2012 Trip Dates

Kiev (Ukraine)

Kiev is one of the oldest Slavic cities, situated at an ancient trade crossroads. Set on the right bank of the Dnieper, Kiev has a Western European atmosphere and merits at least a two-night stay. We suggest beginning a tour with the view from atop Volodymyr Hill, followed by a walk along scenic Khreshchatyk, the main street with fine shops, restaurants, a large market and large supermarkets selling such imported luxuries as lobster and French cheeses. Look for the gilt-covered Golden Gate, a triumphal arch built by Yaroslav the Wise in the 10th century.

Although it is the political capital of Ukraine, Kiev is perhaps more important as a magnificent monument to the Russian Orthodox church. The city has seen many churches and monasteries built since AD 988, when the Byzantine wife of Kiev's ruler introduced Christianity to the region. The chief religious site in town is the golden-domed St. Sophia Cathedral. The 11th-century structure is actually an enormous complex that includes a cathedral, seminaries, a bell tower and the metropolitan's residence (a metropolitan is the Orthodox equivalent of a Roman Catholic cardinal). All have beautiful Byzantine architecture, with onion domes and mosaics. Along the right bank of the Dnieper River is the Pecherska Lavra Monastery (Monastery of the Caves) and its associated catacombs. Inside are two antiques shops, a folk-art museum and displays from the monastery's treasury. Other notable holy places in Kiev include the Cathedral of St. Volodymyr, Vydubichy Monastery and St. Andrew's Church, which was designed by Rastrelli, builder of the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia.