Kyiv is one of the largest and oldest cities in Europe with the greatest history. It is a city with a unique landscape, numerous parks, botanical gardens, and an open-air museum. Kyiv invites you to visit its most interesting sights, which should not be missed while traveling in the capital.

1. Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv is today a classic university with a distinct research profile and the leading contemporary academic and educational hub of Ukraine. With the independent Ukrainian nation arising, the University is facing new challenges and responsibilities. The red color of the facade and the black details of the columns correspond to the colors of the Order of St. Volodymyr, as the University of Kyiv was originally named after St. Volodymyr. Before finishing the main building, Kyiv University was housed in General Begichev’s palace on Institutska Street. The University of Kyiv was founded by the order of the Russian Emperor Nicholas I in November 1833. The high status of a classical research University is underpinned by the numerous academic achievements of its staff. The staff at the University have a broad range of formal achievements recognized, in particular with the State Prize of Ukraine in Science and Technology, Awards from the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and branches of the national academies of sciences, Orders of Merit, Orders of Saints Cyril and Methodius, awards of the honorary title of Honoured Educationalist of Ukraine and Honoured Lawyer of Ukraine, also Awards by the President of Ukraine for young academics and Awards by the Ukrainian Parliament to the most talented young scientists in basic and applied research, and scientific and technological development. The University awards Junior Specialist’s, Bachelor’s, Specialist’s, and Master’s degrees, Higher Qualification Post-graduate degrees, and Doctoral degrees. Training and retraining programs are provided in 14 specialties of Junior Specialist qualification, 55 fields of Bachelor training programs, 49 areas of Specialist training programs, and 98 fields of Master training programs. More than 26 thousand students study at the University. Approximately 1,645 postgraduate students and 125 Ph.D. students are working for higher qualifications at the University. Over 350 doctoral and higher postgraduate theses are submitted annually at the university. Courses are provided by 198 Departments. The academic potential of Kyiv University is today demonstrated by more than 60 full members and corresponding members of the National Academy of Science of Ukraine, 626 members of staff with Doctor degrees, and 1,645 staff with higher postgraduate degrees. There are 13 Faculties within the University: Geography, Economics, History, Cybernetics, Mathematics and Mechanics, Sociology, Information Technology, Radio Physics, Electronics and Computer Systems, Psychology, Physics, Philosophy, Chemistry, and Law. There are 8 Institutes (the Military Academy, the High Technology Centre, the Institute of Journalism, the Institute of Geology, the Institute of International Relations, the Postgraduate Education Centre, the Institute of Linguistics, and the State Security Department) and 1 Training and Research Center (the Institute of Biology), 2 Colleges (Optical and Mechanical College, Geological Exploring College), Ukrainian Physical and Mathematical Lyceum. Kyiv University has a number of other facilities, including a Ukrainian Studies Centre, a Geological and Zoological Museum, a Museum of the University History, an Interfaculty Museum of Linguistics, an Informatics Centre, an Astronomical Observatory, a publishing and reprographics unit called “Kyiv University”, and the Maksymovych Academic Library. At the time of writing, 3,362,359 specimens of documents were held in inventory.

2. The Motherland is a popular place in Kyiv, which is a grandiose sculpture monument constructed on the right bank of the Dnieper in 1981. The monument is dedicated to the heroes of World War II. In addition, here you can visit a museum exposition about the historical facts of the military operations of 1941-1945.

3. Pyrohovo Open-Air Museum. It is a picturesque area of high historical value. It got its name from the village that existed on this territory since the 17th century. Here you can visit the Museum of Folk Architecture and Life, located in the open air, get acquainted with the magnificent sights and monuments of the culture and history of different regions of our country.

4. The majestic and mysterious in its architecture, the St. Nicholas Church causes sincere delight. You can admire its intricate patterns for hours, penetrating deep into the centuries. It is a Roman Catholic church dedicated to Saint Nicholas. Since 1980, the House of Chamber and Organ Music has been located in its building.

5. One of the most beautiful architectural masterpieces in the capital, the Mariinsky Palace, is located on the right bank of the Dnipro River. Its luxurious premises house the residence of the Ukrainian president, where the most distinguished receptions and solemn ceremonies of national importance are held. The architectural style of the palace is Baroque. The order for its construction in 1744 was issued by Empress Elizabeth herself.

6. An architectural and historical monument, the Golden Gate, has been perfectly preserved since the reign of Yaroslav the Wise. Then the building was a huge fortress with a wide passage.

7. The amazing Saint Sophia Cathedral will be the best place for lovers of religious and historical monuments. The building was erected in the 11th century in the central part of the capital by the order of Yaroslav the Wise. Later, the cathedral was rebuilt and given elements of the Ukrainian Baroque architectural style.

8. Every Ukrainian, no doubt, has heard of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra – a grandiose architectural, historical, and religious monument in Kyiv. It is the oldest monastery, built in 1051. The attraction is known for its amazing temples and churches, mysterious caves with relics of saints, picturesque towers, and other valuable structures.

9. In the very center of Kyiv, there is one of the oldest botanical gardens in Ukraine – the garden named after Academician A.V. Fomin. The large garden, founded in the 19th century, is home to a wide variety of plants, some of which are exotic.

10. Andriyivskyy Descent is a picturesque street in Kyiv, which was the oldest route connecting important trade areas. This place got its name from St. Andrew’s Church (mid-18th century), located at its upper end.