Kyiv sightseeing

Here you may find some pictures showing the beauty of Kiev. We hope that you love the city as we are. Some history of the places of interest:

Kievo-Pechorskaya lavra

On high hills of the right coast of Dnepr majesticly towers topped by gold domes Kievo-Pechorskaya Lavra — destiny of the Virgin, a cradle of a nunhood in Russia and a stronghold of orthodox belief. Monastery Pecherskaya Lavra has been based in 11 century and built up within 9 next centuries. The name "Pecherskaya" occurs from a word of "cave" which have been found in this territory and in which the first monks lodged. Lavra is a honourable name which was given to very large and significant monasteries. The architectural complex of a monastery and today makes grandiose impression. In a sunny day numerous domes and belfries blind eyes.

Since 12 centuries in the Monastery one church with insignificant architectural changes which have been made later was kept only. This church above a gate of a front entrance in the Monastery and it name "Nadbramna". The full name of Church — Troickaya Nadbranaya Church — " Church of the Sacred Trinity above Bramoy". It is simple a miracle, that it was kept, as on the Monastery during all history numerous attacks were made, it has transferred destructive fires and others of a bad weather which have caused to it significant damage.

The church was created in 1106-1108. The Greek architects and icon painters. In a list also participated Saint Alipiyi which is considered the ancestor especial, distinct from Greek, art.

The monastery became original academy of orthodox hierarches. Prior to the beginning of XIII century from among his assistants in different limits of the Kiev Russia 50 bishops have been appointed. Playing a significant role in association eastern grounds, being the spiritual, social, cultural and educational center, monastery used the deserved glory not only in Russia, but also in Poland, Armenia, Byzantium, Bulgaria and other countries. Since 40th years of XIII and prior to the beginning of XIV century Kievo-Pechorskaya Lavra was the witness to the mongolian-tatar invasions. The monastery, as well as all Kiev, has strongly suffered also in 1399 and 1416. By the end of XVI century, overcoming the various difficulties connected with katologies of the Ukrainian grounds, and also interventions during an internal life Lavra of king and magnates, the monastery, building up temples and getting the new grounds, actively revives. Any more not having the former glory was in the first centuries of its existence, it remains to one of the large spiritual, educational and cultural centers of Ukraine.

Kievo-Pechorskaya Lavra bypassed attention any of 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 October revolution 1917. For Lavra the most difficult have begun in its history times. According to the Decree of the Soviet government " About branch of Church from the state and school from Church " all property of church and religious societies has been declared by property of people. The huge damage architectural and Lavra has been put to historical values and within Great Pattriotic war. On November, 3rd, 1941 the cathedral has been blown up Svyato-Uspenskiyi cathedral. In June, 1988 in connection with celebrating of 1000-years anniversary of the Christening of the Kiev Russia and according to the decision of Ministerial council USSR new creation community was the territory of Distant caves with all ground structures and caves is transferred; in 1990 the territory of Near caves is transferred. Recently the Svyato-Uspenskiyi cathedral which has been blown up within Great Patriotic war has been restored.

Slope Andreevskiy

Slope Andreevskiyi is name the Kiev Montmartre. In any day, in any weather you always will see here some artists showing the works, hanged out on walls, samples of an applied art — ornaments, utensils from glass and ceramics, the ridiculous figures which have been cut out from a tree, a toy, a medal, a coin and many other things. Here singers and actors also act. There are many small bars and cafe on Slope Aleksandrovskiyi where it is possible to have a rest and relax. Here all still it is possible to feel an atmosphere of Kiev of the end XIX — beginnings XX centuries. Slope Andreevskiyi was at one time short by from the Top city to the Hem. The name is known about 40th years XVIII centurie church Andreevskaya empress Elizabeth Petrovnav 1744. The church in 1753 under V.Rastrelli's project has been constructed. It costs at top of a hill and is visible from ancient street Vozdvizhenskoj, from the next mountains. Under the legend, Andrey Pervozvannyj, having visited mountains above Dnepr, erected here the cross also has predicted the great future to the city of Kiev. Since then on this mountain there were wooden churches — replaced one another, in process of olderest. There is a legend according to which the place where Dnepr now flows, once was the sea. When over Andrey has come to Kiev and has constructed on mountain where now costs church Andreevskaya, a cross, all sea has gone down downwards. But its any part has remained and has hidden under mountain Andreevskoj. When here have constructed church under a throne the spring has opened. Therefore in church Andreevskiaya are not present bells because, on a legend, at the first impact water would wake up and has filled in not only Kiev, but also all Left bank.

The basic building is executed in 90th of XIX item and in beginning XX item Nowadays, recreated in ancient style, slope Andreevskiyi represents a place of an exhibition-sale of painting and products of national creativity open-air. Sight of street is the house đ13 where there lived writer M.O.Bulgakov, the author of novels " White guards ", " Days Turbinnih ". This house now is Bulgakov's museum. Also on slope Andreevskiyi the unique museum of one street functions. In it history slope Andreevskiyi in pictures, photos and other things from olden time up to now is presented. Along all street many picture galleries, art interiors. In shady park, that below church, you can see Ivan Kavaleridze's sculptures.

House with chimeras

This house has always been shrouded by legends though was only original advertising of opportunities of a new building material — cement. This well-known building constructed in 1902-1903, it is possible to name the most unusual Ukrainian private residence safely. Its chimeras should impress. Besides style of an interior of this house, executed during an epoch of a modernist style, never also did not repeat anywhere. The facade is plentifully decorated by images of exotic animal and hunting motives. And again, with the purpose of advertising, cement has been used. "The house with chimeras" is unique not only for Kiev, but also all the CIS. The destiny has prepared "to the House with chimeras" to become the person of capital of Ukraine level with the Mariinsky palace. Many legends are connected with construction "At home with chimeras". Speak, that Vladislav Gorodetsky has created the house in memory of the daughter-drowned woman. But it only a legend. Mermaids, dolphins and frogs on a roof of a building, the huge fixture in the ladder aperture, representing a huge catfish in stalks of a lotus, a stucco moulding on a ceiling in the form of an octopus, sikly ships, horns and skulls — a fruit of imagination of the big original, instead of the father who has lost mind. There is other version — a bet with other architects approved, that on such breakage to build it is impossible.

Quite real can be and strictly practical motivation of construction. It is the first house constructed in Kiev by means of cement. On those times — the grandiose advertising action for cement of industrialist Richter. The profitable house and dwelling of the well-known architect after revolution and before Domestic war were many rooms, then — hospital of Central Committee KPU. In 2003-2004 "the House with chimeras" was restoration. Cost of reconstruction of the house of Gorodetsky — about 30 million dollars. The interior of a building, including a parquet floor, a list is Completely restored. After restoration "the House with chimeras" became the Small residence of receptions of the President of Ukraine. Foreign delegations Here are accepted.

On the basis of Gorodetsky's house the museum cultural centre "Masterpieces of art of Ukraine" as branch of the National museum is 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 by small excursion groups. The museum centre is created for popularization of an art heritage of Ukraine. Products of the fine arts, a sculpture are presented to expositions of the center, subjects of arts and crafts from share assemblies of leading museums of Ukraine. Among curiosities of an exposition: "Cautious the Bible" Ivan Fedorova's press (1581), bronze utensils of VI century B.C. and many other things invaluable relics.

Mariinskiy Palace

In 1744 empress Elizabeth, daughter Peter, during visiting Kiev, itself has chosen a place for a construction of a palace. The Mariinsky palace is constructed in 1750 — 1755 under B.Rastrelli's project. Over a construction of a palace outstanding Russian architect I.Michurin supervised. The main facade of the Mariinsky palace is turned to Mariinsky park. This park is incorporated in 1874. Twisting avenues are entered in a landscape of park. From the opposite party of a palace — the City (Imperial) Garden, the incorporated 1743 on the basis of an ancient Regular garden (based still Peter). Its style — classical: a network of direct avenues, which cross under a right angle.

During the long-term history the palace was repeatedly reconstructed. Significant reconstruction has been carried out in 1868-1870 after the big fire which has destroyed a wooden second floor and all smart premises. At restoration of a palace have built on a stone floor, facades have sated with new details, and interiors have processed in forms of classicism with elements of a baroque and the Renaissance. Works were spent under direction of the academician of architecture K. Maevskiyi. Year of their termination — 1870.

The palace has very much suffered during Great Domestic war: the bomb which has got in it, has destroyed the central part of a building. In 1945 — 1949 a palace have built up under direction of Ukrainian architect P.Aleshina. In 1979 — 1982, after careful research works, a palace were restoration. Ordering of territory it is executed on the basis of the drawings approved in due time B.Rastrelli. The form of fountains, figure of green plantings have character traditional for XV century. Fountains are decorated by pair sculptural compositions — copies of sculptures of the middle of XV century which are stored in museums of the country. From a lobby of a palace on the second floor where smart halls are located, conduct marble steps. The important elements of decorating of a palace are subjects of arts and crafts, and also furniture and lusters (ancient and executed by modern masters in spirit XVIII — XI centuries), pictures of known masters of painting. In some halls small fragments onwalles painting, executed by artist K. Alliaudi were kept. The remarkable parquet floor of a palace is recreated during last restoration. Made of valuable breeds of a tree, it amazes with beauty of figure and the perfect skill of execution. Today this historical construction presents our country in the world as the state residence. It name the Presidential Palace. In it pass solemn state events — rewarding, receptions, delivery of credentials by Ambassadors of the 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

Golden Gate in Kiev — one of few monuments of defensive architecture of the Kiev Russia, reached up to now. Jaroslav Mudrogo's city high earthen shaft surrounded with the general extent of 3,5 kilometers. They passed on present streets of the central part of Kiev — from the Lvov area (where there was Lvov gate) along Jaroslav's street a shaft up to Golden Gate, went down up to the area of Independence (where stood Ledskie gate) and again rose upwards to Mikhaylovskaya square. Golden Gate were 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 the inaccessibility.

Sofiyskiy Cathedral

Cathedral of Sacred Sofia — one of the first products of old russian architecture and, probably, the main sight of Kiev. The cathedral of Sacred Sofia has been constructed in XI century. It is located in the city centre. Were kept and in centuries have reached us 260 square meters. Mosaics and 3 thousand square meters. Frescos. Hardly somewhere it is possible to find church where frescos of XI century would be kept so much in the Europe. Around of a cathedral there are the monastic structures of 17 centuries executed in architectural style of the Ukrainian baroque. The internal furniture of a cathedral did not change almost. In the end of 18 centuries there was an iconostasis and in 19 century — pig-iron floor tiles.

Maydan Nezalezhnosti

The square of Independence — the central area of Kiev. In the Ukrainian language — Maidan Nezalogznosti. Up to end X century this district, as well as all Kreschatik, carried name Pereviseshe and represented wood thickets. There where the street Sofievskaja now begins, was Lyadska Brama which conducted to the top city. In the end of XVIII item — in the beginning of XIX century Mayidan represented waste ground — so-called Koze's bog. In territory of the area in XVIII century stone fortifications, so-called Lyadskie gate which existed up to 1833 ã have been constructed. In 30th years of XVIII item here there were the first wooden, and in 50 — stone houses. Up to 1871 on the area which then carried name Hreshatickoyi, was the market, there were circus representations, meeting. In 50year of XIX century on the area have been constructed the house of Nobiliary assembly (architect O.V. Beretti; now on its place the Central Advice of trade unions). In Gudovskyi's house which up to 1979 stood between streets M.Zhitomirskoj and Mikhayilovskaya, 1859 lived. Of Shevchenko. In 1922 on the square were mount the monument to K.Marx (sculptor Y.M. Chayikov).

At reconstruction on the square the building with a tower where it is melodious is constructed call back a chiming clock (architect A.I. Malinovsky, completion 1985). Here there is an Advice of trade unions of Ukraine. The architectural motive of this building continues the nine-floor case of hotel " Kreschatik " (architect V.I. Gopkalo, L.I. Filenko), constructed on a place of two taken down old houses in 1990. Architectural completeness have got and the reconstructed facades of buildings in the beginning of streets-beams. Left party 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 is renamed into hotel "Ukraine". From here open view on the square. In the foreground — a panorama of Old Kiev in which silhouette architectural monuments of the last centuries are looked through. On the second plan, numerous domes of Sofia Kiev (X century), on the right — Andreevskaya church (XVIII) are visible. In 1991 the square has received the modern name in honour of declaration of the state independence as Ukraine — Maidan. It was conduct reconstruction of Maidan. On August 2001 has been opening the renovate square. On one party the monument of Independence — the female figure costing on globe and symbolizing Ukraine is built. On other party are built 6 small round fountains (on 3 in two of some), are established 2 open transparent pavilions — inputs in underground space, and also a transparent lantern above this space.