Travel to Eastern Europe, Ukraine, Kiev
Travel to Eastern Europe, Ukraine, Kiev
Ukraine is one of the largest European countries & one of the most attractive for tourists. Traveling to Ukraine is popular not only among Europeans but also among people from North and South America, Asia and even Africa.
It is why Ukraine is the 8th most popular tourism destination in the world. A country with the glorious past - many tourists visit Ukraine for it's rich cultural heritage, historical monuments and vast plethora of other places and things to do of interest.
Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra
Lavra means 'monastery' and Pechersk is a name derived from 'pechery' meaning 'caves'. That and more you will find when visiting the most significant sightseeing point in Kiev. It is the oldest Orthodox monastery in Ukraine that attracted thousands of pilgrims and many monks. The buildings were destroyed by fire and later also during the Nazi occupation but it was always reconstructed. Nowadays it is a UNESCO heritage with lots of tourists visiting. The caves are small and narrow, stretching several hundred meters and up to 20 meters under ground. Some of the monks dug into their caves and decided to stay there forever with just a small hole allowing food and water to be passed in. Once dead, they were left and buried there - you can see the embalmed bodies in glass coffins. The caves are a very holy place and you have to dress appropriately to get in, women need to cover their head with a scarf (own or borrowed or bought on the spot). Apart from the caves you can climb up the Bell Tower for a beautiful view, visit different churches, the Uspenski Cathedral, cemetery, tombs and several museums.
St. Vladimir's Cathedral
It took 34 years, many changes in planning, dismissal of several architects and lots of artists to complete the construction of this beautiful cathedral. It was officially consecrated in the presence of Tsar Nikolay II in 1896. The interior walls are covered with paintings from various artists, from outside the bright colours and strong Byzantium style make St. Vladimir truly eye-catching.
St. Sophia's Cathedral
St. Sophia's Cathedral was constructed in early 11th century and at that time was a mighty impressive complex. Inside you will find amazing mosaics and frescoes, some of which also had to be restored. In one of the altars there is a white sarcophagus with remains of Yaroslav the Wise and his wife Iryna.
Mikhailovskiy Monastery
This gold-domed cathedral is located just opposite the Sophia Cathedral, on Mikhailovskaya Square. It was constructed, repaired and reconstructed many times over nine centuries. In 1930 the complex was partially destroyed as it was being rebuilt into a governmental building for Bolsheviks. In 1937 they demolished it altogether. It was restored between 1997 and 2000. You'll find a memorial plate of N. Makarenko who refused to sign the demolition act in 1937 and was sent to a jail in Novosibirsk. There is an observation platform, a permanent exhibition and you'll find many beautiful mosaics, frescoes and icons inside.
Mariyinskiy Palace
This baroque palace was completed in 1752 for Empress Elisabeta Petrovna. It burnt down in 1819 and was later reconstructed again to accommodate monarchs and high ranking officials from Russia and it serves the purpose till present day - for presidential and other important meetings.
Opera House
The Ukrainian National Opera was built in 1856, burnt down 40 years later and there was a competition for new design. Viktor Shreter from Petersburg won and built the Renaissance style theater in 1901. Many famous artists have performed here.
Andreevski Spusk
Andreevski Spusk is the Montmartre of Kiev. There is a market of arts and crafts on the steep street and many artists are closely connected with the street. Mikhail Bulgakov lived in the Turbin house on Andreevski Spusk for more than a decade. The house is the scene of 'The White Guard' and 'The Days of the Turbins' and is now Bulgakov's museum. Not far away - house number 2b - is the One Street Museum, one of the most famous and popular museums in Kiev with a small but lovely exposition.
St. Andrey's church
Saint Andrey's Church was also declared a museum in 1968. It was built in the 18th century for Empress Elisabeth Petrovna who also laid the first foundation stone of it herself. She engaged her favourite architect F. B. Rastrelli, the interior was decorated by many artists including A. Antropov. Unfortunately the Empress died before the work was finished and it was a struggle to keep the church maintained. After several reconstructions the church changed too much from its original but luckily Ratsrelli's plans were found and in 1970s it was fully restored.
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