SMALL GUIDE OF KIEV, THE CAPITOL OF UKRAINE.

  

It has been several years now since that cold November when I landed in Freezing Kiev. More inexperienced than ever, I had launched myself in Eastern Europe that matters. To tell the truth, I didn't want to go to Kiev but the Wizz Air Company had forced me, firing an unmissable offer of Euro 70.00 including taxes for a return flight, which for that route was a great price, considering that Ryanair did not practice it. Logically I accepted the challenge and found myself catapulted onto the late evening flight Treviso - Kiev. Scared as ever, I immediately noticed that I was the only tourist surrounded by Nannies and very young women with 12 heels and miniskirts.

I arrived in Kiev at midnight. I struggled a lot to find the Tiu Kiev Backpackers Hostel, located in the center, very nice and convenient (5 Euros per night), but difficult to find as it lacks the signs. I had to wake half of the building to find him.

In the end, with a lot of difficulties, everything went well and I managed to visit the great Kiev quite well and still today I carry a good memory of that wonderful adventure.

 

LIST AND DESCRIPTIONS OF THE 35 BEST ATTRACTIONS TO SEE IN KIEV

 

 

1. The visit to Kiev starts from Vladimir Hill from which you can enjoy a suggestive view of the Dnieper River with the port, the funicular, the lookout and the park.

2. On the Sant'Andrea descent stands the church of the same name (with its souvenir market to be negotiated). as for the relics of the war on the descent of Sant'Andrea you can find everything. metal things like war crosses, skulls of death's heads, SS rings, Luftwaffe badges better pack them, otherwise at passport control you will catch a Nazi screaming loudly and with a tip to be given to the policeman on duty. the big boss knows something. In short, there is also a big risk. However okkio that most of them are shit like everything else that is made of canvas. best to go on Russian memorabilia. maybe those can be original.

3. First and most characteristic of the city districts is "Podol" with the Merchants' Courtyard.

4. The center of Kiev is particularly characteristic: long lines of trees, outdoor kiosks and benches everywhere !!

The most significant places of art in the capital are the Cathedral of Santa Sofia of 1037 with frescoes and mosaics of great value. The Old Town is concentrated around the north-eastern end of vulitsya Volodymyrska and contains a large part of the historical monuments of Kiev. The most important building is the 11th century Cathedral of Santa Sofia, which houses some of the largest mosaics and frescoes in the country. very close to Maidan Square

5. the church of the Savior,

6. the church of S. Giorgio,

7. the beautiful parks and gardens along the banks of the Dnieper, also inviting for a boat trip.

8. The urban agglomeration as a whole develops mainly on the right bank of the river, where the historic center is located, with a dense fabric of narrow and winding streets, on which various modern tangential and radial routes are grafted (fundamental the Kreshatik ), connected by vast squares. Here the management and administrative activities are located, while the residential districts extend all around, albeit interspersed with green areas. The entire old part of the city deserves a visit, in particular the area surrounding Kreshatik Street, which runs from the city center to the river port, full of well-preserved bars, cafes, shops and period houses. South of the cathedral is Kiev's main shopping boulevard, ulitsa Kreshchatik, a bustling street full of shops.

9. Andriyivsky vziz (Street), Kiev's most charming street, runs north from the Old Town to the start of the Podil quarter, the historic merchant quarter, where the river port is also located.

10. The heart of Podil is Kontraktova ploshcha, the square famous for the huge Kontraktova Dim (House of Contracts), with white arcades, which occupies the center of the square. The building, which dates back to 1817, now houses restaurants, galleries and offices.

11. Other Byzantine stone and brick churches date back to the period in which the city was the capital of the principality of Kiev: the Cathedral of the Dormition (1073-78);

12. the cathedral of S. Michele (1070-88) with remarkable mosaics and frescoes; very close to Maidan Square

The photograph is taken of the beautiful monastery of St. Michael in Kiev in Ukraine; the monastery, still active today, is located on the west bank of the Dnieper, in the upper part of the historic city center, above the old commercial and administrative center of Kiev.

The monastery, originally built in the Middle Ages, was destroyed by the Soviets in 1934. It took a month to destroy this splendid building, but before this destruction was completed, specialists from the Leningrad Academy of Fine Arts worked against the clock to save as much as possible of the splendid mosaics that adorned the monastery.

Only with the independence of Ukraine in 1991, the destruction was declared for what it was, and they began to plan the reconstruction of the building, which was returned to the Ukrainians, and to the whole world, in 1999, even if it took another year to rebuild the interior.

13. the church of S. Cirillo, with frescoes from the mid-twelfth century.

14. After a long period of decline, a vigorous revival took place in the Baroque period, under the influence of Western art: the most notable buildings are the work of the Italian B. F. Rastrelli (the former palace of the emperors; S.Andrea);

15. other notable buildings of the eighteenth century are the ancient academy in the Podol district,

16. the bell tower of the Kieva Pecerskaja Lavra,

17. the churches of St. Nicholas and the Intercession in Podol

18. the Kovnirovskij korpus.

19. The Ukrainian art museum is interesting, with its collection of artists from 1500 to the present day, and the museum of ancient art.

20.

21. At the southern end of Kreshatik, Bessarabska Market (with our tourist office) teems with fruit, vegetable and caviar vendors. The Old Town is easily accessible on foot from the center.

22. Further north-west is the chilling, but at the same time fascinating, Chernobyl Museum, which bears witness to the greatest nuclear disaster in history. Don't forget that it happened just 100km north.

23. A little further west is the Mykola Prytysko Church, which dates back to 1631. The plastered exterior and green roof are a fine example of early Ukrainian Baroque architecture.

24. To the south of the Old City, along the river, stands the district of Pechersk, the historic ecclesiastical center where the Monastery of the Caves, founded in 1051, is located. city, consists of numerous churches with golden domes, underground labyrinths that house the mummified remains of the monks and elegant monastic buildings that today have become museums (in one of them many Scythian gold are preserved). The Dormition Cathedral, which is part of the monastery complex, dates from the late 11th century. Despite being partially destroyed by the Red Army during World War II, it is still one of the best Baroque religious buildings in the country today. To the north of the cathedral stands the Historical Museum of Treasures, which mainly preserves handicrafts, stones and precious metals. The most valuable section of the museum is undoubtedly the one that houses the gold of the Scythians of the fourth century BC. It is also possible to admire a model of Kiev from the 12th century, as well as richly decorated cups, crosses, chalices and icons by Ukrainian, Russian, Polish and Lithuanian artists. The Pechersk district is connected to the center of Kiev by a city bus service. The Pechersk Caves Monastery is the main and oldest historical site in Ukraine, the church of All Saints, the Catacombs and the tunnels and the bell tower, which can be visited if you dare to climb to the top (it will be 300 steps, I've never been there). Not all of the area is public, part is reserved for the monks who still live there, given its use as a place of worship, a certain appropriate clothing is required (scarves are available for women to cover the garment for hire). Smoking is prohibited throughout the area

25. The Museum of Popular Architecture is located 12km south of the center, but it is really worth a visit. Nestled in scenic hills you will see numerous cottages, churches, farms and wooden windmills from the 17th to 20th centuries. Many of them have beautiful gardens and very well preserved furniture inside. The museum is divided into seven small villages which represent the traditions of the different regions; also, there are some good restaurants and a gift shop. The museum is connected to the city center by a bus service.

There is only one tour guide in Italian, difficult to find, we can book it for you.

26. for the sanctuary of Lavra Kieva Pecerskaja, estimate almost a day ... to savor the atmosphere that surrounds it

27. The Patriotic War (WWII) park with the huge titanium statue dedicated to the motherland (it's huge and impressive)

28. The Arch of Friendship: near Kresciatic, the main street, there is an excellent view of the Dnieper.

29. St. Vladimir cathedral

30. The historic university and the park in front of it (where you can watch excellent chess players battle in good weather)

31. the National Theater

32. Independence Square

33. Lobanovski Stadium

34. the "house of chimeras"

35. Свято-Покровська Голосіївська пустинь - Полковника Затєвахіна вул., 14, Київ, Ukraine (beautiful Church).

 

 

HOW TO GET TO THE CENTER

To get around you use the metro (irrelevant cost, 50 kopecks (it seems to me now it's 200 kopecks) per trip from 6.00 to 24.00) or buses and marshrutke. For those familiar with Russian and a spirit of adventure, you can stop any car (besides taxis) along the way and bargain destination and price!

 

AIRPORT - CENTER CONNECTIONS

You generally arrive at Boryspil Airport which is outside the city. To be brought to the center, it is better to take a bus from the "Atlas" company or one of the many "marshrutke" (minivans that act as collective taxis) that will take you to the train station (where the red metro arrives, Vokzalna - Вокзальна station) for 25 grivne about.

FROM THE INTERNET SITE: http://book.wizzair.com/destinations/Kyiv/?language=IT

 

KYEV

By car

Kyiv Borispol Airport is located approx 28 kms from the city centre.

By bus

There are frequent bus services to/from the centre of Kyiv (Central Railway Station); journey time is approx 45-60 minutes, for a timetable click here.

Taxi

There are numerous taxi desks in the airport arrivals hall where you can order and pay for a taxi. Prices are negotiable but expect to pay 180 UAH for a one-way trip between the airport and central Kyiv.

Car parking

You can leave your car in a twenty-four-hour guarded car park which situated in airport territory, near terminal «B».
Parking cost: 1 hour - 4 UAH
24 hours - 27 UAH
Теl: (+38 067) 238 82 31

Metro

Kyiv metro operates form 6.00 AM till 12 PM. "Boryspilska" is the nearest metro station to the airport. Fare: 1.7 UAH

 

Buses. Schedule. Stops

 

Bus schedule from Kyiv to “Boryspil” International Airport and from “Boryspil” International Airport to Kyiv. Bus schedule of shuttle service “POLIT” “Boryspil” Airport  “Pivdenny” Central Railway Station  Bus class and quantity of  seats  445 550 27  515 610 18  530 630 18  550 700 49  620 720 18  645 755 49  710 810 18  730 840 18  755  915  49  815 935 18  835 955 49  855 1015 49  925 1035 49  945 1050 18  1005 1115 49  1025 1130 18  1045 1150 45  1100 1210 18  1125 1235 49  1140 1250 45  1200 1310 49  1215 1330 18  1245 1350 49  1300 1405 18  1320 1425 49  1335 1440   18  1400 1505 49  1425 1525 45  1440 1545 18  1500 1620 45  1520 1635 49  1540 1650 18  1600 1710 49  1620 1735 18  1645 1805 49  1700 1820 18  1725 1840 49  1750 1900 18  1815 1920 49  1850 2000 45  1930 2030   49  2000 2100 27  2030 2130 27  2120 2220 49  2155 2250 18  2245 2350 27  2335 035 27  010 100 45  040 130 18  140 230 27  235 340 27  400  445

 

LIST AND PRICES OF THE MOST CONVENIENT HOSTELS IN KIEV

 

 

 

1Chillout Hostel Kiev Mappa Perfect place for backpackers who want to enjoy every minute of their holiday. Centrally located, cosy and friendly hostel with walking distance from the train station. The staff will give you all the info you need and Prezzi da EUR 10.00
	2City Center Hostel Mappa Ben venuti in nuovo ostello moderno, il quale si trova in centro di Kyiv in Piazza dell'Indipendenza. L'ostello si compone di 6 stanze, di cui 4 sono private, una è da 5 posti e altra da 8 posti. Ci sono due docce e due Prezzi da EUR 12.99
	3Downtown Hostel Mappa Ben venuti nell'ostello più accogliente di Kyiv. In nostro ostello ci sono stanze grandi, pulite, due balconi e l'aria condizionata in ogni stanza. 24 ore sul 24 vi aspetterà il letto pulito e caffè caldo. Il Prezzi da EUR 10.77
	4Perova Apartment Mappa The hostel is situated in a beautiful and quiet place, 5 minutes walk from the Park of Victory ( Park Pobedy)... Giudizio clienti 3.88/5 Prezzi da EUR 9.00
	5International Youth Hostel Kiev Mappa International Youth Hostel Kiev is situated in the downtown Kiev, 15 min. to the Saint Sofia Cathedral and Independence square... Giudizio clienti 2.76/5 Prezzi da EUR 14.00
	6Hostel Really Central Kiev Mappa Siamo a solo 1 minuto a piedi dalla via principale Kreshatik e 3 minuti dalla piazza Indipendenza 2 minuti da ARENA CENTER la discoteca piu popolare in Ucraina ! Siamo vicini all'AVALON il migliore posto per Prezzi da EUR 11.77
	7TIU KievBackpackers Mappa We are the only city center hostel with a traditional Ukrainian sauna. We are the closest Kiev hostel to a Metro station (Metro Lva Tolstogo 70 meters). Giudizio clienti 3.88/5 Prezzi da EUR 5.00
	8Kreschatik apartment Mappa Apartment in Kiev city centre with all modern facilities. For your pleasant stay in Kiev. Giudizio clienti 3.83/5 Prezzi da EUR 14.37
	9Rus Hotel Many tourist attractions and fine restaurants are only a short distance away. The hotel is a preferred place both for business and leisure travelers coming to Kiev Giudizio clienti 3.88/5 Prezzi da EUR 45.14
	10Kiev Central Station Mappa Welcome travellers, we are a spacious apartment located at the best position for sight seeing in Kiev. Fully equipped, stress-free environment and relaxed staff to help you on information, having fun and making your way Giudizio clienti 3.83/5 Prezzi da EUR 11.00
	11International Hostel Tatarka Hostel is located in a historical part of old Kiev - Tatarka on the Khorevitsa hill, where according to legends the palace of Khoryv, brother of Kiy ans Schek (one of Kiev founders) was located. Giudizio clienti 2.44/5 Prezzi da EUR 10.00
	12One Step Independence Square Hostel Mappa Il nostro ostello si trova fra la Piazza dell'Indipendenza, Via Khreshchatyk e Porta d'Oro, solo tre minuti in piedi dalla piazza centrale della capitale - Piazza dell'Indipendenza. L'ostello è stato aperto in agosto di Giudizio clienti 3.83/5 Prezzi da EUR 8.99
	13Kiev-Art Hostel Mappa Kiev-Art hostel is too comfortable to be a hostel. The price you book is the price you pay with towels and linen. Giudizio clienti 3.83/5 Prezzi da EUR 8.00
	14Slavutich Hotel Kiev Mappa There is a superb view of golden-domed Kiev Pechery Lavra monastery and Vydubitsky monastery from the windows of the hotel. There are 400 rooms in the Hotel and it can host up to 570 guests at a time Giudizio clienti 3.88/5 Prezzi da EUR 18.81
	15Podol Hostel Mappa Newly renovated, Podol Hostel combines the convenience of a large metropolitan hotel with the cozy, warm, Giudizio clienti 3.88/5 Prezzi da EUR 12.50
	16Lvivska Brama Mappa Our hostel is located on Lvivska square, only 10 minutes walk to the Independence Square and 20 minutes Giudizio clienti 3.83/5 Prezzi da EUR 14.00
	17Kiev Central Apartment Apartments situated in the city center - close to the main historical and interesting sights, restaurants and night life... Giudizio clienti 3.83/5 Prezzi da EUR 18.81
	18International Youth Hostel Yaroslav Mappa Se prenotate l'intera stanza la base supplementare sarà data voi per LIBERO. L'ostello Yaroslav della gioventù è: - Posizione del centro urbano di Kiev + ricezione 24h + corsa/turista anglofoni Info. Siamo il più Giudizio clienti 3.72/5 Prezzi da EUR 7.45
	19Lybid Hotel Mappa The prime location in the heart of the city within just 5-minute drive (1 km) from the central railway station is the great advantage of the hotel. Lybid is easily accessible from all the parts of Kiev Giudizio clienti 3.83/5 Prezzi da EUR 47.40
	20Dzintamo Forum Mappa Only 5 mins walking from the train station and full of buses and trams around, we connect all the city and become the best place to start your walking tour. Prezzi da EUR 25.87
	21Kiev Lodging Hostel Mappa Kiev Lodging Hostel 5 Pushkinskaya str., 2nd floor, apt. 10 Siamo situati 1 MIN (60 sec) dal Kreschatik STR. (LA PRINCIPALE STR.) E 1 min dalla INDIPENDENZA SQ. (LA PRINCIPALE SQ.) WE ARE THE BEST ostello situato IN Giudizio clienti 3.83/5 Prezzi da EUR 23.00
	22TIU Kreschatik Mappa L'ostello più centrale di Kiev – siamo situati sulla strada principale, la sola Kreschatik! Siamo la catena originale di ostelli di saccopelisti in Ucraina di proprietà di saccopelisti per saccopelisti. Tutto il Giudizio clienti 3.88/5 Prezzi da EUR 7.99
	23Hostelukraine Kiev Backpackers Mappa We are located only 4 minutes walk from the Golden Gates and 8 min from the Main St. (Kreschatyk st) and 10 to St. Sophia's Cathedral. Giudizio clienti 4.25/5

 

 

My complete travel report with map, photographs and videos is available at this link:

http://vivendosalendo.blogspot.com/2014/08/la-terribile-crisi-ucraina-mi-fa.html