Ukraine, Kiev – Ancient Metropolis – VIDEO

Before you go to the most important sights, I recommend you just walk around, observe the life around and along the way to taste a few local specialties. You may notice how much the capital of Ukraine is green. Mainly the river is surrounded by several large parks, where the locals like to relax.

In recent history, you have certainly heard of Kiev's Independence Square, the media often referring to it as Majdan by the Ukrainian name Maidan Nezalezhnosti. It was here that the center of protests lay during the Ukrainian revolution in 2013 and 2014.

At the monumental monument of independence you can see photos of the protests and the accompanying texts have a little orientation in the confusing situation of recent years.
Proceed to the Orthodox Monastery and the Church of St.. Michael with a golden roof on a hill above the square. Be sure to stop by the monumental building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is adjacent to the monastery.

Just a little further, take a look at St. Sofia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cave monastery complex of the Kiev Pechersk Lavra can also be found on the same list. It was founded in 1051 by hermits Feodosij and Antony Pechersky and the monks lived here in the cave labyrinth before the construction of the temples.

Other important monuments include the Golden Gate from the 11th century, the Cathedral of Sts. Vladimir, the Church of St. Andrew or the majestic statue Mother Motherland.

In addition to its sights, Kiev offers a rich nightlife and bustling modern neighborhoods. Many people also set out on a trip to the infamous Chernobyl and the "Ghost Town" of Pripyat.
I warmly recommend visiting Kiev and hope to return to it. Less than two days to explore everything interesting was far from enough.

GPS: 50°27'03.3"N 30°31'23.6"E

Text, photos, and video: Matouš Vinš