Kiew VI.

Krestschatik

It is main road as well as main shopping centre of Ucrainian capital. It leads from Europe up to Besarabia Square. It crosses Old-Kiew and Petchersk town quarter. Construction of buildings along Krestschatik begun at the end of 18th century. During Kiew-Russia period, this locality was covered with a forest, where flew a brook. In past, there was hunting place here, where Kiew citizens set traps for wild animals. Later, it was known as Krestschatsk valley. Anyway, this locality is known (in documents of 16th and 17th century) under name Iewseikovsk valley, and finally (in documents of 18th century) as Peski (Sands). Even within 1834-1869, the name Krestschatik was used.

At present, Krestschatik is a main  town´s avenue. Here, Kiew Town´s Council as well as Kiew Town´s Administrative Office, General Post Office, Ministry of Agriculturem State Office for TV and Radio Broadcasting, underground station „Krestschatik“, Ucrainian House, etc. are to be found here.

The most simple way, how to get to Krestschatik, is using of subway (underground) –KRESTSCHATIK station (Sviatosinsko-Brovarskaya route) or MAIDAN NEZASLEZHNOSTI (Kurenovsko-Krasnoarmeyskaya route). On Europe Square, there are to be found big building made from light marble and glass. Staircases from red granite lead there – it is former Lenin Museum, at present seat of „House of Ucraine“. It is a place, where various scientific, cultural ,business actions, congresses, concerts, meetings and artistic exhibitions and other events are taken place.

Address: Ul. Krestschatik, 2. Opening time table: Tuesdays-Thursdays: 11,00-18,00. Just opposite Ucrainian House, there is Dniepr Hotel (http://www.dniprhotel.com.ua).

On Hrushowsky street, there is placed Museum of Ucrainian Graphic Art. This building (in style of Old-Greek Church) was built within 1897-1900, according to projects of Kiew architects V.Gorodetzky and G.Boitzow. Museum keeps vast collection of Ucrainian pictures (Icons) of 14th-18th centuries, paintings of 18th-20th centuries, sculpturs and graphic art. Museum is open each day, except Fridays, since 10,00 till 17,00 hour.

Just on opposite part of the street, there is located Kiew Philharmony (1882). Before the revolution, there were meetings of Merchant´s Assembly. On right side, there are situated wide staircases, leading up to enormous metal ark. In 1982, there was erected here, Ucraine-Russia Joining Monument, one of worst examples of socialist realismus in former USSR. Nevertheless, you can enjoy - from a view behind this monument - marvellous view on Dniepr river.

In opposite direction from Philharmony building, there is placed, in calm old garden, a statue of Knight Vladimir, erected in 1853. This monument, 10 metres high, presents pagan knight, who brought Christianity to Kiew Russia.

Independence Square (Maidan Nezalezhnosti)

It is main square of town, popular meeting place of all Kiew citizens and capital visitors. It is a place where various meetings are taken place and even lovers are meeting here.

Institutskaya street (University street) leads to this main square, and just behind small park, there is Hotel Moscow to be seen. On a top of the hill, there iws situated majestic building with classical colonnade - Palace of Culture.

In this building, constructed at the beginning of 1840 (Architect V.Beretti), there was to be found University for Aristocrats (Noble-women). Now, it is one of biggest concert hall in town. Not far from here, there is situated Ucrainian National Bank. This building belongs to most beutiful ones in Kiew.

Text/photo: Maxim Kucer