Kyiv, or known as Kiev, is the capital of Ukraine. It is a beautiful, cultural, historic, and cheap city to visit. In this post, we will share with you some of the best tourist attractions in Kyiv.
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Tourist Attractions in Kyiv
1. St. Sophia’s Cathedral
St. Sophia’s Cathedral is one of seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Ukraine and was awarded the important status in the 1980s. It was constructed in 1037 and is named for Hagia Sophia. Since it’s a favorite of tourists, visiting earlier in the day is recommended.
It’s one of the oldest and most jaw-dropping of Kyiv’s impressive churches. Beautiful murals, ancient mosaics, and frescoes adorn the interior. Additional structures have been added over the years; one entrance fee is good for all.
2. St. Andrew’s Church
St. Andrew’s Church in Kyiv is one of the most striking Baroque buildings. Its architecture and location are genuinely unique. The church is built on an artificial hill, overlooking one of Kyiv’s oldest neighborhoods, and the foundation for it is the terrace of a two-story building, with a cast-iron staircase. It has been twice hit by lightning, but still the church is flourishing and is open to the public for services and sightseeing tours.
3. Independence Square
Independence Square, or Maidan Nezalezhnosti, as locals call it, is the heart of Kyiv where most city events take place or start from. There is also a huge underground shopping mall called Globus, where you can find almost everything, from souvenirs and clothes to food and groceries.
It is the meeting point of the city and a hive of activity, particularly during the nightly fountain show and at weekends when concerts are commonplace. Maidan has, however, witnessed its fair share of remarkable, turbulent, history – the markers of which are present throughout the square.
4. National Art Museum
One of the most visited museums in Ukraine is the National Art Museum. It was established in 1897 by a successful patron of the arts, Bohdan Khanenko, who was determined to build the first museum in the country. Succeed he did—the historically important building contains a collection of important sculptures, artwork, and icons.
Represented are Ukrainian artists, both local and those who have moved to other countries and continued their careers in the arts. The museum also shows the work of contemporary artists and is recognized around the world as an important representation of art from Eastern Europe.
5. Kiev Pechersk Lavra Monastery
This monastery complex was founded by two monks of the caves: St. Anthony and St. Theodosius. Constructed over a series of caves excavated by the monks, it is remarkable to think they date to the 11th century.
The Baroque style of Ukraine is again at work in the series of additional buildings in the complex. You might hear the attraction referred to as both the Near and Far Caves. Make sure to visit both areas, as you will find hundreds of artifacts.
Do not miss the underground crypts, where monks are buried under glass. Here, you’ll find a fairly creepy and somewhat claustrophobic look into the past, and one of the most unique sights of the city.
6. Mariyinsky Palace
7. Landscape Alley
Slightly wacky, the style of the artworks in this wonderland is certainly imaginative, verging on abstract in places, and this is a great spot to take some unique pics as mementos or to give your Instagram game a little bit of quirk!
The park is a beautiful reprieve from the bustling urban life around it. Full of colorful mosaics and sculptures, as well as an Alice in Wonderland-inspired playground, this is the perfect spot for resting your feet, but not your imagination.
