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Kiev 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 Sovet rule its economy boomed until the Chernobyl Nuclear Accident 100 KLM north of the city in 1986 (see newsview).

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

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 citys 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 Catherdral 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 surburbs which often features music events on Sundays.

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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 bewarned 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 seperate 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.