Ancient city on the banks of the Dnieper

Kiev, Ukraine Ukrainian capital Kiev is famous for unique architectural monuments. Many of its historic buildings and churches are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Art and architecture of Kiev are important not only for Ukraine but also for the whole world, as part of the historical heritage of all mankind. It is impossible not to admire the beauty of St. Sophia Cathedral and St. Andrew's Church, built in the typical style of Ukrainian Baroque. At the heart of the city are two churches, built in XI century. Walk around them may itself become an exciting adventure, as there are numerous catacombs, bell tower and a museum with a curious collection. Saint Sophia Cathedral Kiev is the place where the river Desna flows into the Dnieper. Kiev is the regional center of the Kiev region, however, is not included in its membership and is a separate administrative unit. The population of the Ukrainian capital to nearly three million people, this is why Kiev is the largest city in the country. Also Kiev - one of the most important ports of Ukraine, in addition, he is considered one of the oldest cities in Eastern Europe. The city turned into a major shopping center by the end of the ninth century, at the same time in Kiev began to reign the Normans. The mighty Dnieper In the XVII-century Kiev fell under Russian control. For a long time it remained a provincial town and is not of particular importance. This situation lasted until the industrial revolution of the XIX century. At the beginning of XX century, the city is at the center of several major military conflicts such as World War I, Russian Civil War, the Soviet-Polish war. The short time Kiev became the capital of an independent Ukrainian state. Since 1934, Kiev became the capital of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic. The dome of St. Sophia Cathedral in the number of architectural and historical sights of Kiev it is worth noting Vladimir Cathedral, built in XIX century. Near the city center are the Golden Gate, built in 1037. Particular attention should be paid to the St. Sophia Cathedral, which is the most famous landmark of the country. Large and magnificent monastic complex was built between 1017 and 1031 years in honor of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, won a crushing victory over the hordes Pechenegs. Golden Gate Cathedral is named in honor of being in Istanbul, Hagia Sophia, and is surrounded by smaller churches that bear the names of many other saints. Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kiev, decorated by thirteen golden domes. The inner part of it is decorated with beautiful frescoes and mosaics, most of which dates from the XI century. The uniqueness of them is still in the fact that the palette of mosaics, placed on a gold background, there were 177 shades. Here you can see very beautiful image of the praying Virgin Mary, the mosaic image of the Virgin, which was called "inviolable wall". This religious masterpiece reaches a height of six meters. For an image of the Virgin robes were used 21 shade of blue, which gives an incredible mosaic of realism and depth of detail. Mosaic of the Virgin "inviolable wall" Kiev-Pechersk Lavra is one of the oldest and most important monasteries, not only in Ukraine but also in the former Soviet Union. According to one of the beliefs, the monastery was built by the Lord God. Kiev-Pechersk Lavra is considered the cradle of spirituality throughout the Ukrainian culture. At the height of the dome is almost 100 meters, which allowed the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra almost two centuries regarded as the highest structure in the Ukrainian capital. Kiev-Pechersk Lavra monastery was founded in 1015 on a wooded plateau overlooking the Dnieper. Today this territory is part of the city center. For centuries this religious complex is constantly supplemented by new buildings, however, most churches and cathedrals were built in the XVII century, and only the Gate Church of the Holy Trinity was built in XII century and still retains its unique ancient frescoes. The main cathedral of the Lavra is the cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who in the middle of last century was almost destroyed. In 2000, the cathedral was completely restored, has also been updated greenery of the monastery complex. Laurus is one of the symbols of Kyiv and the Ukrainian culture and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site.