Top Attractions to cover in Kiev: The Historic Capital

As the title suggests, Kiev has seen it all. It is the most multifaceted city in Ukraine as it has seen the toughest times for the past 1500 years, starting from the Mongol invasion to the Nazi attacks during the II world war. There is so much to see and learn in this city that has evolved so much ever since. When it all started this city had about 950 monuments built beautifully and well- preserved as well. A phrase that will describe this city well – An iconic green metropolis, Ukraine’s capital city flows through hills next to the Dnieper River. Let us explore the top attractions to cover in Kiev one by one, continue reading to find out more!

Kiev Pechersk Lavra monastery

This church has always been on top of the list when it comes to attractions to cover in Kiev. This church has taken a significant place in the historic monastery of Ukraine and Eastern Orthodox Christianity attracting over a million visitors every year. It all started in the 11th century and it has a cluster of architectural monuments like the Great Bell Tower, Dormition Cathedral and not to mention the two man-made underground cave systems that are the oldest part of the creation. You will take about 4 hours to cover these complex cluster of churches and monuments. It is always advised to follow the dress code and have a guide along with you. You will read more about the attractions that you should cover inside this world heritage site ahead.

Saint Sophia’s Cathedral

Dating back to the 1000s, this monument is Kiev’s oldest living church and is elected as one of Ukraine’s seven wonders. It was originally brought to life by the Prince Yaroslav during 1037, who’s sarcophagus is well-preserved and on display inside. This church took about 3 years to fully come alive after putting to construction with its 13 gilded domes. Take your timing looking at the interiors because this site has survived since it’s been built and this is also a major reason why this church is considered one of the top attractions to cover in Kiev.

Also read: Top attractions to cover in Odesa: Ukraine’s Untold trails. 

Great Lavra Bell Tower

Once you’re done taking a look at the church’s marvellous interiors, be sure to climb the cathedral’s bell tower to enjoy the majestic views of the city of Kiev. This tower is also part of the monastery and is known to be one of Kiev’s emblems, built on Ukrainian Baroque style. This tower was known to be the tallest free-standing structure in the world at the time of its construction from 1731-1745. It was culminated with a gilded dome of four tiers, with each narrower than the previous one.

Visit Kiev Museum of Folk Architecture and Life- Pirogovo

Take a trip down the memory lane of Ukraine by visiting this open-air museum located on the southern outskirts of the city. To draw a perspective on what you can expect here, there are a total of six distinct villages that resemble six different Ukrainian regions through its rural architecture. This museum was found in 1969 and is home to 70,000 artefacts that have been collected since day 1. This open-air museum has roughly about 300 buildings to see, starting from churches, workshops, and many more interesting things to see which makes it one of the top attractions to cover in Kiev.

Also read: Attractions to Cover In Lviv: Tour Around The Unesco Gem

Learn about the Holodomor

Ukraine was hit by a man-made famine during 1932 and 1933. This topic has a lot of controversy in place, but what matters more is to learn more about the roots and understand the history of the 20th century. So you can head down to the Holodomor Memorial Museum that was opened in 2008. It’s small and compact but will surely leave an impact of Ukraine’s worst days. It is located in the park right next to Kiev Pecher’s Lavra.

Saint Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery

This ancient monastery surely tops among attractions to cover in Kiev. Located not far from St. Andrew’s Church it is known to have survived 900 years even though it was completely ruined in the 1935s and restored later after 60 years. The exteriors are of Baroque style and interiors are of Byzantine design. This beauty is admired for its architecture and charm through the years.

Explore the neighbourhood of Podil

Right from the Michaels monastery, take a funicular down to take a stroll through this hip and happening area. Once upon a time, this area was the city centre that was razed by fire during the early 19th century. You can find a lot of things to do here, visit the Postal Square and Contracts Square.  This place is a beautiful waterfront quarter that has been rebuilt since the Second World War, which makes it one of the top attractions to cover in Kiev.

Also read: Top things to do in Kharkiv, Ukraine with your loved ones!

Sit back at Hryshko Botanical Garden

Taken care of by the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, this garden is home to 13,000 varieties of plants and trees from all over the world. Located right in the centre of the busy city, this garden is bordered by the Dnipro River on both sides. The best time to visit this beautiful garden would be during the end of spring because that’s when the Lilac Alley will be blooming. To add a little spice, if you are visiting with family you can visit the greenhouse to check out exotic spices of plants and the terrarium that is home to various reptiles.

Andriyivskyy Descent

This is the iconic spot where the Kiev Day celebrations happen at the end of May. Its the most famous street designed by Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli, from here you can take a stroll through the neighbourhood and visit the “Montmartre of Kiev” for its ambience and its 19th-century charms. Enjoy these streets during the summer by sitting in cafes, admiring the paintings, and meet new people along the cobblestone street.

The Motherland Monument

Brought into existence by 1981, this 62-meter stainless monument stands for the victory and spirit of the Soviet Union over the Nazi in the infamous Second World War. Located in the right bank of the Dnieper River, this statue is of a woman holding a sword in one hand, and a large shield in the other hand. You can even visit the observation decks on the shield, but you would have to wear a harness to do so.

The city of Kiev is undoubtedly very underrated, and I’m sure from the attractions you can cover here would say otherwise. Starting from Bohemian, Soviet, and medieval this city has been through it all and emerged as a historical icon. These attractions are not all, there are many more attractions one can cover in Kiev. Go ahead and check out customized tour packages from Pickyourtrail and plan your vacation to the city of Kiev and other cities of Ukraine as well. For more information, you can WhatsApp us too!

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