We are pleased to present to you the capital of Ukraine - Kiev. Kiev is beautiful and unique city. The city's natural landscape with the boundless expanses of the Dnieper is in itself remarkably picturesque. The architectural ambience of the city has been built up over fifteen centuries of construction. Set amidst the natural landscape, the city's architectural masterpieces create a unrivalled impression. Many historic monuments are preserved in Kiev. Kiev's location was preordained by nature itself for a unique settlement. The city arose on the frontier between the forest and forest-steppe zones, in a place where trade between tribes was lively. The city is situated on the river Dnieper - one of the most important navigation arteries in Europe, part of the ancient trade route "from the Varangians to the Greeks". The landscape consists of a series of elevations intersected by streams and ravines, which create secure natural fortifications. The legend about the founding of Kiev tells: "And there were three brothers: Kiy, Scheck, Khoriv, and their sister was Lybid. They built a town and they called it Kiev, after the oldest brother". This is the starting point of the history of the city on the Dnieper - the acknowledge spiritual center of Rus, Ukraine and the eastern Slavs. Today Kiev is the capital of Ukraine, has a population of more then 2,6 million people. It occupies an area of 827 square kilometers.

Khreshchatik ensemble.
The most grandiose architectural ensemble of the Soviet era. After it was destroyed in the war, the central street arose like a triumphant chord of beauty and optimism.

Sophia cathedral.
The greatest and most famous of the old cathedrals of Eastern Europe, a world-famous masterpiece of architecture, with frescos and mosaic art.

Kiev-Pechersk Lavra.
One of Europe’s holiest repositories of Orthodox relics. An architectural and artistic complex and museum are here united with the resting place of the imperishable remains of the Saints in the Near and far caves, where piligrims have worshipped for hundreds of years.

Vladimir Cathedral.
The most outstanding complex of sacral art of the late 19th century. The paintings in the cathedral are the work of such great artists as V. Vasnetsov, M. Nesterov, M. Vrubel, and others. They exerted considerable influence upon domestic and European art.

Andreyevky spusk.
The most picturesque street. Astonishing landscape, the incomparable Andreyevskaya Church, the Original Castle of Richard of the Lion Heart, Bulgakov’s reliquiae and a lively market for souvenirs and art works.

The House with chimeras.
The most unusual house. The creation of the irrepressible fantasy of Vladislav Gorodetsky, architect, romantic and passionate hunter, who splashed out on the front of the building a whole world stemming from his creative imagination.

Gardens and parks above the Dnieper.
The most pleasant place in the city. Stretching along the green slopes above the Dnieper are the Vladimirskaya Hill, the Khreshchaty Park, the Askold’s Grave Park, the Park of Eternal Glory and the Botanical Gardens.