Recommended Tourist Spots in the Beautiful Ancient City of Kyiv, Ukraine

Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, is a city where you can enjoy beautiful landscapes that change with the seasons. While influenced by Russian culture, the churches of the Ukrainian Orthodox faith shine with a brilliant and unique light, captivating many tourists with their design and history.

Kyiv is also home to one of the world’s leading ballet institutions, which continues to uphold traditional Russian classical ballet. If you visit, it is highly recommended to watch a performance. Here are 7 recommended tourist spots in Kyiv.

1. St. Sophia's Cathedral

If you're touring Kyiv, the first place you should visit is St. Sophia's Cathedral. It was built in 1037 as the largest cathedral of the Kyivian Principality. It was reconstructed in the 17th century, but it is considered one of the most important churches in Ukraine, built between the 11th and 18th centuries. It is also connected to the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, and the interior ambiance is quite similar.

Inside, you will find numerous mosaics and frescoes, each with its own history. It would be beneficial to hire a tour guide for a deeper understanding. You can also climb to the upper floor of St. Sophia's Cathedral for a panoramic view of Kyiv.

2. Kiev Pechersk Lavra (Kiev Monastery of the Caves)

The Kiev Pechersk Lavra, also known as the Kiev Monastery of the Caves, is an essential site when discussing Ukraine, Kyiv, and the Russian Orthodox Church. The term "lavra" refers to the fact that this monastery is the main headquarters of the Ukrainian branch of the Russian Orthodox Church. As a result, it attracts many tourists, but it also draws a significant number of pilgrims. This monastery was the first UNESCO World Heritage site registered in Ukraine in 1990. It is a must-visit spot for any Kyiv tourist.

As the name suggests, there are caves inside, where the tombs of saints are kept. Pilgrims typically bring candles to light as part of their ritual, and since the caves are dimly lit, it's recommended for tourists to purchase candles as well.

At Kiev Pechersk Lavra, you can also purchase many icon paintings (religious artworks). The grounds are vast, and it takes at least two hours to fully tour the entire area. It is about a 20-minute drive from central Kyiv, and many other tourist spots are located nearby. If you're short on time during your Kyiv visit, simply seeing the monastery and exploring the surrounding areas will still be a highly rewarding experience!

3. St. Andrew's Church

St. Andrew's Church was built by the Italian architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli between 1747 and 1754. The church is named after St. Andrew, who is believed to have brought Christianity to Ukraine. The exterior design is in the Baroque style, but the interior is characteristic of the Rococo style. Due to its well-proportioned design, it is a recommended tourist spot for both locals and visitors.

Located in the center of Kyiv, it is easy to visit. The sloped street nearby is lined with souvenir shops, adding to the lively atmosphere. Additionally, the church is beautifully illuminated at night, offering a different and enchanting ambiance compared to the daytime.

4. St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery

Located almost directly across from St. Sophia's Cathedral, St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery is one of the symbols of Kyiv, often referred to as the "city of golden domes."

Its blue walls and golden roof are eye-catching, even from a distance. The charming design of the church gives it a fairy-tale-like appearance! The interior is just as impressive, with detailed and lavish decorations. The paintings, icons, and sacred objects are intricately and beautifully done, making them a must-see.

St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery has been repeatedly demolished and restored, and it is still a church used by the people of Kyiv today. If you're visiting St. Sophia's Cathedral, make sure to also visit St. Michael's Monastery as part of your Kyiv tour.

5. National Opera of Ukraine

If you're looking to enjoy ballet, opera, and concerts while touring Kyiv, the National Opera of Ukraine is highly recommended. Ukraine's ballet and orchestras are renowned for their high level of performance in Europe. Some may already be familiar with Kyiv’s ballet and orchestra, as they have visited for performances such as the Christmas or New Year's concerts of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony.

Built in 1867, the National Opera of Ukraine boasts a majestic atmosphere that rivals opera houses in major European countries. Even if you're not familiar with concerts or ballet, it’s worth visiting just to admire the exterior.

Depending on the timing, famous performances such as the operas "Turandot" and "Don Giovanni" or the ballets "Giselle" and "Swan Lake" may be held. You can buy tickets on the day of the performance at the box office, but popular shows may sell out, so it's recommended to book tickets in advance through the website.

6. Museum of Folk Architecture and Life of Ukraine

Located in the Holosiivskyi district, about 30 minutes by car from central Kyiv, the Museum of Folk Architecture and Life of Ukraine is a tranquil outdoor museum that offers a glimpse of rural village life in Ukraine.

The museum spans 120 hectares and houses Ukrainian wooden architecture from the 16th century onwards. There are also exhibits of furniture, farming tools, and more, creating a time-travel-like atmosphere.

In addition, traditional Ukrainian crafts are demonstrated here. This is an experience of Ukrainian culture that you won’t find in the city center. The best time to visit is during the summer, when small stalls are set up, making it perfect for a picnic.

7. Golden Gate

The Golden Gate in Kyiv's Old Town was the central gate of the Kyivian Rus' era. Originally,na church with a golden roof was built atop the gate. The name "Golden Gate" is derived from the gates of Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul), which was the center of the Orthodox Christian world.

Though important to the Orthodox Church, it was destroyed by the Mongol army in the 13th century. In the 18th century, it was buried for preservation, but later excavated and studied, and was reconstructed in 1982 to resemble its original form. It has since become a major tourist attraction in Kyiv.

Interestingly, the final movement of Russian composer Mussorgsky's suite "Pictures at an Exhibition," titled "The Great Gate of Kyiv," is inspired by this Golden Gate.

◎ Kyiv: A City with Important Churches

Kyiv is not only the capital of Ukraine but also a city of significant religious and historical importance. Due to influences from various cultures such as Russian and Islamic, Kyiv offers unique architectural styles and designs that cannot be found anywhere else. Many of the city’s most iconic churches are concentrated here, making it an essential destination to explore Ukrainian culture that is still relatively unknown.

Not only the churches, but the colorful, distinctive buildings of Ukraine are also a joy to observe. Why not wander around the city while sampling local delicacies from the street stalls?

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Recommended Tourist Spots in the Beautiful Ancient City of Kyiv, Ukraine