The capital of Ukraine, Kiev, is one of the oldest European cities. Its foundation was foretold by the Apostle Andrew who has erected a cross on top of the Dnieper hills: “Here shall be a great city where God will raise numerous churches”. Kiev was founded by a Slavic prince Kiy, his brothers Sheck, Horiv and sister Lybed in 482A.D. In the early Middle Ages, Kiev became the center of Kievan Rus that was later split into Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus.

Even today you can see a lot of ancient monuments on your way through the city. You can still see the walls of the old fortress, stand on the foundations built during the previous epochs, visit churches dating back almost a thousand years, relax in shady parks, or walk on the embankment of Dnieper – one of the major rivers of Europe. Even the names of the streets recall the old times – for instance, the streets Olginskaya, Igorevskaya, Vladimirskaya and Yaroslavov Val were named after the Old Russian kings.

Legends say that in the 13th century, the Mongolian Baty-khan didn’t rush to build Kiev right after arriving to the walls of the fortress. He was impressed so much by the beauty of the city and its golden cupolas shining against the green background of luxuriant vegetation. Kiev-Pechora lavra is still shining the way it used to 8 centuries ago. The lavra is the oldest (XI-XII centuries) monastery of Kievan Rus, the center of the Russian Orthodox Church. Legendary hero, Ilya Muromets, is buried here. Kiev-Pechora lavra includes such architectural pearls as Uspensky Cathedral, Great Bell Tower of Lavr (the highest point of Kiev), and much, much more.

Visit the Sophian Cathedral – the oldest of existing monuments of Kievan Rus which was added to the UNESCO registry - or the Church of Kiryl which hasn’t ever been changed since the XII century.

Kiev is also the cultural center of the state. For example, the Kiev Opera Theatre – one of the most famous opera and ballet scenes of Europe – is located here. An international university, Kiev-Mogilyan, is developing quickly. Being founded as a school of the Bratskiy monastery, it soon became the first institution of higher education in Russia. Besides, the Ukrainian National Academy of Science and most of its institutions are located in Kiev as well. There are more than 300 active research and design organizations and 17 major Ukrainian universities situated in the city. Kiev is also the home of dozens of museums, theatres, and exhibition centers.

If you happen to come to Kiev in spring, visit the Central Botanical Gardens. It gets especially beautiful during the blossoming period of the lilacs (there are more than 200 species of this flower growing in the Gardens).

One of the biggest world’s outdoor museums, the Museum of National Architecture and Life, (150 hectares) receives visitors all year round. A giant statue of the Motherland towers over the Museum of World War II can be seen from almost any point of Kiev.

There are public institutions located in some of the famous buildings. For instance, the House with Chimeras (one of the most extravagant buildings of the city) serves as the Second Palace of the President of Ukraine. Marvelous Mariinsky palace that was originally built for Russian tsars has become the main palace of the President. The National Bank of Ukraine is situated in a solid Italian Renaissance edifice.

The capital is the home for the President, the Ministry of Ukraine, most government departments, and foreign embassies.

Kiev is a very special city. It is a harmonious combination of historic monuments, modern architecture, and nature. It has a highly developed industry, including the powerful construction branch, and modern science. The budget of the capital exceeds the budget of several districts put together. Today Kiev is going through a “construction boom” and is among 30 most expensive cities in the world.