Kiev Favorites

Favorite thing: Enormous amount of cars in Kiev and lack of parking spaces led to parking cars on the pedestrians’ walks in Kiev. This is unfortunate to drivers who are troubled with finding a parking spot. This is also unfortunate to pedestrians who lose their restfulness of stroll due to constant awareness that behind, on the side or in front can be driving car on the walkway trying to get parked.

Fondest memory: I remember Kreshchatik street’s side walks that were pleasure to walk enjoying the beauty of streets. Unfortunately now, the situation changed, all walks are filled with parked cars and crowded pedestrians who are looking for their way through. I was outraged to see such an inconvenience, but at the same time I understand that when the city was built, it was not supposed to have so many cars and now it is hard to provide parking spaces.

Favorite thing: The monument to Knyaz Volodymyr was opened in 1853 created by sculptors Vasily Demuth-Malinovsky, Peter Klodt, and architect Konstantin Thon.

Volodymyr was a first Christian grand duke (knyaz) of Kiev (c.980–1015). Vladimir was the youngest son of Svyatoslav I by his housekeeper Malusha. In 970, Vladimir was sent by his father to govern Novgorod. After Sviatoslav's death Vladimir vied with his two brothers, Yaropolk and Oleg, for the succession. About 980, he defeated his brothers and became grand duke of Kiev.

During his reign he conquered and united under Kievan Rus distant Slavic tribes and waged successful wars on the Lithuanians, the Bulgars, and the Byzantines in Crimea. At first a fervent pagan, he converted to Christianity , probably influenced by the political and economic advantages of an alliance with Byzantium. His baptism, in 988 or 989, was followed by his marriage to Anna, sister of the Byzantine Emperor Basil II. After the wedding he returned Kherson (in Crimea) to Byzantium. Vladimir renounced his profligate ways and made Greek Orthodox Christianity the religion of his people.

He devoted the remainder of his life to the building of churches and to the establishment of schools and libraries. He also enacted several statutes concerning the legal status and courts of the church. Feast: July 15.

To get there: take a trail to the park located up from Ukrainian Exhibition Hall (former Lenin's Museum).

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Favorite thing: Kiev Philarmony or National Philarmony, is a concert hall in Kiev.

At the end of 19th century, Kiev flourished in its cultural development. In 1881, the Council of Elders of the Kiev Merchants Assembly acquired permission to establish a recreational area in the Tsarist Square (now European Square) where a year later a brick building decorated with towers and metal eaves was erected by Kiev architect Nikolayev and named the Merchants' House (Merchants' Assembly) . The building rapidly gained recognition among Kiev residents and became the center for cultural gatherings where society held masquerade balls, science and political conferences, charitable lotteries, and literary evenings. But due to the building's amazing acoustics the Merchants' House was famous for its musical performances.

During the Russian Revolution the building underwent a big change in its purpose and accommodated the Proletarian House of Arts, converted to the House of Political Education, and later to the Bolshevik Club and Republican Palace of Pioneers. The Merchant's Assembly ceased to exist in 1919. In 1927, the Philharmonic Society moved to Kharkiv when it became the capital of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic. But in 1934 it returned to Kiev when the city regained its status.

At the beginning of World War II, the Philharmonic Society stopped its work, and most of its priceless archives were destroyed. During the German occupation of Kiev, the building was converted to a German Officer's Club. This was one of the important reasons why the building was not destroyed. In 1944, the Philharmonic Society resumed its operation.

Fondest memory: During the Soviet times, in 1962, the building was renamed to Kiev State Philharmonic after Mykola Lysenko for his 120th birthday anniversary and the 50th anniversary of his death. It was also awarded the status of architectural monument. In the 1980s, the building suffered a flood, during which many of its music libraries and archives perished. The conditions demanded restoration, which began in 1995. A year later, the restored building opened its doors to the public.

In October 1994, the newly elected President of Ukraine, Leonid Kuchma, granted the building the status of National Philharmonic of Ukraine. In 2000, the National Philharmonic received a cultural grant from the Government of Japan with which it was able to acquire a new concert grand piano and additional musical instruments for the symphony orchestra.

Official Web site


Information from Wikipedia

Favorite thing: Built in 1982, this monumental building was original erected as a Lenin's Museum, displaying materials documenting Lenin's life. It is interesting to note, that Lenin has never visited Kiev in his entire lifetime.

Many pupils (school students) did swear here to be a good member of Children of October, Pioneer or Komsomol Youth Organizations. They were three organizations for youth of school age (Komsomol was for university students as well). I don’t remember the age limits for each organization. But swearing for being devoted member of an organization was a holiday for many students. I should admit I was one of them. It was such times.

Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the building was renamed and converted to a conference and exhibition hall. If I am not mistaken there is nothing to see inside among exhibits, unless you want to visit one of sales over there, which happen very often.

Fondest memory: When I was 7 years old, I had a ceremony of acceptance to Organization of Children of October (oktyabryata). This building is still Lenin’s Museum for me, although I am a buyer on exhibition-sales of Ukrainian and foreign products there.

Favorite thing: European Square (Yevropeys’ka Ploscha) is a square situated at the north-eastern end of Kiev's famous Khreschatyk street. The square was known under at least 9 different names during the last two hundred years.

Originally, the square was called the Horse’s Square (Konna Ploscha) , because its location was used for horse trading.

After the 1805-1806 construction of the first theater in Kiev by the architect A. Melensky that was located at the current place of Ukrainian House the square used to be called Theatre Square (Teatralna Ploscha) .

In 1851, when the Yevropeysky Hotel was built to the designs of the architect Beretti, the square was officially renamed to European Square ('Yevropeyska Ploscha), the name that was returned to it in the post-Soviet times.

Between 1869 and 1919 the square was called Tsar Square (Tsarska Ploscha) , due to the monument of Alexander II of Russia erected there. During that time the square could also be referred to as Aleksandrovs’ka for the same reason.
In the Soviet times the square was renamed to the Third International's Square (Ploshcha Tretioho Internatsionalu).

In 1944 the square was renamed Stalin Square (Stalins’ka Ploshcha).
And in 1961, the square was named Ploscha Leninskoho Komsomolu or the Lenin's Komsomol Square.

Fondest memory: Nowdays this is the place for stage musical performances on holidays. I remember once I went to classical music performance in philarmony that located on European Square. It was Valentine's Day. So while I listened to balalayka (Russian instrument), outside I still could hear the bass of outside musicians. Believe me, those European Square performances under sky can be very loud!

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Favorite thing: Kiev is alive and full of naïve optimism! The spirit is upbeat, full of hope and with a positive vibe.
Having read what I could find about Kiev and Ukraine—I ventured off for several solo days to see what this city had to offer. (Plenty!!) Naturally impressed by the architecture and building designs, the cleanliness was impressive as well. Odessa seemed more grungy in comparison—still way cool and worth the visit! I arranged an apartment (way cheaper than hotels generally) right next to the Museum and across the street from awesome city partk (Marlinsky Park/Palace.) The park is full of life, rollerblading, couples and smiles---sort of. When you go, cross Lover’s Bridge and look for my solo initials. Find your way to Volodimir’s statue—the story of mass baptism and conversion to Christianity or face death and torture-makes accepting a change of faith more palatable.
This is a great walking park and really the whole city. Bring GOOD STABLE walking shoes. Find your way to about the only statue of Lenin—idealism is great until you include the human element. All the Cathedrals are impressive but leave lots of time for St. Andrew’s and the arts and crafts all along the hilly street- start at the top, stop for $.60 beer halfway down and spend- help the community and practice your negotiating skills in a new language, (for me this is zero knowledge.)
Kiev offers so much to see and appreciate (with wonderment and awe!) Give yourself time for thoughtful reflection all around Freedom Square any time of day but especially sunset and after dark.
I did not find Starbucks but plenty of espresso etc (< $1.00) – have several or a double premium vodka for $2.50. The food is great, prices even better. This city is truly alive with a powerful spirit now and the hope, more like expectation of more good things to come. So GO!
Incidentally, the ladies are remarkably attractive, too!!!! Safe travels

Favorite thing: You can not be sure about weather conditions at this part of Europe, even though it was summertime. My first two days were cloudy and drizzly, but then the next days were blessed by a bright sun and heat. So check out the forecast before your departure in order to pack up proper clothing. If you visit the city in winter months I bet it can be bitterly cold.

Favorite thing: Upon arrival you pass the passport control where you have to present a completed form (arrival & departure) with your personal data, purpose of trip and address in Ukraine. You need to need to fill in an address or else it won’t be accepted by the officers The same info is completed in the departure from which is returned to you and you are supposed to keep an eye on it as you are requested to give it back when you depart the country. Queues can be long so in case you’re departing, try and arrive a bit earlier than usual at the airport.