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Kiev History Overview

Kiev is thought to date back to around 400AD. It is generally agreed that it was an outlying part of the Khazar Empire from the 8th century. In the 9th century it was governed by nobles, later known as the Kievan Russians. In 1240 the city was destroyed by invading Mongols. In 1362 the area was occupied by the Gediminas - allies of the Duchy of Lithuania. In 1569 it became part of the Polish - Lithuanian Commonwealth. It later become a state of the Polish Crown. before in the 17th century becoming part of the Russia.

At first under Russian rule it remained a small provincial town until the 19th century. In the latter part of this century, following the Russian Industrial Revolution, it flourished and became one of Russia's most important industrial cities. Post the Russian Revolution in 1917 Kiev was the capital of several short lived Ukrainian States as a result of the internal Russian conflicts and the Russian Polish War. In 1921 it once again became part of Russia before becoming the capital of the Soviet Ukraine in 1934. Under Soviet rule its economy boomed until the Chernobyl Nuclear Accident 100 KLM north of the city in 1986.

This Chernobyl Accident severely damaged the Ukraine's previously close relationship with Moscow and when communism collapsed Kiev became the capital of an independent Ukraine on August 24 1991. See also The Orange Revolution / Ukraine History.

 

Kiev City Guide - Business & Tourist Travel Information

Sightseeing & Attractions In Kiev

This city, like the nation it is capital of, has strong European leanings and may one day become as popular Budapest or Prague. Recently it is has had a high profile in International and European Media with The Orange Revolution of 2004 being seen in homes worldwide.

Some of the city's buildings are are staggering. The Cava Monastery which is nearly 800 years old and includes 75 burial chambers occupied by Saints and politicians is one of the most notable - even if you have to purchase a candle on entry. Slightly older is St Sophia's Cathedral a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the walls are ordained with frescoes, mosaics and paintings dedicated to God. Some of these treasures were stolen by the Nazis in WW2 and remain in German Museums today. Built in 1037, restored in 1983 and now relocated next to Zoloti Vorota metro station

The Golden Gate and it fortified wall once was the only way into Kiev. It is now known as the Golden Gate Historical Museum. In Volodmyrs'ka St, The National Opera House is impressive both inside and out. Opera lovers from Western Europe will appreciate the ticket prices which are between 8- 10 USD / Euros. In Old Kiev Andriyivs'kiy Uzviz there is a lovely road with shops selling antiques,paintings, gifts & souvenirs. It has a Neurodova (Praha) ring about it. Visitors might also like The Folk Architectural & Rural Life Museum in the SW suburbs which often features music events on Sundays.

Restaurants In Kiev

Kiev has over 300 Restaurants and Bars, many with a european flavour which open late. One is the very relaxed, but busy Art Club Restaurant at 44 Khreschaty St. Another is Bud'Mo at 138 Zabolotnogo Str (closes at 11pm). Sample Ukrainian food from Za Duoma Zaytsiamy 34 Andriyivsky Descent. La Russ 1 Mezhigorskaya Str. offers a interesting Russian only menu. There is also a TGI Fridays.

Crime and Personal Safety & Security In Kiev

Pick pockets and bag snatchers operate in tourist areas and in places like rail and bus stations. Commuters on Suburban journeys above ground are occasionally subject to picket pockets and robbery.

Some professional pick pockets and thieves will try attempt to engage you in conversation. To do this they may drop money in front of you and when 'apparently' finding it they will ask you if it is yours. They may even offer you some of it. If this happens do not say anything and walk away.

You may also risk being robbed if you accept drinks from a stranger who you meet outside or in a bar as regardless of the sex of new found friend your drink might be spiked. Meetings and public demonstrations should also be avoided

Kiev Night Life - Nightclubs Music Dance
european clubbing & nightlife
european stag & hen weekends

Kiev has a fast developing night life with an increasing number of music and dance clubs -though the number of venues that stay open to breakfast is limited. One place that does is the River Palace at Naberezhne Shosse a river boat that offers a music club, restaurant and casino. The food is good but be warned this is aimed at rich male tourists. Telephone: 490-6695.

Much less expensive is the Cocktail Bar ( 1 Peremohy Pl. )which is a ' fun' discotheque with a reputation for some pretty wild partys. Popular with locals especially on Mondays and Tuesdays when entry is free.Telephone: 221-7741 Closes at 2am.

Much more expensive is the Freedom Bar (134 Frunze Street) which will liberate your money for you. The club is part of an entertainment centre which also offers a casino and a restaurant. Telephone 468 4068. Not quite as expensive is the Gold Cup ( 22 Moskovskaya ) which includes a Spanish Disco and a separate restaurant. Telephone: 254 2024 for closing times.

The locals favourite haunts are the Opium Dance Club ( 1 Saksahanskoho Street ) which is friendly and moderately priced but only opens Thursday - Saturday. Telephone 205 5393. The Moda Bar is another river boat disco ( 6 Kreschatyska Street Pier ) renowned for live bands and good music. Telephone: 416 7388.

Other Kiev The Ukraine Useful Information
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No EU Status
Currency the Hryvnia
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Travel Notes
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Kiev Airport
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European & Eastern Europe rail services to and from Kiev The Ukraine - rail tickets & international passes
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UK & European Coach services to and from & in Kiev The Ukraine
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Kiev local transport services
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Kiev The Ukraine Weather Details:
Kiev The Ukraine Weather Forecast
monthly average and extreme temperatures in Kiev The Ukraine:
	sun hours per day	Temperatures
		Average Daily		Records
		Minimum	Maximum	Lowest	Hiighest
January	1	-10	-4	-25	8
February	2	-8	-2	-22	9
March	4	-4	3	-25	22
April	6	5	14	-6	27
May	9	11	21	-1	30
June	9	14	24	4	34
July	10	15	25	9	34
August	8	14	24	3	35
September	7	10	20	2	30
October	5	6	13	-5	26
November	2	0	5	-17	18
December	1	-6	1	-24	11
extreme cold				hot
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Official Kiev Tourist Board Office :
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http://kievukraine.info/
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