Kiev Tourist Guide

Sight-seeing

Kiev (Kyiv, in Ukrainian), the capital of Ukraine, has a population of nearly 3 million inhabitants and covers over 43 km from east to west and 42 km from north to south. Approximately 85% of the Ukrainian population are Orthodox Christians; 10% are Catholics of the Byzantine rite; 3% are Protestant (mainly Baptists); 1.3% are of the Jewish faith. Kyiv has much to offer in the cultural and architectural arenas with its wide tree-lined boulevards and historical buildings reflecting various styles and periods of the ancient Kyivan-Rus Empire.

Kyiv is a major industrial center that includes companies specializing in electronics, engineering, aviation, food and chemical production, etc. Kyiv's economic development has been enriched by its advantageous location along the Dnipro River, which links Kyiv to the Black Sea.

Golden Gate
A good place to start a tour of Kiev is at its hilly old town center, the Verkhny Gorod (Upper Town), also known as Old Kiev. Here you will find the few surviving monuments of Kiev's ancient past. The Zoloti Vorota or Golden Gate, 1017-1024, is located j ust outside the metro station of the same name. As you exit the northern entrance of the metro, you'll face the back side of the Golden Gate. Of the few remaining fortifications from the times of Prince Yaroslav the Wise (1019-54), the Golden Gate is the most remarkable. In 1983, the ruins of the Golden Gate, built as a defensive structure, were restored to their present condition. The same year, the Golden Gate Museum was opened. The ground floor contains exhibits relating to the history of old Kiev. The halls display armaments used by the ancient Kievites and other excavations from the site of the Golden Gate. The balconies of the museum offer a panoramic view of Kiev.
40 A, Volodymyrska
Open from May through October. Hours: 10 am- 5 pm
Tel. 224-7068




St. Sophia's Cathedral
It's just a short walk to get to the Kiev's oldest surviving church, St. Sophia's Cathedral. Begin walking down the street directly across from the entrance to the Golden Gate, Zolotovoritska. Keep to the right at the end of this short street and you will come out onto Volodimirska Street. The entrance to St. Sophia's is just a few steps to your left through the Southern Gate Tower. Today, the complex of buildings and churches that make up St. Sophia's is a museum. In addition to the cathedral, exhibits include models of ancient Kievan-Rus towns.

Tickets may be purchased at the kiosk inside on your right just before you reach the Cathedral. St. Sophia's is the highlight of many visitors' stay in Kiev. This majestic 13-domed church was named after the Constantinople. Sofia in Greek means "wisdom". The Cathedral was built in 1037 by Prince Yaroslav the Wise (he's buried inside) to commemorate the victory over the Pechenegs (Asian nomadic tribes) and to glorify Christianity. The church became a holy place of worship for ancient Kievites, as well as, a major cultural and political center in Kievan-Rus. Adjoining Yaroslav's Palace, Saint Sofia's was often used to receive foreign diplomats and negotiate treaties. The first library and school in Kievan-Rus were situated in the church. Sohpia's made a huge impression on the ordinary citizens of Kiev in that era, with its rich frescoes and mosaics, many of which are still intact almost a millennium later.

Saint Sofia's is a national treasure of Ukraine. Behind the Cathedral on your right stands the four-story (76 meters/249 foot), ] azure and white, stone Bell Tower (1744-1752). The Ukrainian Baroque fourth story and gilded cupola of the tower were added in 1852. On your left, heading back in the direction of the main entrance before you reach the ticket booth, is the 18th c. Refectory. It's now a museum and houses archaeological and architectural displays. Model panoramas of the city in the 10th-12th centuries depict Kiev before it was razed by Mongol invaders in 1240.
vul. Volodimirska 24
Open daily 10 am - 5 pm, except Thursday
Tel. 228-6152


Upper Kiev
As you leave the St. Sophia museum, turn left onto vul. Volodimirska which opens onto St. Sophia Square. The equestrian statue standing in the square's center is in honor of the great Cossack Hetman (leader), politician and military hero, Bohdan Khmelnitsky(1595-1657). It was designed by well-known St. Petersburg sculptor Mikhail Mikeshin and was erected in 1888 through donations. Follow the street running down the right-hand side of the square with the statue to your left and a small park to your right. At the end of this street (3 blocks) you will come to Saint Michael's Square. The square takes its name from the Mykhailivsky Zolotoverkhyi Monastery (Michael's Monastery of the Golden Roof), and the cathedral with the same name, which used to stand here.

Saint Michael was considered Kiev's patron saint and is depicted on the coat of arms of the city. The cathedral, as well as the monastery, was founded on this site by Kiev Prince Sviatopolk in 1108. It survived the brutal Mongol invasions and the years of Polish and Lithuanian rule, but, unfortunately, not the Soviets. The Cathedral was destroyed in 1934-35 to make way for the building on your left of the Central Committee of the Ukrainian Communist Party (1939). Today, this massive Stalinist looking structure on your houses Ukrainian governmental offices. To the right of this building is the upper entrance to Kiev's Funicular (cable car). Built in 1905, it is a quick, exciting, and inexpensive ride (the cost is the same as the fare for a car, except on Sunday, when rides are free) down to the Podil (Lower Town), the old trading quarter.

This two minute trip will give any child a thrill and provides an excellent view of the Dnieper River and the Left Bank of the city. It leaves you at Poshtova Ploshcha, Post Office Square. Here you will find the Poshtova Ploshcha Metro Station, on the blue line, as well as the Kiev Richkovy Vokzal (River Station), River Passenger Terminal. River boats operate here from early spring to late fan. Now, let's continue our excursion of Kiev's Upper City. On St. Michael's Square notice the stone and metal statue dedicated in 1993 to the memory of the 7-12 million Ukrainian peasants killed by the Stalinist regime during the Great Famine of 1932-'33. Turn right off the square to 6 Three Saints' Street. Here is the Refectory (1713), a white stone church with a single wooden cupola. Once, it was part of the Michael's Monastery of the Golden Roof. Daily services are at 7 AM and 5 PM.

On your right, as you head down Three Saints' Street, is St. Alexander's Catholic Church, named after the Russian Emperor Alexander 1. It was built in 1817-1842 to commemorate the victory over Napoleon. Its style is similiar to Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome. During Soviet rule, the Church was drastically modified and used as a planetarium. Reconstruction has recently been completed. Services are held daily. Weekdays: 7:30 AM & 10 PM in Polish; 7 PM in Ukrainian. Sundays: 7:30 AM and 12 noon in Polish; 9 AM in French; 10 AM and 7 PM in Ukrainian English. 17 vul. Kostelna, tel. 229-7309.


Khreshchatik
The Square of Lenin Komsomol marks the beginning of Kiev central business district and most popular people watching street, the beautiful tree-lined boulevard, Khreshchatik. It is hard to believe that here there was once a valley, surrounded by a thick forest, with a brook across it. The valley's name was Khreshchata (Crossed) because of the many ravines that crossed it. Kievan princes liked to hunt here, now, tourists hunt here for souvenirs in it many stores. The easiest way to get here is by metro, stations Maidan Nezalezhnosti (Blue Line) and Khreshchatik (Red Line) are just one block to your right at Independence Square ( Maidan Nezalezhnosti).

On your right and across Khreshchatik are TrolleyBus Stop #20 and Bus stops #71 and #62. At Square of Lenin Komsomol is a large building with red granite steps which was once Kiev's Lenin Museum. Erected in 1982, in 1991 the museum was closed and converted into the Ukrainian House , which serves as a cultural center with concerts, art exhibits, and temporary displays of Ukrainian Culture. 2, Khreshchatik Street. Open Tuesday - Sunday, 11 AM - 6 PM. Directly across the square, on it northeast corner, is the Hotel Dnipro at 1/2 Khreshchatik, tel., 229-8287. Just up the hill from Hotel Dnipro at 6 Hrushevskoho is the Museum of Ukrainian Fine Arts (1897-1899). Built in the style of a Greek temple with a 6-column portico designed by Kiev architects V. Horodetsky and H. Boytsov, the museum's 21 galleries contain valuable collections, generally unknown in the West, of Ukrainian icons, paintings, and sculpture from the 14th to early 20th centuries. Works of T. Shevchenko, K. Kostandi, H. Narbut are among the exhibits of the museum. Open daily, 10 AM - 5 PM, closed Friday. Tel. 228-6482.

The attractive pink-and-lavender building on the opposite side of the street down from the museum is The National Parliamentary Library of Ukraine. To the left of it there is the main entrance to the Central Park of Culture and Rest, where Kiev's Dynamo Stadium is located. Return to the Komsomol Square and take the underpass below the square to the opposite side. The struction here is Kiev's Philharmonic Society (1882). It was the former meeting place of the prerevolutionary Merchants' Assembly. On your right is a broad stairway which leads to a huge stainless steel arch commemorating the Reunion of Russia and Ukraine. The view of the river and the Left Bank provided beyond the monument is spectacular. As you face the monument, the ravine to your immediate left is Vladimir Hill and the Monument to the Great Prince Vladimir. The 20-meter (66- foot) monument depicts the pagan ruler who brought Christianity to Russia. Erected in 1853, the impressive bronze statue was designed by V. Demut-Malinovsky and P. Klodt, St. Petersburg sculptors. One block west of Lenkomsomol Square, is the busy Independence Square , Kiev's main square. It's the most popular meeting place of Kievites and visitors.

Beyond the inclined terrace on this square is the Moskov Hotel, 4 Institutska Street. At the top of the hill and across the street at No. 5 Institutska is an interesting prerevolutionary building with a classical colonnade, the Palace of Culture. Built by the architect Vikenty Beretti in the early 1840's, it was originally a finishing school for young ladies of the nobility. Today, it is one city's largest concert halls. Further up Institutska on the same side of the street at No. 9 is the National Bank of Ukraine. This turn of the century building is one of the city's most beautiful structures. As you return to Independence Square, turn left to the next street leading up to the incline, Karl Marx. The impressive gray columned building on the corner of Karl Marx and Khreshchatik is the Tchaikovsky Conservatory, a restored version of the 1899 original. Directly accross Kreshchatik is located Kiev's main Post Office.

At the opposite end of Karl Marx Street is Ivan Franko Square and the Ivan Franko Ukrainian Drama Theater, 3 Ploshcha Ivana Franka, tel. 229-5991. Here you'll find Ukrainian, classical, and contemporary dramas, but only in Ukrainian. Due to the high quality and professionalism of its actors, the Ivan Franko Theater is the most popular theater in Kiev. To the right of the theater and up a modest hill on a winding foot path is one of the most interesting buildings in Kiev, the Horodetsky Building (1902-03), 10 Bankova Street, built by Kiev Architect V. Horodetsky. the facades of the structure are embellished with sculptural decorations based on mythological and hunting themes by Italian sculptor E. Sana. This "fantasy" building is truly worth the short hike up the hill. When open, the Galery "Ukraine" inside provides a great opportunity to shop for art and marvel at the equally fascinating interior. Tel. 291-5791. Back on Khreshchatik, continue past numerous boutiques, several large department stores and administrative buildings. Turn right on Bohdana Khmelnitskoho Street.

On the left at No. 5 is the Lesya Ukrayinka Russian Drama Theater, tel.: 224- 9063 or 224-4223. Although the theater is named for the famous Ukrainian poetess, the repertoire of both classical and contemporary works is strictly Russian. Further up the hill at the corner of Volodymyrska and Khmelnitskoho Streets is the beautiful home of the Taras Shevehenko National Opera of Ukraine (1901). This theater was the first to stage classical operas translated into Ukrainian. Much of the theater's creative efforts are concentrated on productions of classical Ukrainian and Russian operas; however, a great variety of classical and modern plays are performed here, with actors singing both in Ukrainian and the original languages. The theater's opera company travels extensively, having appeared in Yugoslavia, Bulgaria, Romania, Italy, and Spain. The ballet has performed for audiences in France, Egypt, Japan, India, Denmark, and Sweden.

In addition to the memorable performances and creatives lighting and sets, the building is majestic. 50 vul. Volodymyrska. Tel., 224-7165 or 229-1169. Near Metro Teatralna , on the Red Line. From the opera, turn right on Volodymyrska Street and go one block to Boulevard Tarasa Shevchenka. This wide street, like the opera house, is named in honor of the 19th century Ukrainian poet and artist, Taras Shevehenko (1814- 1861). One block to your left (down the boulevard) and on your left at No. 12 is the Taras Shevchenko State Museum. The museum's collection, composed of more than 4,000 exhibits, displays personal belongings of the great poet, his manuscripts and paintings. Born a serf Shevchenko became a celebrated painter and poet whose works, extolling human rights, social justice, and sovereignty for Ukraine, deeply inspired the people. Tel.: 224-2556. Open: Tuesday-Sunday, 10 AM to 6 PM. Note, another interesting place to familiarize yourself with the life and work of Shevehenko is the Shevchenko House-Museum, located just off Maidan Nezalezhnosti at 8-A Provulok Shevchenka. Tel.: 228- 3511. Hours: daily, except Friday, 10 AM to 6 PM.

From the Museum, walk up Shevehenko Boulevard on the same side of the street until you get to No. 20. Here, across from the University Metro Station (Red line), is located Saint Volodymir Cathedral. This Russian Orthodox Church was built in 1882 in the NeoByzantine style. The final design belonged to Alexander Beretti. The structure is a traditional Slavic six-column, three-apse church, crowned by seven cupolas. The murals of the church interior, done by famous Russian painters V. Vasnetsov, M. Nesterov, and M. Vrubel, are of considerable artistic significance. The mosaics lining the interior were made by Venetian masters. The voices of the choir are beautiful and not to be missed. Services are held daily at 9 Am and 6 PM. Tel.: 225-0362.

Now, return to Shevehenko Boulevard, turn left towards Khreshchatik Street. At Volodymyrska Street, turn right and cross Shevchenko to the deep red building of National University (also known as Shevchenko University). This is Kiev's most prestigious institution of higher education. The building is another classical structure created by Vikenty Beretti in 1837-43. Directly across the street from the University is the Taras Shevehenko Park. In its center stands a statue of the Ukrainian writer erected in 1939 on the 125th anniversary of his birth.

On the opposite side of the park in the middle of the block, cross the street at No. 9 Tereschenkivska Street. This is the home of the Russian Art Museum, one of the largest repositories of Russian art outside Moscow and St. Petersburg. The building was constructed in the 1880's and belonged to the wealthy Tereshchenko Family. The museum was founded in 1922 on the basis of the Tereshchenko collection and other private collections confiscated and nationalized by the Soviets. The museum is worth a visit if only to look at the outstanding Russian icons dating from the last quarter of the 13th century. Among its collection are icons from Novgorod and Moscow and many works of famous Russian painters, including masterpieces of I.Repin, M. Vrubel, N. Rerikh, N. Borovikovsky-Verezhchagin and V. Tropinin. The museum's exhibits include sculpture, graphics and handicraft. Tel.: 224-6218. Open daily, 10 AM - 5 PM except Friday, Noon-6 PM. Closed Thursday.

Just a few doors down the street, at No. 15, is the Museum of Western and Oriental Art. Like the Russian Museum, it was founded after the Bolshevik Revolution on the basis of a private collection. The building is the former mansion of the well-known archaeologist Bohdan Khanenko, who started the collection in the 1870's. Unfortunately, the museum has been closed since 1993 for major restoration work and is not scheduled to open again until at least 1998. For information, call 225-0260.

Continue down Tereschenkivska Street to the corner and turn left on Tolstoy Street. Follow Tolstoy to where it ends at Tolstoy Square and intersects with Chervonoarmiyska Street. Here, you'll find a very good Ukrainian souvenir shop at 23 Chervonoarmiyska. At this square are located Trolley bus stops 20, 17, and 8, as well as, the Tolstoy (Blue Line) Metro Station. Continue left down Chervonoarmiyska two blocks and you'll arrive at the western end of the Khreshchatik. On the right you'll see Kiev's first indoor market at Bessarabska Ploshcha, called Bessarabski Rynok. The market was established on this site for Bessarabian (Moldavian) merchants who came to trade in Kiev. Today, it is one of Kiev's most important markets and offers a very good selection of flowers, fruits, vegetables, and meats. Across from the square, at the beginning of Shevchenko Blvd., is one of the city's few surviving statues of V.I. Lenin.

Andriyinsky Descent
The best way to get to the Andriyivsky descent, one of the most popular streets in Kiev, is from the Poshtova Ploshcha Metro. To reach the bluff where the descent begins, take the funicular (cable car) located at the bottom of the hill, just outside the subway. When you reach the top, walk straight to the square ahead of you. The building directly ahead of you contains the new BRAMA Contemporary Arts Center. From there, veer right down the steps to the square and cross over to Desyatinna Street, named for the Desyatinna Cerkva (Tithe Church) or Church of the Holy Virgin (989) that once stood at the end of this short street. At the end of the street, veer to the left to the middle of the block and wade through of street vendors and tourists up a flight of stairs and you'll find the outline of the church's foundation, which was reconstructed with red granite.

Looking to the right past the site of Desyatinna Cerkva, you'll see the Historical Museum, located on the bluff. The museum's extensive consists of 8 sections dealing with different aspects of Ukraine's history. Behind the museum there is a path that provides a good view of Podil, Kiev's lower town from the highest point of old Kiev. 2,Volodymyrska Street. Tel.: 228-2924. Open daily 10 AM - 5 PM, except Wednesdays. Return to Desyatinna Street and walk a few steps to your left to Andriyivsky Uzviz. This is one of Kiev's oldest streets. In ancient times, the street linked the administrative part of the Upper City with the Podil , the Lower City of merchants and artisans. This steep, winding stone street is a traditional place for outdoor totes, festivals, and concerts and has a variety of interesting art galleries and shops. It is at the heart of Kiev's artist community and is a favorite stop for tourists and one of the best areas in Kiev to find traditional Ukrainian crafts and art.

Elegantly outlined against Kiev's sky-line at the top of Andriyivsky Uzviz, at No. 23, stands St. Andrew's Cathedral. Designed in 1754 by the Italian architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli, it is one of the few buildings to have survived intact with no reconstruction or significant damage. The single-domed cathedral, with its five lesser cupolas, seems to hover over the city. It's site was allegedly chosen because it was here that the Apostle Andrew, who first preached the Gospel in Kievan-Rus, erected a cross. The church was built at the behest of Elizabeth, Peter the Great's pious daughter, who visited Kiev in 1744. There is a picturesque path-way around the Cathedral. The area around St. Andrew's Cathedral was the favourite place for walks for the famous Russian writer, Nikolay Gogol. The interior of the building is now closed for remodelling. Tel., 228-5861. No. 13

Andriyivsky Uzviz is the old Bulgakov family home. Mikhail Bulgakov, the renowned Russian writer,lived here from 1906 to 1916 and, again, in 1918-19. The house is now the Bulgakov Museum, containing the writer's personal effects and family photos. At No. 15 is an interesting building known to Kievites as the Castle of Richard. It is currently being rebuilt into a hotel by a Ukrainian-American joint venture. Built in the modernised English Gothic style, the monumental facades are decorated with elements typical of fortresses and castles. To the right of the hotel is a steep, twisting flight of iron steps that will take you to a lock-out platform. It provides a magnificent view of the Podil bellows the Dnieper and some of it's six bridges, and the plains of the Left Bank. When you reach the bottom of the hill, turn left and you'll be at the start of Kontraktova Ploshcha (Contract Square) in Podil, Kiev's historic Lower City.



Podil
The Podil District is very different from the Khreshchatik, which is dominated by the monumental architecture of the Stalinist Era. A stroll through the Podil's narrow, quaint streets gives you a sense of life in Old Kiev, when, before the revolution, the Podil was inhabited by merchants and craftsmen. From the bottom of Andriyivsky Uzviz, go straight one block to Petra Sahaidachnovo Street. From here, you can return to the Khreshchatik by turning right and walking a few blocks to Poshtova Ploshcha Metro (Blue Line). To tour the Podil, turn left on Petra Sahaidachnovo Street.

On your left starts the broad, long Kontraktova Ploshcha (Contractor's Square). Immediately on your left, at No. 4, is the Hostinny Dvir shopping arcade, built in 1809 by the architect L. Ruska. Near the northwest corner of the building, is the Fountain of Samson, constructed in 1749 by the famous Ukrainian architect Ivan Hryhorovych-Barsky. There are many legends connected with this fountain. According toone of them, a person who drinks fountain's water will settle in Kiev for good. At Kontraktova Ploshcha No. 2 stands the Kontraktovy Dim (Contractor's House), which gives the square its name. It was built in 1817 expressly asa a headquarters for negotiating contracts.

Cross Sahaidachnovo Street and backtrack slightly to the north end of the Square. Turn left onto Illinska Street and head towards the river. Three blocks down the street, just before you reach the harbor on the corner at No. 2 Poshaininska Street, stands an elegant one-domed church, the Illinska Cerkva (St. Elias Church), 1692. According to legend, it was built on the site where the first wooden church used to stand. Additions were added to the church in the 18th and 19th centures. Located at 2, Poshainins'ka. Tel.: 416-2368. Services are held on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays and holidays at 8 a.m., 10.a.m. and 5 p.m. Closed Mondays. Return to the square by Illinska Street and turn right on Mezhihirska Street, go two blocks to Spaska Street, which begins from the Contract House.

The rectangular building at No. 2 Spaska is the former Kiev Academy, once called Kyiv-Mohyla Collegium after Archbishop Pyotr Mohyla who played major role in its creation. It was the first institution of higher education in Ukraine and in all Eastern Europe. It was founded in 1632 inside the walls of the now destroyed Bratsky (Brotherhood) Monastery. In 1701, Peter the Great turned it into the Kiev Academy, which eventually became one of the largest and most prestigious institutions of higher learning in all the Slavic world. Among the famous graduates of the Academy were M. Lomonosov, H. Skovoroda, I. Hryhorovych-Barsky, and A. Miloradovich. Today, the building houses Kiev Mohyla Academy University.

Continue on Mezihirska Street until you get to Shchekovytska Street. Turn right and walk to No. 29. Here is one of Kiev's two remaining active synagogues. This interesting red brick two story structure is the headquarters of the Kiev Judaic Community. Tel.: 416-2442. Return again to Mezihirska Street and turn right onto Khoreva Street and walk one block. At the corner, at No. 6 Kostuantinivska, stands an 17th c., white stone, two story mansion. Peter the Great lived in this house in 1706 and 1707, diring Russia's war with Charles XII of Sweden. The building is not open to the public. In the next block, at No. 5A Khoreva Street, is the Nikola Pritiska Church (1631). This modest, white-stone Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which bears just one cupola, is similar in design to Ukrainian wooden cathedrals. The church is currently being remodelled but is open for services on Saturdays at 9 AM and 5 PM and Sundays at 10 AM.

Turn left at the church onto Pritisko-Mikilska. Flofrivski Monastir (St. Flor's Convent) is just a few steps down the street on your right at No. 6/8. This is a functioning convent, whose history dates back from the 15th century. Enter the convent through the Bell-Tower Gates, designed by Andre Melensky in the 1824. The Convent's complex consists of the Voznesenska Cerkva (Church of Ascension), 1722-32, the two-story Refectory, the Bell-Tower (1740) and the House of the Mother-Superior.

The 19th century paintings of this beautiful church have been preserved and rate a visit. As you exit through the bell tower on your left No. 7 vul. Pritisko-Mikils'ka is one of Kiev's first apothecaries, 1728. Restored to its original appearance, the building contains a functioning pharmacy, as well as a museum devoted to the history of medicine. Tel.: 416-2437. Open, Tuesday - Sunday, 9 AM to 4 PM. To reach the nearest metro, return in the general direction of Peter the Great's House, turn right onto Kostuantinivska Street and follow the tram tracks bearing to the left two blocks to Metro Station Kontraktova Ploshcha (Blue Line). Here you can catch the metro to all parts of the city as well Trams # 9,12,13,14, 19, 21, 31,32,and 34.

Pechersk
Southeast of the main center of Kiev, spread over two large hills along the banks of the Dnieper, is the Kiev-Perchersk Lavra (Monastery of the Caves). To reach the monastery, take the metro to Arsenalna Station (Red Line), exit and cross the street and take Trolley bus 20 two stops. 21 Sichnevoho Povstannya. Tel., 290- 7349. Hours, 10 AM - 6 PM, closed Tuesday. Kiev Pecherska Lavra Monastery is a "must see" visit while in Kiev. This twenty-eight hector functioning monastery contains numerous churches, towers, a printing works, miles of maze like underground tunnels containing numerous churches, ancient crypts, ecclesiastical objects, and some of Kiev's riches museums.

Among the museums are the Museum of Historical Treasures, the Museum of Ukrainian Decorative and Applied Art, and the Museum of Ukrainian Books and Printing, where Russia's first printing press was established. To begin your excursion of the monastery, purchase your ticket just outside the majestic blue and gold archway of the Trinity Gate Church (1108). Please note, tickets for the Museum of Historical Treasures, the Bell Tower, and the Caves, where you buy a candle in lieu of a ticket, must be purchased at those respective sites. Excellent English, Russian, Ukrainian, French, German, and Spanish tour guides are available just inside the gates in the long building to your left. Should you elect to "see it on your own", the monastery offers a variety of reasonably priced, informative, brochures in English, which provide detailed information about the exhibits. If time permits, set aside a full day to see this magnificent and fascinating part of Kiev's long history. "Lavra" is the term used by the Orthodox Church for its largest monastery.

Pecherska Lavra was one of the most famous monasteries in historical Kievan-Rus and the former Russian Empire. A site of pilgrimage for Orthodox Christians throughout Europe, for centuries it was Orthodox Christianity's "Rome". Founded in 1051 by monks Antony and Feodosiy, the primary goal of the monastery was to spread the newly adopted Christian religion. A cave is "pechera" in Ukrainian, hence the name of monastery. Monks worshipped and lived in the caves which still can be visited. The monks were also buried in these caves. The mixture of the cool temperatures and humid atmosphere of the caves allowed the bodies of the dead to mummify. At the time of monastery foundation, this appeared to be a miracle, enhancing the monastery's prestige. Even today,their bodies remain almost perfectly preserved. In 12th century, Lavra became a leading religious and cultural center of Eastern Europe.

Lavra had icon-painting studios and a scriptorium where works of ancient and contemporary foreign writers were translated into Slavic. Outstanding figures of Kievan-Rus, including writers Nikon, Feodosiy Pechersky, Polikarp, and Yakov Mnikh, the great physician, Agapit, and the artist, Alimpiy, lived and worked here. The historian Nestor wrote the renowned old Slavic Chronicle, "The Story of Bygone Days", while living in the monastery. Archeological excavations of the 1950's revealed that the monastery housed a workshop which produced mosaics that decorated many Kievan churches. In addition to the caves, Lavra incorporates a number of other buildings and churches which are significant In Ukrainian and Russian history, including: The Church of the Savior of Berestovo (12th c.), the burial site for Yuri Dolgoruky, the founder of Moscow the Holy Trinity Church (12th c. which served as an entrance to the monastery and lockout post; as well as, St. Nicholas Church, which belonged to the monastery's hospital.

The Bell Tower of the Lavra 96 meters high (315 feet), was bui lt in the 18th century by H etman Ivan Mazepa and is the highest best tower in Ukraine. Recently, the government of Ukraine has returned many buildings and temples of the Lavra to the Church. Now, Lavra houses a functioning monastery, Kiev Theological Seminary, Theological Academy and headquartes of Archboshop of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. On your left, as you exit the Monastery, is the Ukrainian State Museum of the History of the Great Patriotic War. Opened on October 17, 1981, this memorial complex occupies an area of 1-0 hectors and incorporates a museum (18 galleries), a memorial flame, plaques honoring "herocities" and a display ground for World War II vintage and more recent military equipment. The bronze sculptures lining the road to the complex are good examples of traditional Soviet style sculpture with their powerful portrayal of human strength. The museum's exhibits consist of 8,000 objects reflecting various stages and aspects of World War II. 33 Sichnevoho Povstannya. Tel. 295- 9457. Open, Tuesday-Sunday, 10 AM -5PM.



Vydubetsky Monastery
Vydubetsky Monastery was founded by Prince Vsevolod, the son of Prince Yaroslav the Wise and father of Vladimir Monomakh, between 1070 and 1077. The monastery controlled the ferry across the Dnipro River. Many of the best scholars of Kievan- Rus lived and worked in the monastery. Among them, chroniclers Sylvester and Moisey, made a great contribution to writing "The Story of Bygone Days". Only a few churches of this monastery have survived over the centuries.

One of these is the Church of Saint Michael. The Monastery acquired it's present appearance in the 18th century .when the five-domed Saint Yuri Cathedral, Refectory, and Bell Tower were erected in the Ukrainian-Baroque style. You will not be disappointed with your visit to this interesting site located next to the Central Botanical Gardens at 40 Vydubetska Street. Take Trolley bus # 21 or 31 from Kontractova Ploshcha or Bus # 3 from Metro Druzhby Narodiv and go to the Bulvar Druzhby Narodiv, near Patona Bridge, then make a short walk along Naddniprianske Shosse. The white walls of the Monastery will appear on your right.
40 Vydubetska Street



The Catholic Cathedral of Saint Nicholas
The Catholic Cathedral of Saint Nicholas was designed by S. Valovsky and built by the architect V. Horodetsky in 1899-1909. It is easily recognized by its Gothic style and its pair of needle-like towers. It was restored in 1980 and, today, is used both as a church and a concert hall. Roman Catholic services are held every day at 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., Saturday and Wednesday, 8 a.m. - 9 a.m in Ukrainian. Sunday, 9 a.m. - 11 a.m., 11- a.m. - 1- p.m. in Polish, 3 p.m. in Ukrainian.
77, Chervonoarmiyska
Tel: 269-5044



Askoldova Mohyla
Askoldova Mohyla (Askold's Grave), 1810-1935. Located in a picturesque park on the right bank of the Dnipro not too far from the World War II Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. According to ancient chronicles, in 882, the Novgorodian Prince Oleg murdered Kiev's Princes Askold and Dir on this hillside site. Shortly there after, Oleg seized Kiev. Askold is believed to be buried here. In 1810, a brick church- rotunda designed by architect Melensky was built here and, in 1935, a colonnade was added to protect it. Take the metro to Arsenalna Station and exit to your left until you reach Dneprovskii Uzviz, which slopes off to your left just past the Hotel Salyut. Follow the road down the incline and the rotunda will appear at the intersection on your left.


Mariinsky Dvorets (Mariinsky Palace)
Mariinsky Dvorets (Mariinsky Palace), 1750-1755. Named in honor of Tsar Alexander II's wife, the Empress Maria. This beautiful blue- and cream-colored palace is similar in style to the imperial summer estates in St. Petersburg. This building was designed by Bartolomeo Rastrelli, Empress Elizabeth's favorite architect, and built under the direction of Moscow architect Ivan Michurin. It's a lovely mixture of Ukrainian and Russian Baroque. Before the 1917 Revolution, the palace was used as residence for visiting members of the imperial family. Today, the building is used for official state functions and is closed to the public. 5 Hrushevsky Street. Trolley bus #20 to Mariinsky Park and then walk past the Supreme Rada (Parliament) Building.
5 Hrushevsky Street


Babi Yar
There was a time when Babi Yar was just a deep ravine on the outskirts of Kiev. Occupying German forces changed all of that in September 1941 when they ordered 35,000 of Kiev's Jewish residents to gather their belongings and march to Babi Yar. Thinking they would be transported to another location, they did as they were told and lined up along the ravine where Nazi firing squads proceeded to execute them. Their bodies were thrown into the ravine below. Throughout the Nazi occupation of Kiev, Babi Yar was used for mass killings. In all, over 100,000 people, including partisans and members of the underground, but mostly Jews, were killed here. In 1991, a monument was erected near the site. Take Trolley bus #16 from Maidan Nezalezhnosti to Zhitomirska Street.



Pyrohovo Village
Pyrohovo Village (The Ukrainian Museum of Folk Architecture and Peasant Homes). This open air museum offers an exciting walk through history into Ukrainian homes, barns, mills, and wells typical of the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. The majority of the, buildings are original and were moved here for restoration. Exhibits include traditional Ukrainian clothing, housewares, and ceramics. The most ancient of artifacts date to the 16th and 17th centuries. English speaking guides are available.It's a very pleasant way to spend an entire day. From metro station Lybidska catch Trolley bus # 4, 11, 11k, or 12 to Avtostantsia Pivdenna stop; then, catch Bus #24 to its last stop, Pirohova.
Open daily except Wednesday. Winter hours, 10 AM to 4 PM.
Tel., 266-2416; 266-5542; 266-5783.