Let's get acquainted, the capital of Ukraine - Kyiv in the palm of your hand

Any trip is not only an interesting and attractive adventure, but also an opportunity to get acquainted with a new country and culture, see majestic cities and ancient temples, and admire the picturesque nature. In pursuit of the desire to see more and more places abroad, sometimes travelers forget that interesting places in Kyiv and throughout Ukraine can also delight and surprise. This beauty is within reach.

What to see in Kyiv - attractions

Indeed, there are many places in Ukraine that are incredibly interesting to visit. Among them is the capital of Russian cities and modern Ukraine - Kyiv. This is a developing metropolis that continues to carefully preserve the historical and cultural heritage of the Ukrainian people. Here, every guest will find something to their liking, because the sights of Kyiv are able to amaze with the quantity and variety for every taste. Conditionally interesting places in Kyiv can be divided into the following groups:

• religious objects. This includes various temples, churches, cathedrals and churches;
• architectural landmarks;
• significant, large-scale or comic monuments;
• historical places;
• interesting parks, squares, squares, bridges and streets;
• museums.

The main places to visit in Kyiv of a religious direction

Offering tourists a huge number of diverse places, the capital of Ukraine is especially interesting for those who are interested in religious sites. Let's see what to see in Kyiv and what objects deserve the most attention:

• The Holy Dormition Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. Located on st. Lavrskaya, 15, a complex of churches was founded in the 11th century. Initially, the Lavra was a cave in which the monks Anthony and Theodosius lived. Of particular interest in this attraction are the holy relics stored in caves;
• The Cathedral of St. Sophia of Kyiv, also known as St. Sophia or St. Sophia's Cathedral. It is located in the city center, on 24 Vladimirskaya Street. The exact date of its construction is unknown, however, historians suggest that it was built by Prince Vladimir in 1011. The attraction is considered a World Heritage Site, according to UNESCO;
• Mikhailovsky Golden-Domed Cathedral. It can be found on st. Trekhsvyatitelskaya, 6. Built by Prince Svyatopolk in the 11th century, the attraction was destroyed and rebuilt many times. The last reconstruction was carried out in the 90s of the last century. Today in the cathedral you can see the original frescoes, which were rightfully returned from the Hermitage.

Architectural heritage of the capital

In Kyiv, you can find buildings built in different eras. Representing various architectural styles, they may be of interest to lovers of the beauty of architectural structures. Among such objects, the House with Chimeras at 10 Bankova Street stands out. We can say about it that this is the most unusual and even outrageous creation of the Kyiv architect Gorodetsky. The house is richly distinguished by its stucco, which depicts pictures of hunting and scenes from ancient myths. The rich decor of the roof and facades will not leave anyone indifferent. The building was built by the architect for himself. After some time, the house was a medical center. Today, the attraction is used as a small residence of the President for receiving honored guests of Ukraine.

In addition, from the architectural places in Kyiv you can visit such highlights as:

• Mariinsky Palace. It is located on Grushevsky street, 5A. Striking with incredible beauty and rich decoration, it is made in the Baroque style. The palace was built in the 18th century for Empress Elizabeth Petrovna, and was rebuilt and reconstructed many times. Today, its appearance is as close as possible to the original. Inside the building, original furniture, paintings, chandeliers and other decor items that can be seen with your own eyes have been preserved. Most often, the attraction is used for the most important and magnificent receptions of the President. No less exciting is the park surrounding the palace. This is a great place for romantic or family outings;
• Richard the Lionheart Castle (15 Andreevsky Descent). Taking its name from its Neo-Gothic façades, the castle originally belonged to a Kyiv merchant and its name has nothing to do with Richard the Lionheart. However, over time, the building acquired many legends and its history was overgrown with mystical tales. For a long time it was believed that ghosts lived there. Since from the castle constantly came the lingering howls and groans, disturbing those around. However, as it turned out later, unscrupulous builders thus took revenge on the merchant. The reason turned out to be rather banal. It turned out that the frightening sound was created by poor ventilation of the building.

Interesting historical places in the capital

Associated with important events in the life of Ukraine, these places and memorials keep the memory of their ancestors. One of them is the Golden Gate. Located not far from the Opera House, along Vladimirskaya Street, 40A, this monument is a defensive structure of the times of Kyivan Rus, which was the main entrance to the city. It consists of the original part that has survived to this day and the reconstructed side. The gate was built by order of Yaroslav the Wise.

Another period in history that is important not to forget is the infamous Babi Yar. Located near the Dorohozhychi metro station, it became a mass grave for more than 100 thousand Kyivans during the war from 1941 to 1943.

Monuments, monuments of the capital

The number of monuments and various monuments on the territory of Kyiv exceeds four hundred. Some of them are dedicated to historical figures and cultural figures, others reflect important events in the city or throughout Ukraine. Also, among the wide variety of such attractions, art installations for movie characters and heroes of cult cartoons stand out. Top places not to miss:

• Motherland monument. The height of the central figure of the monument is 90 meters;
• Monument to Bogdan Khmelnitsky, located in the center of Sofiyivska Square;
• Monument of Independence on the square of the same name next to the conservatory;
• Monument to Kiy, Shchek, Khoriv and their sister Lybid. To see it, you need to go to Navodnitsky Park;
• Monument to Volodymyr the Great on Volodymyrska Gorka.

In addition, Kyiv is interesting for everyone, there are many unusual monuments with a comic mood. For example, "Horse" (or "Hedgehog in the Fog") is the hero of a famous cartoon. It is also worth seeing the installation "Lanterns in Love" and Panikovsky (the novel "The Golden Calf").

Squares, interesting streets and parks

Among the free places in Kyiv where you can take a walk and have a good time, various parks, squares, squares, etc., where admission is absolutely free, are of particular interest. The most famous street of the city is Khreshchatyk. It is not only the most prestigious and attracts with mass folk festivals and celebrations. Khreshchatyk is also the shortest central street in Europe. As in other European centers, it is always crowded here, musicians play, craftsmen, dancers, jugglers and other artists demonstrate their skills. In general, life here is always in full swing, without stopping for a second!

Kyiv is developing and becoming more beautiful and more pleasant for guests. New objects appear with an enviable frequency. It is worth noting from recent highlights of the Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge across Vladimirsky Descent - the Klitschko Bridge or the Glass Bridge, as it is sometimes called by the people.

Best museums

Museums in Kyiv are dedicated to different areas, thanks to which every visitor will find the one they like. However, obligatory and interesting to visit will be:

• Bulgakov Museum. This is the house where the great writer lived and worked for some time;
• Pirogovo open-air museum. Located in the Goloseevsky district of the city, the park attracts with a large number of architectural buildings of the past. Here you can have an excellent photo shoot against the backdrop of old huts, mills and churches;
• an open-air museum ("Ukraine in miniature"), where unique works await visitors. The collection of exhibits is difficult to describe in words. You have to see it live!;
• Museum of books and printing, located on the territory of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra. It contains a collection of handwritten and printed materials that date back to the 10th and 11th centuries.

Despite the purpose of your visit to Kyiv, try to take some time to enjoy its beauty. The diversity and versatility of this city will not leave anyone indifferent. Moreover, to visit the capital, you do not need to buy expensive air tickets at all. Beautiful Kyiv is very close!