Travel in Ukraine portal. Ukraine message board and forum. Information about Kiev, Odessa, Lviv, Kharkiv and other cities of Ukraine.

Kyiv is the capital and the largest city of Ukraine, as well as one of the biggest cities in Europe. Kyiv is located in the north central part of the country on the banks of Dnypro River. It is home to over 3 million people, many high-tech industries, higher education institutions and widely known historical landmarks. Ukrainian capital has a multibranch infrastructure, a highly developed system of public transport, such as the Kyiv Metro, and can safely be called the administrative, economic, scientific, cultural and educational center of the country.

Kyiv is one of the oldest and most important cities of Eastern Europe, it`s often called "the mother of all Slavic cities". Kyiv`s influence upon the development of the East Slavic civilization and modern Ukrainian nation cannot be overestimated. Today Ukrainian capital hospitably offers its guests an inimitable mixture of historical and modern attractions, unique cultural events and contacts with outstanding people. It’s a must-visit place for those who try to understand the Slavic soul, broaden their outlook or just have a unique enjoyable experience.

Kyiv`s historical architecture and monuments are known and valued highly all around the world. Askold`s Grave, House with Chimeras, Andriyivskyy Descent, St. Sophia Cathedral, Khreschatyk, Church of St. Andrew, Kyivo-Percherska Lavra, Golden Gate of Kyiv, which date back to 1037, the 19th-century Cathedral of St. Vladymyr are just the beginning of the long list of local attractions.

The city`s cultural life is rich and diverse. An important part of Kyiv`s culture is made by the theatres, such as Kyiv Opera House, Lesya Ukrainka National Academic Theater of Russian Drama, Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theatre, the Kyiv Puppet Theater, October Palace, National Philharmonic of Ukraine and many others. The Dovzhenko Film Studios and the Kyiv Circus can also be named among outstanding cultural centers. The State Historical Museum, the Museum of the Great Patriotic War, the National Art Museum, the Museum of Western and Oriental Art, the Pinchuk Art Centre and the National Museum of Russian Art are the best and the richest museums in Ukraine. Kyiv`s art galleries and exhibitions are numerous too.

Kyiv is also a scientific and educational capital. The city hosts many authoritative universities, such as Kyiv National Taras Shevchenko University, the National Technical University "Kyiv Polytechnic Institute" and the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy. The total number of institutions of higher education in Kyiv approaches 200, with state and private ones among them.

Kyiv, as the capital of Ukraine, is a major industrial and commercial centre responsible for the economy of the country. The city`s plants produce equipment for chemical plants, such as conveyor lines for vulcanized rubber, linoleum, fertilizer factories and metal-cutting machines. Other engineering products of Kyiv include aircraft, hydraulic elevators, electrical instruments, armatures, river-and-sea crafts, motorcycles and cinematography equipment. Another important sector is the chemical industry, which makes resin products, fertilizers, plastics and chemical fibers. The production of bricks and reinforced concrete items are another well developed industry. Kyiv is also a large commercial centre. There is a lot of new office centers, banks, trade exhibition centers and other commercial enterprises in the city nowadays.

Ukrainian capital is one of the greenest cities in the world. Its botanic gardens and parks with unique plants and trees are inimitable in their beauty. Chestnut trees are most widely-spread in Kyiv and highly honored by Kyivers. White and rose chestnut blossom covers the city every May and have already become a symbol of the city. Chestnut leaves are pictured at numerous Kyiv`s souvenirs and products, such as the famous Kyiv`s cake. Be sure that your time spent in Kyiv will be interesting, educating and memorable as no city in the world compares to this one – its spirit is completely unique.

Facts about Kyiv in brief