Things to do in Kyiv
Although the city has seen many highs and lows in its long history, Kyiv's cultural attractions are a constant, guaranteed to occupy sightseeing travellers. A leafy capital city, filled with old domed buildings and evidence of new wealth, Kyiv is still largely untapped as a tourist destination (by European standards) and promises some surprises, part old-school Russian and part 'New Ukrainian'.
Highlights in the city include St Cyril's Monastery, a tiny, 12th-century church with some incredible restored frescoes; the UNESCO-listed St Sophia Cathedral; the Great Patriotic War Museum and the Motherland Monument that looms above it; the National Chernobyl Museum, which details the tragic events of the nuclear accident that shook the country in 1986; the riverside Mariyinsky and Khreschatyk parks, perfect for a stroll or a jog; and the fascinating Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Monastery. On hot summer days, visitors will enjoy boating and other watersports and games at Kyiv's popular Hydropark.
St Sophia Cathedral
Dating back to the 11th century, the exquisite green and gold-domed St Sophia Cathedral was an important power centre for the Soviet Union. It has been damaged and repaired many ti…
St Sophia Cathedral
Dating back to the 11th century, the exquisite green and gold-domed St Sophia Cathedral was an important power centre for the Soviet Union. It has been damaged and repaired many times over the years, and today is a blend of architectural styles from nine different centuries. Perhaps one of the most striking aspects of the cathedral is its impressive collection of Byzantine mosaics and frescoes that date back to its inception. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the St Sophia Cathedral also serves as a living text: hundreds of pieces of graffiti relating to political and historical events spanning the centuries can be read by visitors today.
Website www.kiev.info/culture/sofia_cathedral.htm
Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra (Caves Monastery)
Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra (the Caves Monastery) is a fascinating living piece of history dating back to 1051. The Venerable Anthony, a devout monk, settled in a cave on the western bank …
Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra (Caves Monastery)
Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra (the Caves Monastery) is a fascinating living piece of history dating back to 1051. The Venerable Anthony, a devout monk, settled in a cave on the western bank of the Dnieper River and was soon joined by his followers, their numbers swiftly beginning to outgrow the caves. Prince Izyaslav and other Kievan aristocracy were frequent visitors to the Venerable Anthony and donated money to build a church and aboveground monastery. Since that period, the monastery has continued to grow and is still active today, serving as an important centre of Orthodox Christianity and reflecting a fascinating way of life.
Website www.lavra.kiev.ua
National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War
The National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War is dominated by the enormous Motherland Monument, which looks like the sword-wielding sister of the Statue of …
National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War
The National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War is dominated by the enormous Motherland Monument, which looks like the sword-wielding sister of the Statue of Liberty. The museum houses a fascinating collection of World War II artefacts in a Soviet-built building. Decommissioned tanks sit outside, symbolically painted with flowers and nearby another interesting statue entitled 'To the Fallen' serves as a memorial to all those who fought and died in the war. Although most of the museum notes are in either Russian or Ukrainian, the exhibitions are well laid out and the displays are fascinating.
Website www.warmuseum.kiev.ua
Hydropark
Summers in Kyiv can be notoriously hot, and locals know that the best way to beat the heat is a trip to Hydropark Island. Less an amusement park than an entertainment development, …
Hydropark
Summers in Kyiv can be notoriously hot, and locals know that the best way to beat the heat is a trip to Hydropark Island. Less an amusement park than an entertainment development, Hydropark is located on the Dnieper River and offers attractions such as sandy beaches, water rides, riverboat trips, paintball, bungee jumping, an ice rink, casino, and more. At night the island is a jungle of neon lights, with restaurants, bars and nightclubs playing music until early in the morning. The Metro, Rusanivka, and Venetian bridges connect Hydropark to the mainland.
Website www.gidropark.org.ua