|
Sightseeing
Summer is definitely the best time of year to visit Kyiv. Rather than suffer through freezing winter or wet and windy fall and spring, you have chosen to visit in a season that is vibrant, temperate, and reflects the new attitude of the city's residents. Ukrainians themselves love the outdoors, and aside from being able to explore Kyiv's cobbled streets, golden-domed churches, museums and ancient monuments in comfort, the flood of people in the streets provide opportunities to mingle with the generally welcoming and hospitable locals. The city's centre, numerous and vast parks, riverfront beaches, and outdoor cafes bustle with activity and people eager socialize and enjoy the open air. On a historical note, Kyiv is the birthplace of Slavic culture as is reflected in the language, architecture, art, and traditions of the people living here. Geographically speaking, Ukraine is part of Europe and since the country's independence from the Soviet Union has been redesigning itself along the lines of other European capitols.
The last few years have seen the centre transformed from a quiet, cobblestones and café-lined plaza into a slate-paved thoroughfare packed with pedestrians, cars, and boutique shops, with mixed feelings from the inhabitants. It was only one year ago that the Soviet hammer and sickle was removed from Independence Square and replaced with the Ukrainian Trezub. The standard of living has been increasing toward and exceeding European levels for some Ukrainians, but the majority of the population still lives in a state of relative poverty. The hopes of many Ukrainian people for a bright economic future rest partially on this years presidential election.
Expectations for the future are high yet uncertain, reflecting a developing democratic sentiment within the country that does not always seem to be shared by the governmental leadership. However, the country has come a long way in a short period of time despite after centuries of occupation, decades of totalitarianism, and years of merely trying to establish itself as a nation. While some of these relatively rapid and drastic changes are not always visible to the short-term visitor, be assured that you are visiting Ukraine at a very unique time in its history: a time when it is creating its history.
If the confines of Kyiv are not enough to keep you entertained, you should consider a trip to Lviv or Odessa, both of which are featured in our guide. Lviv is the capitol of what many people consider the true Ukraine, where traditional culture, language, and customs are preserved free of Russian influence. While Kyiv resembles other large European capitol cities in terms of its modern look and international standing, a trip to Lviv and its surrounding territory can feel more like an excursion to the beginning of the last century. In contrast, Odessa has historically been a very un-Ukrainian city. Established as a Russian colony and seaport, the Pearl of the Black Sea quickly drew merchants and immigrants from all over Europe, Central Asia, and around the Mediterranean. Today, Odessa is a popular summer tourism destination for Ukrainian and Russian vacationers, but has recently been drawing European and other tourists as well. The Black Sea coast features many beautiful beaches, and is an exciting and relaxing destination for travelers from any origin.
Kyiv’s sightseeing to-do list is topped by its famous gold-domed churches and cathedrals, magnificent sanctuaries of worship that impress with their history and art. Since everybody needs souvenirs to take home, God kindly created Andriyivsky uzvis. Next are the city’s museums, historical monuments, and finally a wonderful open-air museum on the edge of the city limits. While it is more of a summer hang-out, the attractions of the Hydropark ranging from clubbing to table tennis have began to open as the weather improves. Kyiv has the highest number of square kilometers of park per resident in Europe, lined with benches and dotted with monuments. Spring is generally mild, so there should be plenty of opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and the central squares. You will never be alone as Khreschatyk street’s musicians, vendors, and rowdy revelers make their appearance and the chestnut trees rise from their winter sleep.
Kiev (Kyiv, in Ukrainian), the capital of Ukraine, has a population of nearly 3 million inhabitants and covers over 43 km from east to west and 42 km from north to south. Approximately 85% of the Ukrainian population are Orthodox Christians; 10% are Catholics of the Byzantine rite; 3% are Protestant (mainly Baptists); 1.3% are of the Jewish faith. Kyiv has much to offer in the cultural and architectural arenas with its wide tree-lined boulevards and historical buildings reflecting various styles and periods of the ancient Kyivan-Rus Empire. Kyiv is a major industrial center that includes companies specializing in electronics, engineering, aviation, food and chemical production, etc. Kyiv's economic development has been enriched by its advantageous location along the Dnipro River, which links Kyiv to the Black Sea.
|
