Kiev Favorites

Favorite thing: In 1957 the park, placed near of Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra in the end of XIX century, was turned to the Park of Glory in honour of memory of people who died in the war of 1941-1945. Thus there are two memorials in honour of WWII in the city. Besides both are aituated in 15 minutes by walk from each other.

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Favorite thing: The one of the most impressive houses in Kiev (as well as in other cities) is The House with Chimeras. It is situated in front of President Administration on Bankovskaya Street. The building was built in 1901-1903 by Gorodetsky architect and it used to be so named profitable house (the house that gave profit from renting). Every floor had the only big appartment. In Soviet times the floors were divided in several rooms each floors, some later it was the hospital. The building was completely reconstructed in 2003-2004 and now it is the small residence of Ukrainian President.

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Favorite thing: On Andreevsky Slope Street you can see Andreevskaya Church. It was built in 1749-1754 by Rastrelli architect in order of Elizaveta I Empress. According to the legend in old times the sea took place on the territory where Kiev now is. Then St Andrey had a sleep on the hill where the church is and the sea hid itself to the hill and now there is water well under the church. Another legend explains why the church hasn't bells. So if the bells toll then the sleeping sea will be waken up and Kiev will be completely drowned. So switch your mobiles there, just in case... :-)

Favorite thing: Dnepr River divides the city in two parts and make the wonderful paths of flowing water. Dnepr is one of the longest rier of Europe. In the area near of Kiev the river forms some river basins. It is very popular among local citizens to get a rest there. For example, there are beaches exactly in the centre of the city. Some wonderful views of Dnepr River as well as the city, you may enjoy from the pedestrian bridge near of Khreshaty Park.
Area in 40 km from the city with the big river basin has a name "Kiev Sea" :-))

Favorite thing: Nowadays it is the central street of the city although only 200 years ago there was forest and the small river here. First houses date back to 1797 near of Dnepr River. in the end of XIX century the street became the economical vein of the city. Many shops were open here. In 1890 first horse-tram of Kiev began to work in the street. Maidan Nezalezhnosti, the symbol of Ukrainian independence, is situated in Kreschatik Street as well.

Favorite thing: These building was built in 1898-1905 by the design of architect E. Yermakov. In early 1990 this building was in the most awful condition as many other buildings in this area: hollow broken windows, broken walls and floors. I would say that was a shame of Kiev's downtown. However, in late 1990 or maybe even in the new century (I may be mistaken about precise dates) the building was reconstructed and turned into new fashionable appartment building. However, I think, the type of the residents who can afford to live in this building didn't change with centuries - Kievs metropolitans, or elite as Kievans like to say.

Fondest memory: Years ago this square didn't look as it looks now. Around the monument of Bogdan Khmelnitskiy there was a traffic and the way for a trolleybus. Right in front of the entrance to St. Sophia Cathedral there were a trolleybus' station. There was not as much traffic those years around there, so it was pretty much safe to cross the road, which is the problem nowdays.

Fondest memory: After proclaiming the Independence of Ukraine the changes in monuments and architecture began. Ukrainians tried to get rid of everything that would remind them about unfair union with Russia. Those days, the monument of Bogdan Kmelnytskyy was indangered because many people desired its demolition. Every day when I was on the Sofiyivska Square I was looking whether the monument was still there. I am happy that idea was not fulfilled and I still can look at this monument that I remember since I was a little girl.