Sightseeing

Anastasia web advises you to have a look at the following sights during your stay in Kiev. To make you the tours more exciting take your date with you.

The Golden Gate The Golden Gate is one of the main erections built by Prince Yaroslav the Wise in 1037. The Gate was destroyed by Batyi Khan’s invasion and restored only in the 20 th century from descriptions and sketches of the ruins of the church. The monument gained its majestic name from the triumphal character of the gate and also referred to the golden dome of the Church of the Annunciation which was built over it. For now The Golden Gate is a museum where the displays of Old Kiev history are presented. The most remarkable attractions are domestic utensils of ancient Kievers and other belongings found during the archeological digs.

Saint Sophia’s Cathedral A masterpiece of world architecture and art, a unique ensemble of monumental painting! According to a legend, Sofiysky (St. Sophia's) Monastery was erected in honor of Prince Yaroslav the Wise's decisive victory over the Pecheneg tribe. It was the main church of Kievan Russia – “Russian metropoly”, where princes were crowned. In 1934 a National Park “Sophia-Kievan” was organized on the Sofia metochion. In 1990 it was included in the list of UNESCO world heritage. Now used as a museum.

Saint Vladimir’s Cathedral St. Vladimir Cathedral was constructed in 1882 in Neobyzantine style. Its mural paintings loaded with ornamental details well-made by famous painters Nesterov, Vrubel represent grand value. But the most outstanding masterpieces belong to the brush of famous Ukrainian painter Vasnetsov: a huge figure of the mother of God with an infant; Jesus Christ on the main cupola, the Evangelists on four sides beneath the cupola; and the scene of the Last Judgment over the western entrance. The main facade of the church is represented by a double door made of bronze and enamel, carving and openwork tracery. You can see the figures of Princess Olga and Prince Vladimir on the sides of the doors. And listening to psalms in Vladimir Church choir’s execution you will undoubtedly get true pleasure!

Andreevsky Spusk (Descent) The descent is one of the most ancient Kiev streets. In Kiev Russia times it was the shortest route from the aristocratic Upper Town to the Down Town (the Podil), where craftspeople and merchants lived. It is a steep and meandering street - a traditional place of opening days, art festivals, concerts and holiday of the city. The street is often referred to as Kiev 's Montmarte as many artists rent apartments and studios there. Also a lot of art galleries, shops, small theatres, historical monuments are situated in it. For example, the house-museum of the famous Russian writer Mikhail Bulhakov . As a rule the street is busy with people buying souvenirs, posing for artists, and watching improvised performances given by poets and actors.

Independence Square (Maidan Nezaleznosty) Till 1871 the square was the main market-place in the city, where circus performances were also given, and folk festivals took place. The first big brick building was erected here in 1851. Soon a round public garden with a fountain in the centre appeared. Since then a lot of monuments replaced each other in the square and before being called “ Independence Square ” the place changed many names. After the latest reconstructions in 2002 the square looks magnificent and impregnable. No one can stay indifferent seeing its grandeur.

Saint Michael’s Monastery Every monastery like a human being has its own fate, its ups and downs. Saint Michael’s Monastery was stamped with the character of sublimity, but it also experienced a lot of torture. After the Tartar invasion the monastery was in the state of desolation, but still it survived. Maybe that’s the reason why the archangel Michael is considered to be the patron of Kiev . Nowadays, after restoration the church began some kind of new life. It is a Kievan relic, sky-blue in color, with its golden glitter of cupolas and vividly decorated arches, rich services and wonderful choirs. The erection is inimitable in the delicacy and splendor of its architecture and decoration. The entire complex - from the perfectly planned territory of the monastery to the tolling of the bells (you can strike the bell if you ascend to the top floor of the bell-tower) - is a model of taste and refined aestheticism.