Kiev: Great Historical Landmarks

Are you headed to beautiful Kiev? Don’t miss seeing several of the great historical landmarks in and near the city. Kiev is the most populated city in Ukraine, the capital, and is the seventh most populated city in Europe. Here for you -> Kiev: Great Historical Landmarks.

Kiev is an old, historic city filled with amazing architecture and a very storied past, from the Mongol invasion in 1240 to the Nazi attacks during World War II. Several churches and monasteries are still standing and are breathtaking to see in person.

While you are out and about in Kiev exploring all the great historical landmarks, use a luggage storage service to leave your shopping bags and heavy backpacks for safekeeping. You don’t want to lug them through the city, so using a storage service is a great choice.

Kiev: Great Historical Landmarks

Kiev Pechersk Lavr

The Kiev Pechersk Lavra, also called the Kiev Monastery of the Caves, is one of the most important Eastern Orthodox Christianity sites in the world and is made up of churches, halls, bell towers, and even caves that lead underground.

The oldest parts of the Kiev Pechersk Lavra are two cave systems that were built during the 11th century and are completely underground. These cave systems are man-made and named Near and Far.

While here, you will see the mummified remains of canonized monks such as Chronicler and Nestor who used to live in cells in the caves Near and Far. There is no electricity in these caves, so you view them by candlelight.

Expect to spend about four hours seeing the entire complex with a guided tour. You can explore the site by yourself, but you may miss some pretty important details that a tour guide would point out.

Women visiting the Kiev Pechersk Lavra must adhere to a strict dress code which includes wearing a head covering that completely covers their hair and wearing a modest skirt.

Great Lavra Bell Tower

Also called the Great Belfry, the Great Lavra Bell Tower is the main bell tower of the Kiev Pechersk Lavra. It is the tallest free-standing bell tower in Kiev and was built between 1731 and 1745.

This historic bell tower is an important part of the Kiev skyline. It towers 328 feet in the air making all the other monuments in the Kiev Pechersk Lavra look rather small. The tower is made of four tiers, each one narrowing until you reach the top.

You can climb to the top of the bell tower for an amazing view of Kiev; bring your camera and snap some great photos. It does cost a small fee to go up to the top. You may want to bring earplugs; the bell tolls every 15 minutes.

Saint Sophia’s Cathedral

The Saint Sophia’s Cathedral is one of the best known landmarks in Kiev and was the first heritage site in Ukraine to be named by the World Heritage Committee. It is the oldest surviving church in Kiev.

This cathedral has been named one of Ukraine’s Seven Wonders, as has the Kiev Pechersk Lavra, and dates back to the 1000s. The 13 gilded domes are very visible within the city’s skyline and date back to 1037.

There is a small museum located within the monastic buildings filled with medieval artifacts, including a model of the city of Kiev prior to the invasion of the Mongols in 1240.

St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery

St. Michael’s Golden in Kiev — St. Michael’s Golden

Overlooking the Dnieper River you will find St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery, which is still functioning as a monastery. It is just to the northeast of Saint Sophia’s Cathedral and is a must-see when looking at historical landmarks in Kiev.

The original monastery was built during the 12th century and is best recognized for its golden domes and bell tower. It was demolished during the 17th century but was rebuilt during the 18th century.

Visit the museum that is housed on the lower floors beneath the bell tower and learn more about the history of the original monastery and the rebuilding process. The interior of the monastery was closely replicated to look like the original.

Khreshchatyk

While probably not considered a landmark, Khreshchatyk is the main street that runs through Kiev. The street is less than a mile long but it is the main gathering place for locals and is the place to go when looking for great shops and markets.

Khreshchatyk begins at the European Square and ends at Bessarabska Square and the Besarabsky Market. Visit during the weekend to experience the Khreshchatyk at its finest when vehicles are prohibited and street performers come out to play.

Families flood the street to enjoy free performances, hang out with good friends, go shopping, or just sit and watch the people stroll by. With no vehicles allowed on the street, it is a great place to relax and enjoy being in Kiev on a bright weekend.

St. Volodymyr’s Cathedral

Located in the heart of Kiev, St. Volodymyr’s Cathedral is the mother cathedral for the Orthodox Church of Ukraine and is one of the major historical landmarks of the city. It is a functioning cathedral with services that visitors are welcome to attend.

The cathedral is easy to find with its 19th century Neo-Byzantine facade and creamy yellow color. While here, admire the frescoes that were painted by Viktor Vasnetsov, a Russian nationalist. You can also see relics from St. Barbara on display.

Podil

A visit to Kiev to see the great historical landmarks is not complete until you have strolled through Podil, also known as the Lower City. This historic neighborhood is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Kiev.

While the original neighborhood was heavily damaged during a fire at the beginning of the 19th century, it was rebuilt and is now only accessible by riding a funicular from St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery.

Podil is home to the Poshtova Ploscha and the Kontraktova Ploscha. Both squares look much the same as they did when they were first created in the 18th century. The Fountain of Samson is also in Podil.

When in Kiev, you cannot help but notice all the history that makes the city so unique and vibrant. Take time to visit several of the historical landmarks and learn more about the people and culture that make this city so fascinating.

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