If you wish to see Kiev on photos and play a little bit, you may wish to play a free computer game - Jigsaw puzzles with pictures of some of the best places in Kiev. You can download it here (scroll to the end of the page and download file puzzle-kiev.exe).

Here you may find some pictures showing the beauty of Kiev. We hope that you will come to love the city as much as we do. We have supplied a historical background for the following places of interest:

Kievo-Pechorskaya lavra

The lavra majestically dominates the towering cliffs of the Dnepr’s right bank. Topped by gold domes, Kievo-Pechorskaya Lavra (destiny of the Virgin) is a cradle of Russian nunhood and a stronghold of the orthodox belief. The Monastery of Pecherskaya Lavra was founded in the 11th century and built up within the 9 next centuries. The name "Pecherskaya" occurs from a word for "cave", reflecting the shrine’s cavernous territory. The caves were used by the first monks for lodging. Lavra is a honourable name which was given to very large and significant monasteries. The architectural complexity of the monastery makes a great impression, still today. On a sunny day, the numerous domes and belfries are blinding.

One of the monastery’s churches has been preserved over 12 centuries, with only minor architectural changes. Built above the front entrance gate, "Nadbramna" (in full, Troickaya Nadbranaya Church — "Church of the Sacred Trinity above Bramoy") is a miracle in itself, having survived the numerous attacks, destructive fires and other wraths of nature the monastery has witnessed in the course of its history.

The church was built in 1106-1108 by Greek architects and icon painters, including Saint Alipiyi, considered to be a major contributor to Greek religious art.

The monastery became a centre of power within the Orthodox faith. Prior to the beginning of 13th century, 50 bishops were appointed within the limits of Kievan Rus from the Lavra. Playing a significant role in the unification of Eastern Europe as a spiritual, social, cultural and educational center, the monastery commanded respect not only in Russia, but also in Poland, Armenia, Byzantium, Bulgaria and other countries. From the 1240s, Kievo-Pechorskaya Lavra was witnessed the mongolian-tatar invasions. The monastery, as well as the rest of Kiev Kiev, was the theatre of further pillages in 1399 and 1416. By the end of the 16th century, overcoming the various difficulties connected with katologies of the Ukrainian grounds, and also internal interventions amongst king and magnates, the monastery entered a period of revival, building temples acquiring new grounds. While the Lavra never retrieved the former glory of the first centuries of its existence, it remains to one of the largest spiritual, educational and cultural centers of Ukraine.

Kievo-Pechorskaya Lavra bypassed the attention of many Russian sovereigns: Alexey Mihajlovich and Peter the Great, Ekaterina II, Anna Ioannovna, Nikolay I and Nikolay II, Alexander I, Alexander II, Alexander III, Paul, Elizabeth... After the October revolution of 1917 began the most difficult period in the Lavra’s history. According to the Decree of the Soviet government "Concerning the State’s involvement in the Church and the Church’s involvement in Education", all property of the church and religious societies was declared property of the people. Facing the course of history, the Lavra suffered huge architectural damage, especially during the Great Patriotic War. On November 3rd, 1941, the Svyato-Uspenskiyi cathedral was blown up. In June, 1988, in connection with the celebration of the 1000th anniversary of the Christening of the Kievan Rus’, following the decision of the USSR’s Ministerial council, a new community was created with control over the territory and ground structures of the Distant Caves. In 1990, control over the territory of the Near Caves was also transferred to the community. Recently, the Svyato-Uspenskiyi cathedral, blown up during the Great Patriotic war, has been restored.

Andreevskiy hill

Andreevskiyi hill is the name of the Kievan Montmartre. On any day, in any weather, you will always find some artists showing their works, hanged out on walls, samples of applied art — ornaments, utensils made of glass and ceramics, absurd figures cut out from a tree, toys, medals, coins and many other things. Singers and actors often perform here. There are many small bars and cafes on Andreevskiyi hill where one can sit down and relax, feeling the atmosphere of the Kiev of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In the past, Andreevskiyi hill marked the highest and lowest points of the city. The church’s name can be traced back to the 1740’s, when it was ordered by empress Elizabeth Petrovnav in 1744. Designed by F. Rastrelli, It was completed 1753. It towers at top of the hill and is visible from the ancient Vozdvizhenskoj street and even from nearby mountains. Under the legend, Andrey Pervozvannyj, having visited mountains above the Dnepr, erected a cross here, predicting the great future for the city of Kiev. From then on, the mountain was always occupied by wooden churches, one replacing the other at rapid interval. There is a legend according to which the place where Dnepr now flows was once a sea. When Andrey came to Kiev, climbed the hill where Andreevskaya church now stands and left a cross, the sea moved downstream. A vast aqueous expanse is said to have remained hidden under Andreevskiyi hill. A spring opened here when the first church was built. Therefore, Andreevskiaya church does not have any bells for fear of “awaking” the water on impact, thus flooding not only old Kiev, but also the whole of the Left bank.

The basic structure was is executed in the 1890s and early 1900s. Nowadays, recreated in ancient style, Andreevskiyi hill is host to many open-air exhibitions of painting and products of national craftsmanship for sale. One highlight is house №13 where the writer M.O.Bulgakov, the author of "White guards", “Turbinnih days" and “The Master and Margarita”, lived. This house is now the Bulgakov museum. Also on Andreevskiyi hill is the unique museum of the street’s historical functions. It documents the hill’s history with pictures, photos and other things from olden times up to now. Along the whole street many picture galleries, and art interiors can be found. In the shady park, below the church, you can see Ivan Kavaleridze's sculptures.

House of chimeras

This house has always been shrouded by legends although it was originally built only to advertise opportunities offered by a new building material — cement. This well-known building constructed in 1902-1903 can safely be named the most unusual Ukrainian private residence. Its chimeras will impress you. On top of that, the interior style of this house, executed during an epoch of a modernist style, was never repeated anywhere. The facade is plentifully decorated by images of exotic animals and hunting motifs. Once again, with the purpose of advertising, cement was used. "The house of chimeras" is unique not only to Kiev, but to the whole of the CIS. Destiny has made the “House with chimeras" a landmark of Ukraine’s along with the Mariinsky palace. Many legends are connected to its construction, collected in "At home with chimeras". Vladislav Gorodetsky created many stories involving the house, including that of a woman drowned by her own daughter. This is only a legend, of course. Mermaids, dolphins and frogs on the building’s roof, the huge fixture in the ladder aperture, representing a huge catfish in lotus stalks, a stucco moulding on the ceiling in the shape of an octopus, ships, horns and skulls. There is indeed another version — a challenge which many architects deemed to be impossible.

The strictly practical motivation of construction played an important part. It is the first house constructed in Kiev by means of cement. In those times, a grandiose feat of advertising for the cement-industrialist Richter. It became profitable house and dwelling of the well-known architect after the revolution and before the Domestic war and then saw many of its rooms devoted to the hospital of the Central Committee., KPU. In 2003-2004 "the House of chimeras" was restored. This cost of reconstructing Gorodetsky’s house was about 30 million dollars. The interior of the building, including the parquet floor, was completely restored. After restoration "the House with chimeras" became the Small residence for receptions organized by the President of Ukraine. Foreign delegations are invited here.

On the basis of Gorodetsky's house the museum and cultural centre "Masterpieces of art of Ukraine" as branch of the National museum was created. Meetings of the President of Ukraine with honoured guests which are arranged in reconstructed " the House with chimeras ", do not interfere with visiting of a museum in small excursion groups. The museum centre is created for popularization Ukraine’s artistic heritage. Products of the fine arts and sculpture are presented in central exhibitions, sharing items of arts and crafts from assemblies with the leading museums of Ukraine. Among curiosities on exhibition: "The Cautious Bible" of Ivan Fedorova's press (1581), bronze utensils of the 6th century B.C. and many other invaluable relics.

Mariinskiy Palace

In 1744, empress Elizabeth, daughter of Peter, chose a location or the construction of a new palace while visiting Kiev. The Mariinsky palace was constructed in 1750 - 1755 under F. Rastrelli's supervision. The main facade of the Mariinsky palace faces Mariinsky park. This park was incorporated in 1874. Twisting avenues were added to the park’s landscape. From the opposite wing of the palace — the City (Imperial) Garden was incorporated in 1743 on the basis of an ancient garden. Its classical style is characterized by a network of direct avenues, which cross in right angles.

During its long history the palace was repeatedly reconstructed. Significant reconstruction was carried out in 1868-1870 after the big fire which destroyed the wooden second floor and all the private appartments. The restored palace was built on a stone floor, facades sated with new details, and interiors enhanced with forms of classicism along with elements of Baroque and the Renaissance. Works were carried out under the direction of the academician of architecture K. Maevskiyi. Year of their completion: 1870.

The palace very much suffered during Great Domestic war: the bomb which hit it destroyed the central part of the building. In 1945 — 1949, a new palace was built up under the direction of Ukrainian architect P.Aleshina. In 1979 — 1982, after careful research works, the palace was restored. This was executed on the basis of the drawings approved in due time by F. Rastrelli. The fountains’ shape, and figures of green plants have a traditional character for the 15th century. Fountains are decorated by pairs of sculptural compositions — copies of sculptures of the middle of 15th century which are stored in museums of the country. From the palace’s smart marble lobby on the second floor conduct marble steps. The important elements of decoration of the palace are elements of arts and crafts, and also furniture and chandeliers (some ancient and some executed by modern masters in the spirit of the 18th and 19th centuries), paintings of well-known masters. In some halls, small fragments of on-wall painting, executed by artist K. Alliaudi have been preserved. The remarkable parquet floor of the palace was recreated during the last restoration. Made of valuable breeds of tree, it amazes with the mere beauty of its figure and the perfect skill of execution. Today this historical construction represents our country as the state residence. Its name is the Presidential Palace. In it state events are held — rewards, receptions, delivery of credentials by Ambassadors of foreign states, the summits and meetings of official delegations at the highest level.

Andreevskaya Church

There is a legend on which the place where Dnepr now flows, was the sea. When over Andrey has come to Kiev and has put on mountain where now costs church Andreevskaya, a cross all sea is has left downwards. But its some part has remained and has hidden under mountain Andreevskoj. When later here have constructed church under a throne the well has opened. In church Andreevskaya are not present bells as, on a legend, at the first impact water would wake up and would fill in not only Kiev, but also all Left bank.

The pearl of a baroque — church Andreevskaya is incorporated in 1744 in connection with Elizabeth's arrival to Kiev. The church is constructed in 1749 — 54 under V.V.Rastrelli's project on mountain Andreevskoj, in beginning Andreevskiyi of Descent It is unique in Ukraine the kept work of the architect. Over construction architect I.Michurin supervised. The one-domt temple has the form of a cross in which corners decorative towers on massive columns which play a role of original buttresses are placed. Outside buttresses are decorated by pilasters and covered by three pairs columns with capitals of the Corinthian award. To churches Andreevskaya from street are conducted with an abrupt pig-iron ladder. All weight of church leans on the two-storeyed house-stilobat with eight rooms on each floor which walls represent the base of church. Around of church — a balustrade from which the picturesque panorama of the Hem and Dnepr opens.

The internal frame of church Andreevskaya developed by V.V.Rastrelli, is close to style of a rococo. With 1958 church — branch of the Sofia memorial estate. The next restoration is lead to 1978-79.

Golden gates

The Golden Gates of Kiev are one of few remaining monuments of the defensive architecture of Kievan Rus’. Jaroslav Mudrogo's high earth walls circumscribing a general extent of 3,5 kilometers. Gates were located on present-day streets of the central part of Kiev — from the Lvov area (where there was Lvov gate) along Jaroslav's street up to the Golden Gate and down to the area of Independence (where stood Ledskie gate) and again rose upwards to Mikhaylovskaya square. The Golden Gate was the main entrance to Kiev. This surprising creation of old Russian architects — a powerful fighting tower with a church of the Lady day towered above it — caused delight of contemporaries and cast horror over enemies by its inaccessibility.

Sofiyskiy Cathedral

The Cathedral of Saint Sofia — one of the first products of old russian architecture and, probably, the main landmark of Kiev. The cathedral of Saint Sofia was constructed in 11th century. It is located in the city centre. Kept over centuries, it occupies 260 square meters, with Mosaics 3000 square meters of mosaiques. Frescos. Hardly anywhere in Europe is it possible to find a church where frescos of the 11th century are so well preserved. The cathedral is surrounded by the monastic structures of the 17th century, executed in the architectural style of the Ukrainian baroque. The internal furniture of the cathedral is practically unchanged. At the end of the 18th century an iconostasis was added and pig-iron floor tiles in the late 1800s.

Maydan Nezalezhnosti

The square of Independence — the central area of Kiev. In Ukrainian — Maidan Nezalogznosti. Up to end of the 10th century, this district, as well as the whole of Kreschatik, carried the name Pereviseshe and represented wood thickets. Where Sofievskaja street now begins was Lyadska Brama which led to the higher parts of the city. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Mayidan was left as wasteland , the so-called “Koze” bog. Stone fortifications of the 18th century can be found in the area, with the so-called Lyadskie gate which stood up to 1833. The 1730s saw the apparition of the first wooden houses and the 1750s the first stone houses. Up to 1871 on the area which then carried the name Hreshatickoyi was the market; there were circus acts and public assemblies. In the 1850s the house of Nobiliary assembly was constructed (by architect O.V. Beretti; now in its place, the Central Council of trade unions). In 1859, Gudovskyi lived in a house which stood between Zhitomirskoj and Mikhayilovskaya streets until 1979. In 1922, on the square, a monument to K.Marx (sculptor Y.M. Chayikov) was erected.

When reconstructing the square the building with a tower was equipped with a chiming clock (architect A.I. Malinovsky, completion 1985). The Council of trade unions of Ukraine is based here. The architectural motive of this building continues the nine-floor hotel "Kreschatik " (architect V.I. Gopkalo, L.I. Filenko), constructed on the location of two old houses demolished in 1990. The architectural completeness with reconstructed facades is complemented by the streets, beaming out from in between every building. On the left, Majdana has put on in a granite, and the terraces which have been filled in by water smooth surfaces, rose in Are sticky, where among green plantings there is a harmonous 16-storeyed building of hotel "Moscow" (1959-1966). Today, it has been renamed hotel "Ukraine". From here, you can get an open view of the square. In the foreground, you will see a panorama of Old Kiev in which the silhouette of architectural monuments of the last centuries are visible. On the second plan, the numerous domes of Saint Sofia cathedral (10th century), on the right, Andreevskaya church (17th century) is visible. In 1991 the square received its modern name in honour of declaration of Ukraine’s independence — Maidan. Maidan was then renovated and fully opened in August 2001. On one side, you can see the monument of Independence — the female figure on a globe and symbolizing Ukraine. On other side are built 6 small round fountains, established on 2 open transparent pavilions — windows into an underground shopping centre.