Day 1 in Kiev
Discover Kiev’s history!
Although Kiev is a city with an enormous surface, we recommend you to discover it on foot. The boulevards are wide and sufficiently well-equipped every tourist to be able to get to any destination. Moreover, thus you will be able to see other places of interest on your way to those that are considered the most important.
Start your Ukrainian adventure on the Maidan Nezalezhnosti – the central square of Kiev, the heart of the Ukrainian capital! Since 1990, the square has been the traditional place for political rallies, but it is also a regular site for non-political displays and events. The main landmarks, located among lined trees and fountains, are the Monument to Founders of Kiev, the Independence Monument and the Lach Gates, with a sculpture of Archangel Michael, the city’s symbol, on its top.
Take a walk on Khreshchatyk boulevard – the main trade artery of Kiev and the oldest in the center of the city. The boulevard is open just for pedestrians on weekends, and many important events are organized here. The majority of locals like to walk on this street, Ukrainian artists exhibit their paintings, tens of singers create a lively atmosphere and cheap jacks are ready to offer you whatever you would like here.
Next, direct to the Golden Gates of Kiev – the main gate in the 11th century fortifications of the Ukrainian capital. Although the original structure was dismantled in the Middle Ages, it was completely rebuilt in 1982 by the Soviet authorities, though no images of the initial gates have survived. In front of the Gate, the monument to Yaroslav the Wise can be seen.
Discover one of the most impressive buildings from Ukraine, built at the order of empress Elizabeth Petrovna – the Mariyinsky Palace. The edifice is built in Baroque style by the worldwide famous architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli. Once with the palace, a park was landscaped around it, where you can now take a rest. The Palace is the residence of the President of Ukraine and is in the close vicinity of the neo-classical building of the Verkhovna Rada, the Parliament.
