Kiev is the birthplace of Russian civilization and one of the continent's most beautiful cities.
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Kiev Travel Directory
Kiev is the capital and largest city of the Ukraine. It is an ancient city, a major center of the Russian Orthodox Church and the birthplace of Russian civilization. It has a blessed location on a series of hills and on the Dnieper River. There are plenty of historical attractions and churches in Kiev that travelers absolutely must see when visiting the Ukraine.
St Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery, Saint Andrew's Church and St Sophia's Cathedral are just some of the beautiful churches located in the city center. The Perchersk Lavra, or Monastery of the Caves, is a unique monastery built into the side of a hill, overlooking the river. Visitors entering the caves, journey through dimly lit passageways deep underground, holding nothing but a small candle. Inside the caves there are small shrines and the coffins of the departed monks.
Andrew's Descent, located adjacent to Saint Andrew's Church, is a historical street that descends from Old Kiev to the Dnieper River. The street is packed with stalls selling souvenirs and trinkets, restaurants and cafes. Mikhail Bulgakov, one of the Russian language's most celebrated authors, had a home on the street, which has now been converted into a museum. Located at the bottom of the descent, the Kiev Funicular has been shuttling passengers up the hill since 1905.
Another attraction in Kiev is the Museum of the Great Patriotic War. This gigantic museum serves as a memorial to the Ukrainian and Russian soldiers that were lost during the Nazi invasion of 1941. The museum is riverfront and on top of it is a 200 ft statue representing the Motherland. Inside the museum visitors will find battlefield replicas and real life tanks and weapons that were used in the war.
In the summer Hydropark Island in the Dnieper River becomes the city's playground. The island is one big park and there are beaches, restaurants and water parks for everyone's enjoyment. The island is easily reached via the metro system.
Kiev is an easy city to transverse thanks to its excellent metro system and network of buses. The old city on the western bank of the river is compact and very walkable.