Kiev is one of the great forgotten cities of Europe. As the birthplace of all Russian culture and a unique Ukrainian flavor of its own, Kiev is truly a city that should not be missed. Millions of hearts were broken when Ukraine was separated from Russia after the fall of the Soviet Union, and for good reason; these must-see attractions make Kiev one of the most culturally rich cities in the world.
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1. Kiev Pechersk Lavra
This gorgeous monastery overlooking the Dnipro river was built nearly 1,000 years ago and still stands tall, to the amazement of tourists from all over the world. Over the years, the monastery has grown, blending Byzantine and Baroque architecture into a massive complex that towers over the city. Several fascinating museums are held within the monastery walls, making Kiev Pechersk Lavra an important center of culture and history in this ancient Ukrainian city.
2. St. Sophia Cathedral
Ukrainian history and culture are both deeply rooted in the religion of the Orthodox Church, and many of Kiev's most notable monuments are the brilliant religious structures that have been built throughout its history. St. Sophia Cathedral is the oldest of them all. Constructed in the year 1011 under the supervision of Prince Yaroslav, this beautiful cathedral is one of the greatest monuments to Christianity in the world. Beautiful mosaics and frescoes
adorn the cathedral's inner walls and 13 domes, making the whole structure a captivating spectacle.
3. Museum of the Great Patriotic War
The war that is known as World War II in the west is regarded different by the former Soviet nations, including Ukraine. The Great Patriotic War, as it is known in Eastern Europe, was one of the most monumental struggles in the history of Ukraine, Russia and every other nation involved. Millions of people died in the effort to win this struggle, and Kiev's Museum of the Great Patriotic War stands as a memorial to all those involved. The towering 100 meter statue of Mother Motherland makes this museum one of the most incredible and iconic sites in the city.
4. Mariyinksy Palace
Ukrainian history is filled with trials and tribulations, ups and downs, and a near endless string of changes. Mariyinsky Palace, built in the middle of the 18th century, is a piece of history from one of Kiev's most memorable eras. Beautiful Baroque architecture brings back the days of nobility, when this palace provided Kiev accommodations to the royal family. After suffering significant damage in the Great Patriotic War, Mariyinsky palace has been fully restored to its former glory, standing as one of the most popular tourist attractions in all of Ukraine.
5. Chernobyl National Museum
On April 26, in the year 1986, Ukraine suffered one of the worst environmental disasters in history. The tragic nuclear meltdown at Chernobyl forever changed the face of this nation, and a museum dedicated to the events of that unfortunate day stands in Kiev today. Learn about the history of the Chernobyl region, the events that lead up to the disaster, and the aftermath of a nuclear meltdown in our modern world. Kiev is a rich and complex city, full of fascinating attractions that must not be missed.
E
1. Kiev Pechersk Lavra
This gorgeous monastery overlooking the Dnipro river was built nearly 1,000 years ago and still stands tall, to the amazement of tourists from all over the world. Over the years, the monastery has grown, blending Byzantine and Baroque architecture into a massive complex that towers over the city. Several fascinating museums are held within the monastery walls, making Kiev Pechersk Lavra an important center of culture and history in this ancient Ukrainian city.
2. St. Sophia Cathedral
Ukrainian history and culture are both deeply rooted in the religion of the Orthodox Church, and many of Kiev's most notable monuments are the brilliant religious structures that have been built throughout its history. St. Sophia Cathedral is the oldest of them all. Constructed in the year 1011 under the supervision of Prince Yaroslav, this beautiful cathedral is one of the greatest monuments to Christianity in the world. Beautiful mosaics and frescoes
adorn the cathedral's inner walls and 13 domes, making the whole structure a captivating spectacle.
3. Museum of the Great Patriotic War
The war that is known as World War II in the west is regarded different by the former Soviet nations, including Ukraine. The Great Patriotic War, as it is known in Eastern Europe, was one of the most monumental struggles in the history of Ukraine, Russia and every other nation involved. Millions of people died in the effort to win this struggle, and Kiev's Museum of the Great Patriotic War stands as a memorial to all those involved. The towering 100 meter statue of Mother Motherland makes this museum one of the most incredible and iconic sites in the city.
4. Mariyinksy Palace
Ukrainian history is filled with trials and tribulations, ups and downs, and a near endless string of changes. Mariyinsky Palace, built in the middle of the 18th century, is a piece of history from one of Kiev's most memorable eras. Beautiful Baroque architecture brings back the days of nobility, when this palace provided Kiev accommodations to the royal family. After suffering significant damage in the Great Patriotic War, Mariyinsky palace has been fully restored to its former glory, standing as one of the most popular tourist attractions in all of Ukraine.
5. Chernobyl National Museum
On April 26, in the year 1986, Ukraine suffered one of the worst environmental disasters in history. The tragic nuclear meltdown at Chernobyl forever changed the face of this nation, and a museum dedicated to the events of that unfortunate day stands in Kiev today. Learn about the history of the Chernobyl region, the events that lead up to the disaster, and the aftermath of a nuclear meltdown in our modern world. Kiev is a rich and complex city, full of fascinating attractions that must not be missed.