Kiev is Ukraine’s vibrant capital and largest metropolis, sprawling across both sides of the Dnieper River. This combination of antique and modern buildings is home to three million people. Kiev’s stunning cathedrals and monasteries spill out onto cobblestone streets and lush green spaces and parks. Although many buildings were demolished during the Communist occupation, some of Ukraine’s exquisite architecture survived and stands as a tribute to the city’s tenacity.

Kiev – or Kyiv – was first known as Kievan Rus in the 5th century and saw its peak prosperity during the 11th and 12th centuries, when it served as a major commercial route between the Baltic and Mediterranean. The following are the top five reasons to visit Kiev.

1. St. Sophia Cathedral

St. Sophia, named after Istanbul’s famous Hagia Sofia, was Ukraine’s first UNESCO World Heritage site and a local landmark. In addition to the beautiful green and gold-domed cathedral, the complex features a bell tower and the Metropolitan House.

Centuries before the Czars, Kiev was the hub of Slavic mysticism.  Prince Yaroslav the Wise began construction on the Byzantine cathedral, Kiev’s oldest church, about 1037, but it took two decades to complete. In Kiev’s splendor, the princes were crowned at St. Sophia, and the Kievan rulers were buried there.

In modern times, the church has been the subject of controversy, with many religious factions claiming ownership. In 1995, a brutal mob disrupted Patriarch Volodymyr’s funeral, preventing the burial on the premises. As a result of this occurrence, the church no longer hosts services and now operates a secular museum of Byzantine history and architecture.

2 Pechersk Lavra

Pechersk Lavra (also known as the Monastery of the Caves), an 11th-century UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Ukraine’s Seven Wonders, is a must-see in Kiev.   The large sacred grounds include cathedrals, chapels, monasteries, catacombs, tunnels, and a bell tower.

The site comprises a labyrinth of small vaults with open coffins showcasing mummified bodies of monks who originally lived on the grounds.

Pace yourself and reach the top of the bell tower!  You’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view and a fantastic selfie opportunity with the bright gold domes of the Dormition Cathedral and the Dnieper River in the background.

3 Mezhyhirya Residence

Former President Viktor Yanukovych lived at the Mezhyhirya Palace, commonly known as “the Museum of Corruption,” from 2002 to 2014. Yanukovych’s decadent estate was once a monastery, but was closed by the Bolsheviks in 1923 after the Soviet Union was established.

The estate is now a state-owned museum, which opened to the public in 2014 as a visible reminder of the former president’s extravagant and opulent lifestyle. Yanukovich fled to Russia following the Maidan Revolution of 2014. After he left the palace, the Automaidan activists looked after it and kept it from being robbed until it was converted into a state-owned public park.

The estate consists of almost 350 acres of manmade lakes and lush gardens along the Dnieper River.

4 Traditional Food

Varenyky, also known as pierogis in some parts of Western Ukraine, are traditional dough dumplings stuffed with mashed potatoes and fried onions, minced pork, or pickled cabbage. They can also be filled with fruit, such cherries, and served with sour cream and honey for dessert.

If you want, you can take a cooking class in Kiev and learn how to create varenyky. First, dough is produced by combining flour, salt, butter, and evaporated milk, then kneaded and molded into a ball that is rested for 30 minutes. The dough is then smoothed out to a thin, flat layer and cut into 3-inch rounds.

We placed pre-boiled sour cherries in the center, folded the dough in half, and pressed the edges. The stuffed pastries were boiled briefly and served hot. A great and enjoyable experience!

5 Andriivskyi Descent

Andriivskyi Descent is a historic cobblestone route in Kyiv, Ukraine that connects the city’s Upper Town to the Podil area. Often referred to as the “Montmartre of Kyiv,” it is a popular tourist destination recognized for its art galleries, souvenir stores, and attractiveness, as well as the placement of St. Andrew’s Church at the top end. The roadway is around 735 meters long.

It is a popular tourist destination, recognized for its artistic and historical aura, and is frequently compared to Paris’ Montmartre.

Concluding

Ukraine is safe as long as you avoid Crimea, which is located in the country’s far east and is embroiled in a territorial conflict with Russia. The US Department of State has issued a caution to US residents to postpone all travel to the Crimean peninsula, although there are no limitations on visiting Kiev or other lovely towns such as Odessa and Lviv.

Ukrainians are friendly and welcoming, although the majority do not speak English, however this is changing among the younger generation. And then there’s the completely unknown Cyrillic alphabet. These are the factors to consider when organizing a vacation to Ukraine.