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Kyivo-Pecherska
Lavra
The Dnipro hills are dominated by the greatest monument of
Kyiv, the Kyivo-Pecherska Lavra, built almost nine centuries ago. A
complex of churches, masterpieces of architecture by themselves, has
been a holy place of worship for devoted Christians. Famous for its
catacombs with the saints' relics, Lavra is also called the Monastery of
Caves. Museum collections of miniatures and church treasures amaze
visitors from all over the world
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National Opera House
The theater is located in downtown Kyiv, near
the Khreschatyk st. The beautiful exterior of the
building is supported by the majestic interior design.
Much of the theater's creative efforts are concentrated
on productions of classical Ukrainian and Russian
operas and ballets. Professional actors, creative
lighting, and bright decorations leave the most
memorable impression about Ukraine's dramatic art. |
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Volodymyr the Baptizer
On the slope of the Volodymyr Hill stands
the imposing monument to Prince Volodymyr who is
also called the Baptizer of Rus. He converted Kyivan
Rus to christianity in 988. The bronze statue was
erected in 1853. |
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St. Nicolas Catholic Cathedral
The cathedral was built in 1899-1909 by the
architect Horotetskyi. The building is placed on
one of the central streets (Chervonoarmiyska st.),
and it can be easily recognized by its distinctive
Gothic style and a pair of beautiful needle towers.
It was restored in 1980 and now is used as both
the concert hall for organ music and the church
where Roman Catholic services are held |
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Golden Gate
This fortified wall, defining the limits of
the city and serving as a protective barrier from
invaders in the centuries past, dates back to 1037,
the reign of Prince Yaroslav the Wise. The place
was restored to its present condition in 1983, and
it now serves as the Golden Gate historical museum.
The structure is located in downtown Kyiv, just
outside the Zoloti Vorota metro station.l |
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St. Sophia Cathedral
St. Sophia's thirteen gorgeous golden domes
nicely blend with the city skyline. The grandiose
ensemble was built by Prince Yaroslav the Wise in
the XI century in commemoration of the victory over
the Pecheneg tribe. The cathedral became a major
cultural and political center of Kyivan Rus and
a site for receiving ambassadors from many countries.
St. Sophia is famous for its outstanding mosaics
and frescoes dating back to the eleventh century |
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Mariyinsky Palace
The gorgeous blue-and-cream palace designed
by Bartolomeo Rastrelli was built in 1750 under
the supervision of Russian architect Ivan Michurin
and is located on top of the hill in a beautiful
park. The magnificent building was used as Kyiv
residence of the Tsar family. Today the palace is
used for official state receptions such as presidential
meetings and international conferences. It is open
to tourist groups by appointment as well. |
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Andriyivsky Uzviz (Andriyivsky
Descent)
The most ancient and steep street in Kyiv,
Andriyivsky Uzviz, is Kyivites' favorite place for
outdoor fairs, festivals, and concerts. Art galleries,
shops, and studios make Andriyivsky Uzviz the best
place to shop for Ukrainian crafts and artworks.
Cultural museums located here reveal the history
of the legendary street and of the whole Kyiv. Overlooking
Andriyivsky Uzviz and Podil, the old section of
Kyiv, stands the Ukrainian Baroque church of St.
Andrew designed in 1754 by the Italian architect
Bartolomeo Rastrelli. This five-domed church remains
the major adornment of the upper city. The Castle
of Richard in the modernized Gothic style built
in 1902 is Andriyivsky Uzviz' another distinctive
feature. The building is currently being reconstructed
into a hotel. |
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Funicular
The funicular (cable car) was built in 1905
and until now it offers quick, exciting, and inexpensive
rides from Podil (Lower City) up to Mykhailivska
Ploscha (Upper City). The ride is short (about 2
minutes), but it is worth seeing a magnificent panorama
of Kyiv and the Dnipro River that uncovers from
the Funicular. The cost is the same as the fares
in city transport. Children under 7 can have a free
ride. |
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The Horodetskyi Building
One of the most interesting buildings in Kyiv
is located in a very quiet and peaceful part of
the downtown. A well-known architect Horodetskyi
built the house as a private residence in 1902-1903.
The walls and the roof of the structure are decorated
with intricate sculptural ornaments of mythological
and hunting themes. The building is considered one
of the most fascinating architectural creations
in Kyiv. |
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Volodymyr Cathedral
The structure of this Russian Orthodox Church
which was built in 1882 reflects features of the
Neo-Byzantine style. The murals of the church interior
done by famous Russian painters present considerable
artistic significance. The mosaics of the authorship
of Venetian masters and the choir music performed
in the cathedral are not to be missed. The building
is located on one of city's central streets, Tarasa
Shevchenka blvd. |
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Khreschatyk
Khreschatyk is the main street in Kyiv. It
was recently renovated into one of the most scenic
and beautiful places that combines the features
of a busy business center with the historical architectural
design of buildings. The street leads to Maidan
Nezalezhnosti, the city's main square and one of
the most popular places of meetings. On weekends,
the traffic is blocked on Khreschatyk, and visitors
can enjoy a nice walk right in the middle of the
street |
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