Attractions in Kyiv cannot be described briefly. During its long years history the city has built countless sights that are worth mentioning. If you want to get acquainted with this marvelous city you won’t need any public transportation but strong legs will be of good use.
To start with a tourist needs to understand that Kyiv is divided into two parts by the river Dnepr. It also stands on the hills, that’s why it has lower city and the upper city. So prepare to walk a lot because if you start, you will want to see more and more.
One of the best architectural and historical sights in Kyiv, one of top 10 places to visit is Golden Gates. The monument was built about a 1 000 years ago during the reign of Knyaz (prince) Yaroslav the Wise whose monument stands on the right side of the Golden Gates. The gates used to be the only entrance to the city and were designed to inspire its citizens by its mighty and frighten enemies by its strength and impregnability. The main part of the monument consists of a 14 meters perforated tower. From the outer envelope the monument has an additional “Little tower”. The entrance through the gates is overlaid by the wooden railing and from the other side by the gate leafs which were designed by the example of ancient gates. The barbican church was recreated as a one domed temple; its floors are decorated with mosaics and frescos. Today it works as a museum and is one of the most popular cultural spots in Kyiv. Next to this historical place there is a one of top pubs which is called Golden Gate Pub. After a little excursion around Golden Gates, enjoy nice atmosphere in the pub.
Another great sight in Kyiv is Mariinskiy Palace. Together with the Anderw’s church that is one of the churches and cathedrals of Kyiv it was built by the order of the Russian empress Elizabeth in 1744 when she visited Kyiv. It was designed by the famous Italian architect Rustrelli and constructed by Michurin. The main front piece is faced to the Mariinsky park which itself a masterpiece. From the other side the place is faced to the Royal gardens which were established in 1743. Palatial complex was constructed in a luxurious Baroque style: the main two-floor corpus one-floor side annexes form a vast garden. The main artistic elements of the palace are ornamentally decorated items, furniture, lusters, painting, beautiful fountains and everything that is connected with a fascinating style Baroque. Presently, this touristic attraction is a governmental residence and is often called “President’s residence”.
The best example of the developing city is its architecture. One of the most popular spots that represent modern architecture is the House with Chimaeras. This building was constructed by the polish architect Gorodeckyi in 1903.It took him only two years to build one of the most stunning places in Kyiv. The architect explained that: “the building might be weird but there will be no person who could pass it by without looking at it.” And, indeed, it’s true; the House with Chimeras is extremely interesting: each part of the building is decorated with some extraordinary figures of animals and other creatures. The inside is even more surprising, décor and style, everything is above imagination. The House of Chimaeras is currently open for visitors as a museum-cultural center “Treasures of Ukrainian Art”. Because of the large steam of people, the visit should be booked ahead.
