The mother of Russian cities is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in the world. For many centuries, the people of Kiev managed to maintain the originality, extraordinary attractiveness of its streets and magnificent architectural structures.
A city with a glorious history survived the invasion of the Batu forces, Polish-Lithuanian dominance, anti-church policies of the Soviet period, is now experiencing the onset of modern buildings on the historical part of the city and European reconstruction.
But without further ado, we suggest you visit the most beautiful places in Kiev and plunge into the enchanting atmosphere of this beautiful ancient city.
The most beautiful places in Kiev according to most-beauty.ru:
1
Maidan (Independence Square)
Photo by: © Alexxx Malev / flickr.com
We will begin our acquaintance with Kiev with Independence Square, which in recent decades has simply been called the "Maidan." The central square of the city intersects with the unique Khreshchatyk.
In the period of Russia, this area was swamped. In the 2000s, the square underwent a major reconstruction, as a result of which many small and large monuments appeared, as well as various types of architectural forms and fountains.
The central monument was a tall column crowned by the figure of Beregini. Among other structures, we note the building of the Main Post Office and the monument to the Globe - "All roads lead to Kiev."
2
Andrew's Descent
A visiting card of Kiev, praised by poets, writers, inspiring artists. One of the oldest routes that connected the historical parts among themselves is the Upper Town and Podil.
In every building, in every alley, and even in the cobblestones, history has frozen here. Richard’s Castle will tell you its legends, dip into house number 13, in which Mikhail Bulgakov lived, in Kiev at the beginning of the 20th century, numerous art workshops will charm you with splendor, and merchants will offer to buy souvenirs.
St. Andrew's Descent got its historical name from the name of the church, standing at the beginning of an amazing street. Most-Beauty highly recommends you to visit this beautiful place of the Ukrainian capital.
3
St. Andrew's Church
The decree on the construction of the church was signed by the Empress of Russia Elizabeth Petrovna. And here a beautiful pearl in the Baroque style of the Ukrainian capital appeared as a result of the implementation of the Bartolomeo Rastrelli project.
The people of Kiev saw a wonderful work of art in 1754. A two-story stylobate holds an aerial building, tending to the sky. Impressive is not only the appearance of the Orthodox Church, but also the unique iconostasis of linden, covered with gold leaf.
A beautiful building was built on a high hill, and old records indicate that once there were clear streams beaten here.
Do you know that? On the steps of the St. Andrew's Church, the denouement of the cult film “For Two Hares” takes place.
4
Mikhailovskaya Square
Photo by: © Ivan Z. [CC BY-SA]
The square in the heart of Kiev was formed in the XII century before the main entrance to the Mikhailovsky Monastery.
The area was repeatedly rebuilt and reconstructed and acquired a modern look in the late 90s of the last century. In the center, the sculpture of Princess Olga was restored, the pavers were updated, the park was reconstructed.
Above the magnificent place of beauty rises the handsome St. Michael's Golden-Domed Cathedral, one of the oldest buildings in the city.
By the way, there is a very interesting article on the most beautiful squares of Europe on most-beauty.ru.
5
St. Michael's Golden-Domed Cathedral
It is believed that the tradition of gilding domes began in Russia precisely with the construction of St. Michael's Cathedral. The temple in honor of the Archangel Michael (patron saint of Kiev) was erected under Prince Svyatopolk Izyaslavich in 1108.
During the period of the struggle against religion, the temple was blown up and completely restored only in the late 1990s. After restoration, the temple was moved to unique murals and bas-reliefs stored in St. Sophia.
6
Sofia Square
Photo by: © SergKh78 [CC BY-SA]
The significant square on which the most important historical events took place not only of the city, but also of the country.
In the center of the magnificent square stands a monument to Bogdan Khmelnitsky. In the XIX century, public places and other buildings were erected on the square, in which state institutions were located. Now important public events and various holidays are held on the square.
The place for the construction was not accidental. From the annals we know that in this field the troops of Yaroslav defeated the Pechenegs. After this victory, significant for the people, the prince ordered to erect a temple of St. Sophia on this site. But lately there has appeared a version that Vladimir laid the first stone of Hagia Sophia, but with his son it was already completed.
7
Saint Sophia Cathedral
Photo by: © Paweł ‘pbm’ Szubert [CC BY-SA]
One of the few temples that survived different eras, and preserved to this day. Built at the direction of Yaroslav the Wise, the cathedral today amazes with its monumentality and grandeur.
According to the chronicles, it was here that the first library in Russia was created, and the building itself became a center of education and scholarship. The unique murals and mosaics of the 11th century have survived to this day.
On the walls of the cathedral there are a lot of graffiti, telling about the life and life of Kiev. To date, scientists have discovered and studied about 77 thousand inscriptions.
In 1934, an amazing monument of Russian history became a museum, and now it is the central complex of the Hagia Sophia historical and architectural reserve.
8
NSC "Olympic"
Do not forget about sports fans and football fans. Charming with incredible energy, a cult place for those who are not indifferent to football - NSC Olimpiysky.
The stadium acquired its present appearance before the 2012 European Championship. It was on it that the final of this main football tournament of the European continent took place.
The stadium, which begins its history back in 1923, hosts both sports competitions and major concerts, as well as national and international holidays.
9
House with Chimeras
The Art Nouveau building is located in the very center of the Ukrainian capital. But the unusual construction got its name thanks to the sculptures on the facade and inside the building.
A wonderful and slightly unusual project of the Kiev architect Vladislav Gorodetsky was implemented in 1901-1902. Gorodetsky was very fond of hunting, perhaps this explains the appearance of mysterious animals, fabulous creatures in the interior of the building.
Since 2005, the unusual building on Bankova has been used as the main residence of the President.
10
Vladimir hill
The elevation on the right bank of the Dnieper is one of the most beautiful places in the Old Russian capital.
At the foot is a monument to Magdeburg Law, and the compositional center of the wonderful park is a monument to Prince Vladimir. Among the green spaces, small sculptures of Kiev masters were comfortably located.
It is pleasant to walk along the green alleys of the hill, and from the observation deck at the top, picturesque landscapes open onto the Dnieper embankment, the left bank and mighty bridges over the river.
11
Puppet show
The fabulous theater building is located in a shady park, and rises above the European Square.
There is a fountain in front of the architectural structure. In the center of the fountain among the petals of a large flower sits Thumbelina. The theater building itself was built in the form of a small castle with towers and spiers, buried in the greenery of a beautiful park.
Around the building of the children's puppet theater there are sculptures of fairy-tale heroes who, with all their looks, invite you to visit the performances in cozy and comfortable halls.
12
Bridge lovers
From the theater we will go deeper into the park and walk along the amazing and mysterious bridge of lovers.
A small bridge connects the two parks and is located high above the park alley. The historical name of the architectural structure is "Devil's Bridge". He got this name because of the design and high location above the ground.
Lovers on the railing of the bridge leave locks as a sign of eternal love and fidelity. Note that in Kiev there is also a bridge of Kisses located near the Glory Park. And on our site most-beauty.ru there is a very interesting article about the most beautiful bridges on the planet.
13
Motherland
A monumental sculpture on the high right slope of the Dnieper, which is part of the large museum complex "Ukraine during the Great Patriotic War."
Mother Motherland rises above the park, a monument to Soviet soldiers and eternal flame. An open-air museum of military equipment is nearby. In the basement of the figure is a museum of armed conflict, in which the Soviet Union took part.
At the time of its creation, such a large sculpture was erected for the first time. Today, tourists are allowed to climb to the observation deck 36 and 62 meters.
14
Castle hill
When you are in Kiev, do not be lazy and climb the Castle Hill, which offers a magnificent panorama of the whole city. According to the annals, it was precisely on it that one of the brothers, Khoriv, sat, and scientists agree that this is the chronicle of Horivitsa.
The historical place from which, in fact, began Kiev. From the 80-meter height, Andreevsky Descent is perfectly visible, below is the noisy Podil, and in the distance the mighty Dnieper carries its waters.
Now the mountain is included in the historical and archaeological complex "Ancient Kiev". Here, steles were installed in honor of the founders, a pagan sanctuary was reconstructed.
15
Contract area
Being in Kiev and not visiting Podil is a crime. It is difficult to list the architectural attractions and monuments that are located in this place of the ancient city.
We list only some of the wonderful buildings and monuments. The building of the Kiev-Mohyla Academy, the Samson fountain, the Church of the Virgin Mary Pirogoshchi, chambers of commerce.
In walking distance of the Dnieper embankment and the river station, from which you can go on a trip along the river.
16
Golden Gate
There are three similar monuments of defense architecture in the world. Golden Gate in Jerusalem, Vladimir, and, accordingly, in Kiev. But, it is worth noting that the Kiev gate was partially destroyed and we are facing an architectural remake.
Around the gates there is a magnificent square, and in the building itself there is a museum and observation platforms. In 1997, a monument was opened to Prince Yaroslav the Wise, at the entrance to the park a bronze sculpture of a cat Hippo.
17
Monument to the founders of Kiev
“... Three brothers and a sister stand in front of me,
Here's a little tip - the city will be here soon.
And people will heal on the banks of the Dnieper,
May he be happy here, old and young. ”
Not far from the Dnipro metro station on the shore there is a beautiful monument to the legendary founders of Kiev - Kiy, Schek, Khoriv and their sister Lybed. The settlement was named after the elder brother. But the name of the sister is preserved in the name of the river, which flows on the outskirts. Two brothers gave historical names to the hills - Mount Schekovitsa and Horivitsa.
Recently, another monument to the founders was erected on Maidan, but in the artistic and aesthetic terms, according to the editorial board of most-beauty.ru, it is in many ways inferior to the monument that is located on the embankment.
Be that as it may, it is archaeologically confirmed that in the place of Kiev there were medieval settlements, eventually merged into one fortified settlement.
18
Assumption Cathedral
The Kiev-Pechersk Lavra itself is a beautiful and mysterious place, but the Assumption Cathedral - the central temple of the monastery, impresses visitors with its magnificence and beauty.
The temple survived the tragic moments of history, was repeatedly destroyed and was completely restored today. At the same time, according to ancient records, the internal painting of the temple and a unique mosaic were restored.
Today, the Assumption Cathedral, as one of the main shrines of Orthodoxy and the largest and most ancient temple of Old Russian architecture, is visited by thousands of pilgrims and tourists from all over the world.
19
Pirogovo Museum
Beautiful and unique in its structure, the open-air museum is located in the Goloseevsky district.
The Museum of Architecture and Life has collected exhibits from all over Ukraine. Here you can sit on wooden benches in a village hut, watch the wings of ancient mills.
On the territory of Pirogovo, you will also be offered to show your talents in playing musical instruments or to create a masterpiece of national applied art.
20
St. Vladimir's Cathedral
The most popular and famous temple in Kiev was built in the middle of the XIX century for 20 years. Now it is the main cathedral of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
Vladimir Cathedral was designed and built in the Russian-Byzantine style. Famous painters of that time took part in the painting of the temple.
One of the most beautiful sights is Our Lady of Orant. The relics of St. Barbara are stored in the temple itself. For healing and blessing, believers come here not only from Ukraine, but also from other countries.
21
Khreshchatyk
We started from the Maidan, and, completing the circle of our trip, take a walk along the main street of the capital - Khreshchatyk. On holidays and weekends, the street becomes a pedestrian and turns into a real park with attractions and souvenir shops. Street musicians, dancers perform at various venues, offer to be photographed with animals or cartoon characters and fairy tales.
On both sides of the street are cozy coffee shops and small shops. But there are large shopping centers on the main Ukrainian street, like the famous Kiev Central Department Store.
Khreshchatyk overlooks the historical and legendary Bessarabka, where you can visit the market. On the other side of the main street is the European Square with access to the embankment.
Summarize
It is clear that many beautiful places for objective reasons did not fall into the article, and everyone has their own Kiev and their favorite places, which you must visit every time you come.
And I recall ... "Go to Kiev!" - in the words of Panikovsky, beloved by all, whose monument stands just on the corner of Proreznaya and Khreshchatyk streets. Indeed, it is better to see everything with your own eyes.
Not to convey in the article all the beauty of this magnificent city. Better come to Kiev and take a walk along its streets, visit majestic temples and churches, walk along shady alleys and boulevards, and certainly swim in the waters of the Dnieper. And write to us in the comments which beautiful places of Kiev impressed you the most.