Zoloti Vorota, one of the most unique architectural/archaeological sites in Kyiv, reopened in 2007 after a lengthy reconstruction. The remains of ancient Kyiv’s main gate were originally constructed during the height of the Kyivan Rus, and are included on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Painstakingly planned by historians and architects, the bright new construction that entombs the ancient walls is considered an exact replica of the original gate. From the platforms, the views of Volodymys’ka vul. and surrounding area are stunning enough to justify the price of admission.

[...]

Add your comment

Built more than a century ago by eccentric Kyivite Wladislaw Horodecki, this is the most unique structure in Kyiv. Sophisticated architectural forms are buried beneath the phantasmal figures of Horodecki's dreams. The elephant trunk storm drains, rhinos, antelope, gigantic frogs, mermaids and other figures are constructed of cement, a state-of-the-art material back in the 19th century. A local cement factory owner provided Horodecki with a complimentary supply knowing that the interest generated by such an unusual home would pay-off. Ahead of its time, the design makes full use of the uneven Kyiv landscape: Three stories rise on one side and six descend the hill on the other. The interior design was also considered radically modern, and included an ice room for food storage, a wine cellar, a laundry room, a garage for horse drawn carriages and even a special room for Horodecki’s cow. This insured fresh milk for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Shrouded in mystery and legend, this place continues to intrigue visitors.
[...]

Add your comment

From its start at European Square to its terminus at Bessarabs’ka Square, Kyiv’s most beloved street is not even two kilometres long. Despite what has been called the most impressive unbroken string of Stalinist architecture anywhere, Khreschatyk’s wide chestnut lined sidewalks are ideal for a relaxing stroll. The trees provide both welcome shade from the blistering summer sun and shelter from the region’s signature spring downpours. On weekends and holidays, the street becomes a pedestrian only thoroughfare where locals, travellers and street performers mingle and frolic. It’s hard to imagine that this was once a deep valley surrounded by dense forest. The valley was named Khreschata (crossed) in reference to the many ravines that converged in the area. In ancient times, Kyivan Rus princes hunted wild game here (the only hunting done on Khreschatyk these days is for souvenirs, fashion and fashionable Ukrainian women). Some of the city’s best shopping can be found both above and below ground. Trendy malls have been dug beneath Bessarabs’ka and Maidan Nezalezhnosti. As for above ground shopping, TsUM (Central Department Store) has become rather modern and has little to show of its Soviet past. Perhaps in an act of poetic justice the whole street will collapse under this retail strain and revert back to a lush valley. [...]

Add your comment

Famous Italian architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli was the mastermind behind this attractive Baroque church that greets the throngs at the top of Andriivs’kyi uzviz. Built in 1754, it’s one of the rare buildings in Kyiv that has managed to avoid serious damage or reconstruction. The elegant silhouette of its one large dome and five lesser cupolas are easily visible from Podil and beyond. Apostle Andrew, who was the first Christian to preach the gospel in Kyivan Rus, was said to have erected a cross on this very site. It was the wish of Peter the Great’s religiously-minded daughter, Elizabeth, after her visit to Kyiv in 1744 that this church be built. It must be said that compared to the beautiful exterior, the interior is rather disappointing - too much loud red and gold colours and really not much to see. Console yourself with a stroll around the church’s perimeter, a walk which the famous Ukrainian writer Gogol also enjoyed. The ticket window is near the base of the steps, and English tours are available. Closed for renovation.
[...]

Add your comment

Kyiv’s oldest standing church, St. Sophia’s was built in 1037 by Prince Yaroslav the Wise, who incidentally was laid to rest inside. He commissioned the project to commemorate the site of a victory of Kyivan Rus over the Pechenegs (Asian nomadic tribes) and to glorify Christianity. It was named after the famous St. Sophia’s Cathedral in Constantinople. This majestic 13-cupola sanctuary adjoined Yaroslav’s Palace and became a holy place of worship for Kyivites as well as a political and cultural centre. With an interior of rich frescoes and mosaics, many of which are still intact almost a millennium later, the cathedral made a huge impression on the ordinary worshippers of Kyiv. Meetings with foreign diplomats and treaty negotiations were held here, and the church housed the first library and school in Kyivan Rus. The azure and white bell tower is 76m high and was finished in 1752. The cathedral’s upper Ukrainian Baroque section and gilded cupola were added in 1852. Today the entire complex is protected by Ukraine, and also receives support from UNESCO. The 18th century refectory works as a museum and contains archaeological artefacts and architectural displays, such as models depicting Kyiv as it looked before being razed by Mongol invaders in 1240. It costs a meagre 2Hr to enter the grounds. To enter the cathedral itself, purchase tickets from the kiosk around the corner from the bell tower entrance. As you exit don’t forget to pose for the postcard-perfect picture with Cossack leader Bohdan Khmelnyts’kyi on his horse against the backdrop of St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Cathedral. Guided tours in English are available.
[...]

Add your comment

This house was built in 1907 in a modern style and originally belonged to Poltava merchant Serhiy Arshavsky, and monograms of the first owner were placed over the windows on the front walls of the building; they survive to this day. Its most unique feature however is the face of sad woman carved fr [...]

Add your comment