What is Kiev?

Information About Kiev

Kiev is one of the biggest cities in Europe. It is a bustling capital of independent Ukraine, its administrative, economic, scientific, cultural and educational center. This scenic city with population of over 4 million people is located on the shores of the Dnepr River. Kiev is a city of invaluable historical and cultural monuments, a city of great events and outstanding people. Everyone will find there something especially interesting for himself. Charming hotels, loads of places to eat and attractions have arrived – without losing the ancient soul and charm of the city.

Architecture of Kiev, Art of Kiev

The art and architecture of Kiev are considered world treasures. Many famous artists, poets and writers estimated the unique beauty of this city. The most renowned landmarks include: Cathedral of St. Sophia with outstanding mosaics and frescoes dating back to the 11th century; Kievo-Percherskaya Lavra featuring several monasteries and cathedrals; Golden Gate of Kiev, which date back to 1037; Ukrainian Baroque Church of St. Andrew; the magnificent 19th-century Cathedral of St. Vladimir; and many other attractions. Kiev is often referred to as "the mother of all cities" by Russians and Ukrainians. It is one of the oldest towns in Europe. In the historical center of Kiev you can feel the spirit of the past everywhere.

Cultural Life and Sights

The Kiev is distinguished for its rich cultural life. Theater lovers will find many theatres offering various theatrical programs. Most performances are held in Ukrainian or Russian. The recently renovated Kiev Opera House presents very good opera as well as a broad repertoire of ballets. Ivan Franko Theater is a center of Ukrainian drama, comedy, and musicals. A lot of various exhibitions are carried out in the city's numerous museums and art galleries.

Kiev nowadays

Kiev is also a scientific and educational center of independent Ukraine. Various universities and science academies including famous Kiev-Mogilyanskaya Academy, which is one of the first scientific establishments in Eastern Europe, are located there.
Being the largest city of Ukraine, Kiev is a leading industrial and commercial center of the country. Kiev's major industries include: food processing (especially processing of beet sugar), metallurgy, manufacture of machinery, machine tools, rolling stock, chemicals, building materials, and textiles. The development of Ukrainian economy gave impulse to business activity of the city. There are a lot of new office centers, banks, trade exhibition centers and other commercial enterprises appearing in the city nowadays.

Religious Tourism in Ukraine

Religion has always been an important feature in the lives of Ukrainians. For many years religious traditions have featured in local culture and this is certainly evidenced by the many religious places in Ukraine. Cathedrals, churches, monasteries, synagogues and other religious places are very popular attractions for tourists going to Ukraine. From architectural wonders to more humble places of worship, the religious buildings in Ukraine give one a chance to ponder upon the country's history and culture through the ages. Mostly all of the holy buildings are usually open to the public and each one has something unique to offer.

Green Kiev

Kiev is one of the greenest cities of the world with two botanical gardens and numerous large and small parks, lindens and chestnuts bloom in the streets. Along right shore of the Dnieper there is Central Amusement Park. On the Truhanovsky and neighboring islands Dneprovsky Park appears very green. Kiev is wonderful and bright city, even when it is cloudy it evokes only pleasant impression.

Night Life in Kiev

Nightlife in Kiev is rife and bustles till early morning hours. As a major business center, Kiev has some unique and outstanding nightclubs, casinos, strip clubs, discos, great restaurants, bars many of which are open 24 hours and has own unique flavor of entertainment. On weekends and holidays, the main street Kreschatik is permanently closed to traffic and is the heart of all activities.