Kiev Travel Guide

Being the largest city and capital of Ukraine, Kiev attracts tourists with its historical richness. Being highly developed in architecture and culture and considered as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, Kiev is also one of the favorite destinations of all-season tourism. There are many historical places that you must visit while you are in Kiev. Apart from this rich historical structure, Kiev takes tourists on a special journey with its parks and green nature.

St. Sophia's Cathedral

Kiev, the capital of Ukraine, is also a city that is rich in historical structures. St. Sophia's Cathedral, which is the oldest church in Kiev, is another important structure in this historical city, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.  St. Sophia's Cathedral, which took its name from Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, also serves as a museum today. Located outside the cathedral and attracting a great deal of attention by tourists, the Bell Tower offers the opportunity to overlook the unique view of Kiev.

Pecherska Lavra

Being the oldest worship place in Ukraine and also known as the Monastery of the Caves, Pecherska Lavra contains 18 churches, 6 of which are underground, on a large area of 28 hectares. Included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, Pecherska Lavra has a 900-year history. Pecherska Lavra is also considered as the most sacred region of Slavic countries. These make Pecherska Lavra one of the must-visit spots when you come to Kiev.

Independence Square (Maidan Nezalezhnosti)

Independence Square (Maidan Nezalezhnosti), which is located right in the center of Kiev and can be called as the heart of Kiev in this sense, hosts Khreshchatyk Street, the most popular street in Kiev. It is known as the area where Ukrainian people, who wanted to separate from the Soviet Union, staged demonstrations, and as the square of those who made camps for the orange revolution in 2004. Being the meeting point of the people of Kiev, the Independence Square is closed to traffic at the weekends and witnesses pleasant moments.

Golden Gate (Zoloti Vorota)

The Golden Gate (Zoloti Vorota) is one of the symbols of Kiev and among the must-visit historical structures. The Golden Gate was built as an entry gate to the city walls when it was decided to build city walls at the entrances to the city under the influence of Byzantine architecture in the 11th century.  Although the city walls were destroyed since that time, the Golden Gate has survived until now. Golden Gate, the historical importance of which increased due to this feature, is one of the frequently visited places by the tourists.

Mariinsky Palace

Located in Mariinsky Park, one of the largest parks in Kiev, the Mariinsky Palace, which was designed by Russian architect Ivan Michuryn and built by Bartolomeo Rastelli in 1750, is one of the most magnificent structures in Kiev. This magnificent baroque palace was home to Tsar Family for long years and is now used as the official ceremonial palace of the President in Kiev. This magnificent building is also an ideal place for those who want to get fresh park air.

Pirogovo Open Air Museum

Being a must-visit spot for those who want to know more about Ukrainian culture, Pirogovo Open Air Museum is also the oldest open-air museum in Europe. Located on an area of 160 hectares, Pirogova Open Air Museum contains six villages that have preserved their traditionalism of approximately 300 years. These villages are considered as live museums and offer the opportunity to see local houses, windmills, wooden factories, churches and farms.

Chernobyl Museum

Chernobyl Museum is a museum that was built in memory of the Chernobyl disaster in 1986. Newspaper clippings, letters, visual and written items with memorable value and arts related to Chernobyl Disaster are found in the Chernobyl Museum, which is a highly impressive museum touching the souls. In the Chernobyl Museum, there is also a special section in memory of those who lost their lives in this disaster. Those who want to know more about this tragic event, which was witnessed by whole world, can join daily Chernobyl tours.