Kyiv, the Capital of Ukraine

Kiev is one of the biggest cities in Europe. It is a bustling capital of independent Ukraine, its administrative, economic, scientific, cultural and educational center. This scenic city with population of over 3 million people is located on the shores of the Dnepr River. Kiev is a city of invaluable historical and cultural monuments, a city of great events and outstanding people. Everyone will find there something especially interesting for himself.

City's location was preordained by nature itself for a unique settlement. The city arose of the frontier between the forest and forest-steppe zones, in a place where trade between tribes was lively. The city is cituated on the river Dnieper - one of the most important navigation arteries in Europe, part of the ancient trade route "from the Varangians to the Greeks". It is also the place where the Desna river flows into the Dnieper. The landscape consists of a series of elevations intersected by streams and ravines, which create secure natural fortifications. The legend about the founding of Kiev tells: "And there were three brothers: one known as Kiy, the second - Scheck, and the third - Khoriv; and their sister was Lybid. Kiy settled on the mountain that is now the Borichev Slope; Scheck settled on the mountain now known as Scheckavitsa; and Khoriv lived on the mountain now known as Khorevitsa. They built a town, and they called it Kyiv afer the oldest brother. The forest round the town was big and there were a lot of animals. Those men were wise and clever, and their people were called the Polians." This is the starting point of the history of the city on the Dnieper-Slavutich - the acknowledged spiritual center of Rus, Ukraine and the eastern Slavs.

The art and architecture of Kiev are considered world treasures. Many famous artists, poets and writers estimated the unique beauty of this city. The most renowned landmarks include: Cathedral of St. Sophia with outstanding mosaics and frescoes dating