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra is a unique monastery complex. The monastery played very important role in Ukrainian culture development - the first printing-house was established here, many famous chroniclers, writers, scientists, painters and doctors lived and worked here.

The Lavra Caves are a system of many underground passages and caves where monks once lived and worshipped. Over 100 of them lie mummified in niches in the underground caves.

St Michael's Monastery is located in Kyiv city centre, opposite St Sophia's Cathedral. It is named after the patron saint of Kyiv. It boasts a sky blue exterior and seven glittering golden domes.

The National Museum of Ukrainian Architecture and Culture is the biggest open air museum in Europe and offers a great collection of national ethnographical heritage. Collections include: windmills, watermills, forges, an old traditional sauna, village administration houses, a church school, a priest mansion, cafes named "shynok", huts, barns, stalls, cellars etc.

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