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№1 – Saint Sophia Cathedral

admin — Tue, 15 May 2012 22:36:43 +0000

Saint Sophia Cathedral is the most important historic construction in Kiev. It is one of the most famous landmarks of the city and the first architectural monument that was inscribed on the World Heritage List. Saint Sophia Cathedral is the most precious Christian marvel of Eastern Europe and one of few remained buildings dated back to Kievan Rus. The cathedral was the main church of the state and it was perceived not only as spiritual, but also as political and cultural center. Here took place such events as church-rates, receptions of various ambassadors and confirmations of political treaties.

Saint Sophia Cathedral was erected at time of great prosperity of Kievan Rus, which was a powerful state at that period. The leader of the state was Yaroslav the Wise, who is known for his enlightenment campaigns, which includes building of libraries and schools. Yaroslav the Wise is a great example of well-educated ruler, who cared about cultural and spiritual development of his state. Under his administration Kievan Rus became an advanced, flourishing European state.
Creation of Saint Sophia Cathedral began around 1017 – 1037. Its name “sophia” means “wisdom” and the Cathedral was to become a symbol of Christian wisdom. Saint Sophia Cathedral was highly appreciated by its contemporaries and was considered to be a man-made miracle, amazing work of art.

For its centuries-long history the Cathedral survived through robberies, assaults, partial rebuildings, make-overs and repairs. One of the greatest attacks was committed by Batu Khan, who left Kiev in ruins and devastated Saint Sophia Cathedral. It was also greatly damaged in the 16th century, when Poland and Ukraine were trying to unite catholic and orthodox churches. At this period Cathedral was almost ruined: its roof decayed and a lot of wall paintings had gone.
In 1697 great fire destroyed wooden buildings of Sophia’s monastery and Petro the first ordered to build a new one, this time out of stone. Construction continued till 1767. During this period around Saint Sophia Cathedral were erected bell tower, monastery canteen, bakery, House of Metropolitan, western gates (Zborovsky gates), Monastic Inn, Brotherhood campus and bursa (seminary). All of these buildings as well as the Cathedral after the reconstruction have distinctive features of Ukrainian Baroque.
After the Revolution of 1917 the government wanted to destroy the Cathedral (as a part of its antireligious campaign of the 1920s) and transform free space into a park. The cathedral was saved from destruction mostly with the help of many scientists and historians. Although the opposite St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery was destroyed in 1935. However in 1934 Soviets confiscated the structure from the church, including the surrounding seventeenth–eighteenth century architectural complex and made it into an architectural and historical museum.
In 1980’s – 1990’s politicians promised to return the building to the Orthodox Church. Because of various conflicts within the Church the return was postponed as all Orthodox and the Greek-Catholic Churches wanted to get it. There were couple of harsh clashes between them. Most memorable was the funeral of Patriarch Volodymyr of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in 1995, when riot police were forced to prevent the burial on the premises of the museum and a bloody clash took place.
After all these events no religious organization has yet been given the rights for regular services. The complex remains a museum of Ukraine’s Christianity, with most of its visitors being tourists.
In 2007, the Saint Sophia Cathedral was named one of the Seven Wonders of Ukraine, based on votes by experts and the internet community.
Written by Kateryna Martynenko

Ready to start planning your Kiev tour? – Take advantage of our private Kiev guide service and discover Ukraine with comfort. Only you dictate the speed and determine priorities!

№2 – House with Chimeras

admin — Tue, 15 May 2012 21:31:40 +0000

House with Chimeras – the most eccentric building of Kiev.It is an amazing example of early 1900’s architecture in Art Nouveau style. It is a truly masterpiece and also during the years it became a city legend, because its appearance is rather sinister. Figure of its creator and first owner Vladislav Gorodetsky is bright, eccentric and very appealing. Gorodetsky was known as a first person in Kiev, who had his own car. He was very talented architect, but another his passion was hunting. We can definitely notice it in House with Chimeras interiors and exteriors, where animal theme is one of the strongest. Gorodetsky was definitely talk of the town. People said that he was traveling in his car (which itself for a novelty for the time) with monkey sitting on his shoulder.
House with Chimeras was built during 1901 – 1903 on a precipice and at that time such project was pure insanity as there were not much technologies for building in places like that. Still Gorodetsky was very brave and adventurous and he took a challenged. Finally he came up with one of the most incredible buildings of the time and one of the prettiest and fantastic buildings in Kiev ever.

There is another legend about the building. Gorodetsky for some time owned cement factory and he wanted to show that this material is of various interesting uses. So he made all the fantastic animals in and on the building using cement. But in fact this version may be not true as Gorodetsky just loved working with cement and used it in a lot of other his buildings.
Destiny of House with Chimeras is quite a good illustration of life and times, as the building survived and adjusted through all severities of 20th century with its wars, revolutions and indifference. But let’s start from the beginning. House with Chimeras was designed to be commercial apartment building. And Gorodetsky with his family was going to live there too in a separate apartment. Each floor of the building was an apartment for one family. But because of the financial crisis Gorodetsky had to put up his house in 1912 till better times. However in 1913 the house was sold at the auction, as his owner could not pay for it.
After Revolution of 1917 the house became state property and all the flats became communal apartments. It means that originally one family was to live on one floor, as an apartment was as big as a floor. But since 1917 one family lived in one room. So, if there were 7 rooms on the floor, 7 families lived there, sharing a toilet, kitchen and corridor. All those people were of absolutely different origins, so in one big flat could live professor, policeman, labourer and pot-washer.

During the war the house was abandoned and damaged. For a while the house was used as a hospital. During this period some of unique wall paintings were painted out with white paint, as it was done in hospitals. Later on those painting were partially reconstructed using some of the few photos of the interiors. Also, those layers of white paint were peeled off.
The building was reconstructed in early 2000’s and since that time House with Chimeras is used as a place for running events featuring President. Actually it is a residency of President. This is why it is very hard to go to the excursion there. House with Chimeras accepts tourists only on Saturdays. So you should be subscribed to it. To do so you should call 207-12-44(55) and tell your passport data and the dates that will be appropriate for you. Excursion costs 150 grivnas, lasts for 2,5 hours and group consists of 10 persons at most. When you’re going to the excursion itself you should carry your passport with you. This is all because the house is functioning residence of President.
Anyway if you don’t want to wait your turn for the excursion or you simply won’t be able to wait so long, you should just go and check out the exterior of the house. It is really absolutely extraordinary and fantastic. To get there you should get to the underground station Khreshchatyk and go out to the surface at its exit on Insytutska street. Then you should go up to Bankova street. Another way is to walk out of underground station Khreshchatyk and go to Gorodetsky street. You should walk through Franko square and Franko theater upwards.

Written by Kateryna Martynenko

Ready to start planning your Kiev tour? – Take advantage of our private Kiev guide service and discover Ukraine with comfort. Only you dictate the speed and determine priorities!

№3 Andriyivskyy Descent and Podil

admin — Tue, 15 May 2012 20:33:56 +0000

Podil is the oldest district of Kiev. The name “Podil” means something that is situated downwards. Blocks of this district used to be trading and crafting center of Kiev. Their names reflect this fact: Degtyari (someone who deals with tar), Gonchary (potters), Kozhemyaki (craftsmen who deal with leather). Kozhemyaki now is known as Vozdvizhenka that was mentioned in previous articles and is nowadays a town of millionaires. On the territory of Podil ancient constructions were found. Some of them date back to 9th – 11th century. In 17th century intensive building within Podil took place. Since 1797 annual fair was conducted.

Great fire damaged the district extensively in 1811 and after this event appearance of Podil changed a lot. Before this fire Podil was the most populous district of Kiev with its 2068 houses out of 3672 dwellings in all Kiev.

After this fire Podil was newly planned and great number of new streets appeared, which remained till our days. In this period were constructed such buildings as Kotractovyi house, National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, Shopping arcade and others. Historical heritage of the district was studied heavily throughout 1960-70’s when more then 3 000 constructions of Podil were inspected among them 226 monuments, 431 architectural ensembles and 99 memorial buildings.

Nowadays Podil is one of the main tourist attractions of Kiev and generally speaking it is the heart of old city. It is very European, very stylish and elegant. If you don’t know where to start your Kiev tour you may without a doubt start it at Podil and you won’t be disappointed. There are different ways to get there, but perhaps the easiest one is to go to underground station Kontraktova ploscha. There you can grab a bite at trapezna Akademia and continue your tour walking around or going upwards Andriyivskyy Descent. If it’s too hard for you to move upwards, you can choose easier way by going down Andriyivskyy Descent from underground station Zoloti vorota through Volodymyrska street.

As for Andriyivskyy Descent it is very popular tourist destination and probably it is the place where you can hear people speaking foreign languages the most out of all city. The thing it that it is the place where all kinds of national souvenirs are sold including those with soviet symbolic, handmade items, different vintage items, like badges and old cameras and so on. The only downside is that the goods at Andriyivskyy Descent are mostly overevaluated and it’s quite hard to get a bargain. Still some very rare and pretty items can be found there and sometimes they worth the price.

Andriyivskyy Descent is second most popular Kiev street after Khreshchatyk. People love it so much for the special atmosphere of the street as it is very much alike 19th century style. In some sense it is a street-museum, as every building of Andriyivskyy Descent is special and has its own history. For example there are Richard’s castle there, St Andrew’s Church, Mikhail Bulgakov’s museum, Museum of one street, which is dedicated to the history of Andriyivskyy Descent.
Since 1985 Andriyivskyy Descent became a popular place for any kind of art events. A lot of painters are drawing there open-air and sell their pieces nearby. Gradually Andriyivskyy Descent became full of various galleries and workshops. So the street has kind of bohemian chic to it. You can always meet there art students or just creative people wearing interesting clothes.
Also there are great number of restaurants and cafes at Andriyivskyy Descent, such as Art-café, Zamkove, Panorama. Theatre Koleso is situated here as well.

Written by Kateryna Martynenko

Ready to start planning your Kiev tour? – Take advantage of our private Kiev guide service and discover Ukraine with comfort. Only you dictate the speed and determine priorities!

Kievan Rus and Byzantine Empire

admin — Sun, 06 May 2012 21:08:42 +0000

In the formation and development of Kievan Rus connection with the neighboring states played an important role, especially relations with the Byzantine Empire, have arisen in ancient times and gained a new power with the adoption of Kievan Rus Christianity as state religion in 988. In the poor records of the chronicles, in the forms of architectural structures, in the colors of icons, in the monumental painting, in the works of jewelry art, we see the powerful influence of the Byzantine tradition, which became the foundation of Christian culture in many regions of the medieval world – Europe, Asia Minor, North Africa and the Caucasus.

But it should be noted that the relationship between Kievan Rus and Byzantium were not limited with only cultural or religious ties. The important place was occupied by the trading and political contacts, as well as military conflicts, both between Kyiv and Constantinople and with other states. Let us focus at every aspect of the interaction of these two countries more closely.

Speaking about military and political relations, it should be noted that it was very mixed, beginning from the open hostility (the first invasion of Rus on the territory of the Byzantine Empire dating from 830 year – to 1043 year), ending with the dynastic marriage and military alliances of 10-11 centuries. In general, this aspect can be divided into several periods:
The period of military raids (830-944), which was characterized by numerous attacks of Kyiv Princes on the territory of Byzantium, which aimed the devastation of the territory with the following temporary conclusions of trade agreements, during the Great Wars (970-988), which is characterized by the numerous of the large and long conflicts between the Byzantine and Kievan princes for territory, and the period of military cooperation (988-1204), during which both countries joint military and political cooperation against other states. In addition it should be noted about close dynastic ties between states, such as the marriage of the Grand Prince Vladimir the Great and the Byzantine princess Anna in 989 year, Prince Vsevolod the First and Princess Mary in 1046 year and others.
The economic cooperation must be noted too, because it was mainly associated with the existence of the trade route “from Varangians to Greeks”, which combined together the countries of Eastern and Western Europe, and Asia. However, since the end of 10th century the importance of this road began to declines. On the one hand, it happened because crusaders opened a direct route from Europe to Asia; on the other hand, the feudal fragmentation of Rus prevented the safe usage of this transport way.

But perhaps the most important component was the cultural and religious interaction. Thus precisely because of this interaction Christening of Rus was conducted, and then a rapid flourishing of culture of Kievan Rus began in such spheres , as literature, architecture, education and science, art and music. They were closely related with the Christian religion, which in those days was the content of all expressions in culture, and were based on the culture of Byzantium, , It in turn, accumulated in itself the best examples of world culture of Antiquity and Early Middle Ages.
In general, it can be concluded: Byzantine culture coming to Rus with the adoption of Christianity as, mixed with the local traditions became the basis for cultural development of Kievan Rus in all its manifestations (literature, education, science, architecture, art, music). This rapid expansion took place thanks to the support of Theological and secular power.

№4 Kiev Pechersk Lavra

admin — Sun, 06 May 2012 20:12:25 +0000

Kiev Pechersk Lavra was founded in 1051 by monk Antoniy while Yaroslav the Wise was a leader of the state. Actually lavra is a common name for the greatest orthodox monasteries. It is said that the monastery grew around the caves in which monks Antoniy and Feodosiy were living as ascetics. This monastery became a Christian center of Kievan Rus. It became Lavra in 12th century as by that time the monastery was really large and developed. Lavra owned 3 towns, 7 smaller towns, 200 villages and farm yards, 70 000 bondsmen, 2 paper-mills, 11 brickyards, 2 stud farms and other.

In the times of Kievan Rus Kiev Pechersk Lavra was a very important center of enlightenment and culture. It was the place, where the entire learned world of the Rus gathered. Here scientists were working over adaptation and translation of Byzantine religious and secular texts. Also here at Lavra new texts were written and it had high importance for the development of specific Kievan culture. At Lavra the chronicles were written and now those are one of the most valuable sources while learning history of old times. In 1615 printing-office was establishes at Kiev Pechersk Lavra.

Since 1926 territory of Kiev Pechersk Lavra is a conservancy area. Here can be found such buildings as Assumption cathedral and Gate Church of the Trinity, which date back to the 11th century. Also there is a bell tower built in the 18th century.
Nowadays on the territory of Kiev Pechersk Lavra museums can be found. Among them Museum of the book and book-printing, Museum of historical treasures, Museum of Ukrainian folk ornamental art and some exhibitions. In Kiev Pechersk Lavra some great were buried, such as P.Stolypin, famous minister and reformer.

Assumption cathedral is the main church of the complex. It was the first stone building that was erected on the territory of Pechersky monastery. It was blown up by German invaders in 1941, while Kiev was under occupation. Cathedral was reconstructed only in 1990’s.
Lavra is famous for its caves. You may take a tour to these caves if you’re interested in that kind of stuff or if you’re a religious person. In caves holy relics can be found which are believed to be salutiferous. So, impressible people from all over Ukraine come here to get cured with help of holy relics. If you’re not religious at all you might be interested to go to those caves just to have such experience, because I highly doubt that you’ve ever been in caves like that. The only thing is that you probably should not take your kids with you, as it is highly traumatic experience for a child. There is a limited space, where ancient dead people are resting in glass coffins and people are kissing those coffins.
Another thing that you must beware about is that women in pants and in short skirts are usually prohibited from visiting caves (and some churches). But at the entrance you will be proposed to rent a robe for some money.
Anyway you should definitely add Lavra to your Kiev tour as here you will be able to visit great number of museums, enjoy architecture of Kievan Rus times, and see some very rare and beautiful religious paintings and icons.
To get to the Kiev Pechersk Lavra you should go to underground station Arsenalna and at the exit turn left and walk for about 10 minutes. The address is Sichnevogo povstannya street 21.

Written by Kateryna Martynenko

№5 Pirogovo – open-air museum

admin — Sat, 05 May 2012 22:07:30 +0000

Pirogovo is an open-air museum of folk architecture and folkways of Ukraine. The museum is situated in Golosiivsky region of Kiev, in the area where old village used to be.

When you’re going to visit Pirogovo you should be ready to spend there almost whole day – territory of the museum is huge.

Pirogovo is kind of a time machine. You can see with your own eyes households and architecture of all Ukrainian regions the way it was couple of centuries ago. By visiting Pirogovo you make it possible to see all interesting places and regions of Ukraine in just one day. You have perfect opportunity to look into everyday life of Ukrainian people of 17th – 20th centuries from within and to examine articles of daily use.
The museum represents open-air exposition of ethnographical regions of Ukraine. There are more than 300 constructions and buildings on the territory of Pirogovo, which symbolize its own regions and a phase of history of Ukraine. One of the main distinctive features of the museum is its theatrical performances and open air celebrations dedicated to different folk holidays. Also in Pirogovo you can often meet workers of the museum and visitors who are dressed in national costumes as well as those who are participating in ancient crafts like weaving, molding and others. Also in Pirogovo you can enjoy folk Ukrainian music.

Open-air museum of folk architecture and folkways of Ukraine was opened in 1976 and its exposition has been formed since 1969. Territory of the museum is 150 ha. The center of Pirogovo is a group of mills that are situated on a hill. The oldest church, which is situated in Pirogovo, is Naddnipryanska, it is built in 1742. In the museum you can also find more then 40 000 items of household and traditional culture such as costumes, old textiles, embroidery, carpets, ceramics, metal handicrafts, woodwork and glass-ware as well as musical instruments, paintings and houseware.
In autumn and in summer holidays of folk crafts take place. Blacksmiths, potters, weavers and other masters show their crafts to public and create works of art in front of your eyes. Near the museum you can enjoy traditional Ukrainian cuisine in restaurants “Fragrant stove”, “Cheers!” and “Fortress Hetman”.
It is absolutely fine to go to Pirogovo not to see its artifacts, but mostly to relax and have some rest. Pirogovo is a perfect place to spend a weekend with your friends or family, to enjoy healthy and delicious food, to listen to folk songs and to dance.

In Pirogovo you can buy items made by modern folk masters, which can be a perfect souvenir for your friends or for yourself as a memory from your Kiev tour. This type of hand-made souvenir may be really special and unique and you will appreciate it a lot.
Pirogovo is a perfect place for you to celebrate traditional folk holidays, as there are always some festivities, music, dances and huge amount of people. Pirogovo has its unique atmosphere that makes you relaxed and happy. Children love to spend their time there too, as there are a lot of space for them to run, play and have fun and also a lot of interesting old buildings, people wearing ancient traditional clothing and playing musical instruments that they have never seen before.
You can get to the museum from the underground station Demiivska and then by trolley bus №11 or from the underground station Demiivska or Golosiivska by minibus taxi №172 and 156.
The museum’s working hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There are excursions for tourists in English, Ukrainian, Russian and German.

Written by Kateryna Martynenko

Victory day in Ukraine

admin — Thu, 03 May 2012 21:41:12 +0000

Victory in WW2 became one of the main collective achievements of Soviet people and celebration of the Victory day is very important event for Russian, Ukrainian and other former Soviet nations. On the 9th of May 1945 Nazi Germany capitulated to Soviet Union and this day marked the end of long and bloody WW2 or Great Patriotic War as it was called in Soviet Union. According to modern data more than 20 million Soviet people died in this war. In other words almost every family on the territory of former Soviet Union has some relative who fought in this war or died in it. So this holiday is really people’s.

Every year on this day people come to the main streets and squares of their towns and cities to congratulate veterans and give them flowers.

From year to year number of veterans is getting smaller, so basically now there are last years when people can meet with living veterans, speak with them and congratulate them. Victory day is very sentimental holiday.

Every city and town has its own parade on this day, but the main parades are in the capitals. In Kiev it is parade at the Kreshchatik, and in Russia it is Moscow’s Red square parade. Every year thousands of people come to the Kreshchatik on the 9th of May to see the parade and to congratulate veterans. You can also come to the parade, but chances are you won’t see nothing as whole Kreshchatik is simply overcrowded on this day. So if you want to see the parade you’d better stay home and watch it on tv. But really it’s more exciting to be there yourself, to see all the happy people, feel amazing atmosphere.

At the parade you can see weapons and military equipment, soldiers of the army, military orchestras and all things like that.

In small towns local schools, factories and enterprises gather people for the parade. They purchase flowers and go to the main street, where they meet veterans and congratulate them. On this day people like to be outdoors, they like to go to parks or botanical gardens.
Usually on this day there are open air concerts where you can listen to patriotic songs and popular songs of 1940’s. But also there are demonstrations of different kind, usually organized by communistic parties. Even if you’re not into any kind of parties it may be fun to take part in a demonstration, you should try, and maybe it will be interesting for you. Usually those demonstrations are just in order to commemorate Victory day.

Victory day used to be a day for meet-ups of veterans and people, who fought in the war together. They were gathering in parks and then spending time together, remembering all the things they’ve been through. This was very touching and important for people, who took part in the war. But now those meetings are basically things of a past, as most of veterans are dead already or very old and it’s quite hard for them to come to the park. But also there not so many people left, so there are really small chances for them to meet their former friends in 2012.
On this day youth and basically everybody should buy some flowers and present them to elderly people. Even if they are not old enough to be former participants of the war. On this day rising generation and all the people demonstrate their gratitude to people, who fought for their country and peaceful future.

9th of May is a day-off,

but it became a non-working day only in 1965, on the 20th anniversary of the great Victory. In 70’s Victory became really popular theme and the whole cult was made out of it as country was ruled by people of the generation that fought in that war and the war itself as well as victory became crucial moment in their lives. In 70’s most of monuments to the Unknown Soldier’s Grave were erected throughout Soviet Union. On every Victory day people bring flowers to those monuments as well as to the eternal light.
Most of people try to visit their elderly relatives on this day, as some of them took part in the war and others were children as it was happening. So 9th of May is basically a day of gratitude to ancestry for everything they’ve done.

Written by Kateryna Martynenko

Ready to start planning your Kiev tour? – Take advantage of our private Kiev guide service and discover Ukraine with comfort. Only you dictate the speed and determine priorities!

№6 Mariyinsky Palace and park

admin — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 19:25:28 +0000

It could be a great idea to visit Mariyinsky park while having your Kiev tour. This park is one of the best parks of Kiev and also one of the oldest. Its territory is about 10 ha.

The park is planned to be in English style and is a unique site of garden art.

To get to Mariyinsky park you may take two way. One way is to walk from underground station Arsenalna and turn to Grushevski street. Then you will walk for about 7 minutes. Another way is to walk left from Europeans square up to the Grushetskiy street.

The park is around 130 years old. It received its name from the nearby Mariyinsky Palace that was built in 1750 – 1755. The park was founded in 1874 near central entrance of the Palace and the money for its foundation were budgeted by the wife of the Alexander II of Russia Maria Alexandrovna. Appearance of the park changed a lot since that time. For example, in the end of 19th century marble busts and sculptures were erected along the alley. In 1900 cast iron fountain was established and it is still there, so you should definitely go check it out once you’ll be visiting Mariyinsky park.

At first the park was called “Tsarsky” (imperial), but after the revolution this name was inappropriate and it was changed into Mariyinsky. But park had other names as well. In different periods of its history it was called Park of the victims of the revolution, Proletarian park and Soviet park. In 1970’s – 1980’s children’s railway was functioning in the park. The last great reconstruction of Mariyinsky park took place in 2000.

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Near Mariyinsky park Stadium Dinamo is situated. Another interesting thing to see there is the Lovers bridge that connects Mariyinsky and Kreschatyi parks. This bridge is remarkable because it is said that if lovers attach a napkin or a piece of close to it or even better if they put a small lock on it and throw the key their love will last forever. So the bridge is full of different garbage and locks. Also the bridge is said to be a place where desperate lovers commit suicides as it is quite high.
Another spectacular place in the park is its viewing point that is situated on the right from the Palace. The view from it is absolutely amazing. This view pointed was constructed in 1874 by order of the empress Maria Alexandrovna.
And finally lets talk about the Palace. In 1744 empress Elizabeth of Russia, the daughter of Peter the Great, picked a place for the Palace while visiting Kiev. In 1750 – 1755 it was built based on Italian architect Rastrelli’s project. The constructions were held under auspices of famous Russian architect Michurin. The style of the Palace is Baroque with its distinctive luxurious decorations. Also the palace has strictly symmetrical composition. The colors used in decoration are typical for Russian Baroque and they are turquoise for walls, light yellow for columns and cornices, white for stuccoes and balustrades. Before the revolution of 1917 the Palace was a residence of royal family. During WW2 the Palace suffered greatly as a bomb hit it and damaged central part of the building. Still the Palace was reconstructed in 1945 – 1949 and since that time it became a place for state receptions.

Every room of the Palace has its unique and charming style which is created with the help of different factors such as precious furniture, color schemes and lighting. Some rooms are dominated with one color like White hall or Banquet hall, Green and Blue drawing rooms. Others have amazing and unexpected combinations of colors.

Nowadays Mariyinsky palace is sometimes called President’s palace as a lot of governmental meetings, receptions and summits are held here.

Written by Kateryna Martynenko

Ready to start planning your Kiev tour? – Take advantage of our private Kiev guide service and discover Ukraine with comfort. Only you dictate the speed and determine priorities!

№7 National Botanical Garden

admin — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 21:24:38 +0000

Actually there are 4 botanical gardens in Kiev, but 2 among them are the most popular. It is M.M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden and A.V. Fomin Botanical Garden. The Fomin one is situated near underground station Universytet. To get there you should walk out of underground station and turn right. And that’s it. This botanical garden is one of the oldest in Ukraine. It was found in 1839. Still Gryshko botanical garden is the largest and somewhat more popular. On every fair day and especially in summer tons of people head for this oasis, as Gryshko botanical garden is an island of green within busy city. On spring and summer holidays such as Victory day, Easter or Independence day you can barely find yourself a place to stay at one with nature, as people are crowding the whole garden. Well, I’m exaggerating just a little bit. With its 130 ha territory it’s impossible not to find yourself some free space.

By the way Gryshko National Botanical Garden’s address is Temeryazivska street 1. To get there you may get to the underground station Druzhby narodiv and then walk for about 10 minutes. The other way to get to the botanical garden and the easier one for those who’s going there for the first time is to get to the underground station Pecherska and then take a bus №62 or trolley bus №14 and go to the final stop called Botanical garden.

One of many things to see in the garden is its collection of lilacs and magnolias. Beautiful blossom of these plants attracts people from all over Ukraine to visit the garden. In the garden you can find 21 different kinds of lilac and there are only 28 kinds of it in the world. The territory of the garden is divided into floristic complexes, such as Ukrainian Carpathians, Plains of Ukraine, Crimea, Caucasus, Central Asia, Altai and Western Siberia, Far East. In every zone plants typical for particular region can be found. Geography and landscape of each territory were recreated as well. Also the garden has large collection of unique and rare tropical and subtropical plants that are represented in the greenhouse. The Botanical garden can impress us with more than 350 species of orchids. The total floor space of the greenhouse is over 5 thousand square meters.
The idea to create such a botanical garden first appeared in 1918, when Fomin garden already existed for a while. The construction began in 1935 and then was interrupted by the war, during which great part of collection was lost or damaged. The main idea of the garden was not merely esthetical, but even more it was scientific, as such garden is a place to store precious plants in a wild. M.M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden has plants from all over the world and in the greenhouses can be found the ones that became extinct.

In botanical garden you can have a good time and learn something new. You can encounter plants you’ve never seen previously and find out something interesting about them. In the garden you are able to have a tour and listen about all the different kinds of trees, flowers and bushes that are represented in the territory. Also here you can buy some seeds and flowers in pots. A lot of different flower-shows are active in the garden from time to time. Apart from that you might like to join gardener courses, where you can get great advices about gardening, fruit-growing and all the horticultural activities.

But it’s fine if you want just to relax and lay on the grass for couple of hours with your family and friends. Botanical garden is a perfect place for such outdoor activities like games, dances, having a lunch on a fresh air.

The working hours for the botanical garden are as follows:
8:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. from May till August
8:00 a.m. and till dusk in period from September till April
The greenhouse within the Botanical garden works everyday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., except Monday and Tuesday which are non-workdays.
The entry ticket price is 10 grivnas per adult and 5 grivnas per child.

Written by Kateryna Martynenko

Ready to start planning your Kiev tour? – Take advantage of our private Kiev guide service and discover Ukraine with comfort. Only you dictate the speed and determine priorities!

№8 Golden Gate

admin — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 18:51:58 +0000

TGolden Gate dates back to 11th century and is one of few monuments that survived till our days. Golden Gate was built around 1017 – 1037, when defensive shafts of the city were finished. It was in times of Yaroslav the Wise, who surrounded the city with powerful defensive shafts which had 3 gates.

Golden Gate was the main and front ones and it was built at the same time as Saint Sophia Cathedral.

The name “Golden” was connected to the same name that Constantinople’s front gate had. And at that time Constantinople was the center of Christian word and in some way a role model for Kiev and Kievan Rus. Golden gate was functioning as a front gate up to the 18th century.
The height of the gate was 12 meters and the width was 6,9 meters. By the end of 16th century the Gate was almost ruined and in 1682 reconstruction took place. In the 18th century the gate again is almost ruined and it was covered with soil in order to preserve it for future generations. Then in 1832 architect Lokhvitsky with help of his own funds and partially with money gathered from people as charity excavated Golden Gate. Lokhvitsky was an amateur architect and professionals were angry with his methods, but his role in reconstruction of Golden gate is huge.

Under auspices of architect Beretty the ruins of the gate were strengthened. Still the gate was being damaged by rain and snow and in the middle of 20th century scientists were quite bothered with condition of the monument. So in 1972 it was decided to cover the remains of the gate with a safety construction. This construction was built as a copy of the passway. Scientist used all possible historical sources to make a perfect replica. Also the shaft is demonstrated in section. The project was finished in 1982. New construction has a museum dedicated to Golden Gate inside, where you can see original remains of the monument. In 2007 took place another great reconstruction.
Near the Golden gate replica there is a monument to Yaroslav the Wise who holds Sophia in his hands. The monument was created by Ivan Kavaleridze and was erected in 1997. There is also a miniature copy of it at Andriyivskyy Descent. Among citizens this monument is often playfully called Yarik (or Yaroslav) with a cake, because the church in his hands looks like a cake.

While having your Kiev tour and visiting Golden gate you should also stroll over Yaroslaviv shaft which is one of the most spectacular streets of the Old city and the center in general. By the way, to get to the Golden gate you should just go to underground station of the same name and on the surface you will see the gate. Then you will easily find Yaroslaviv shaft (Yaroslaviv Val). This street was a part of shaft in times of Yaroslav the Wise. In 1840’s the remains of the shaft were demolished and a new street was created. It received its modern name in 1869. Still the street was renamed in 1928 after Voroshilov and in 1957 it became Polupanov street. The original name came back in 1977.

This street is full of beautiful architecture which you will definitely enjoy. For example there is Karaite Kenesa built by famous architect Vladislav Gorodetsky around 1900.

Also on Yaroslaviv shaft you will find residence of Indian Ambassador and a lot of embassies. Another great building of the street is the house of Podgorsky, built around 1851.

Pictures by http://wek.kiev.ua, http://www.archdesignfoto.com, http://ru.wikipedia.org
Written by Kateryna Martynenko

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