Kiev is among one of the largest and the oldest cities in Europe, while being the Capital city of the picturesque country of Ukraine. Situated on either embankments of the River Dnipro that goes all the way into the Black Sea, Kiev was established far back in 482 AD. The Kievan Rus reached its peak in the 11th and 12th centuries, becoming an important trade route between the Baltic and the Mediterranean countries. However, the Mongol invasion in 1240 led to a distribution of Kiev into several principalities and from there on to the recent times, Ukraine has been more a country occupied by foreigners than its local natives, thereby giving rise to a multi-cultural tradition.
When in its prime, Kiev had the most splendid architectural treasures of which the St Sophia Cathedral and the Kiev Pechersk still exist today, standing pretty in their past glory. The St Sophia Cathedral consists of marvelous 11th century mosaics and frescoes. Other religious buildings include the St Michael’s Monastery; a golden-domed Cathedral built in the 12th century, but destroyed by the Bolsheviks in 1930 and finally renovated in 1997-2000. In the old city stands the St Andrew Church built in Baroque architecture. Close to the Golden Gate, an 11th century remains of the ancient fortified walls, lies the grand 19th century St Volodymyr Cathedral.
The Kiev Pechersk Lavra is one of the oldest and the most magnificent Kievan Rus monasteries dating back to 1051. Stone temples and monastic cells apart from other structures can be found in this complex, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990. Where the Vlodymyrska and the Bohdana Khmelnytskoho streets cross each other, the National Opera House can be seen standing tall in its outstanding grandeur. Built in the French Renaissance style, this splendid piece of architecture was constructed in 1901 and has received a major refurbishment in the 80’s.
Monuments include the Bohdan Khmelnytsky in St Sophia Square and the Monument of St Volodymyr, an 1853 bronze statue of Prince Volodymyr the Great that stands in the Volodymyr Hill Park. The Khreschatyk is the main street in Kiev running for more than a kilometer. The modern infrastructure of the city is visible in the left embankment where buildings and houses are typified by huge development housing and contemporary architecture. Kiev has a continental humid climate and the best time to visit is in spring.
Photo by Vladymyr Bysov provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by Victor Galanin provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by ~★Alex_G★~ provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by ~★Alex_G★~ provided courtesy of Panoramio.com