Kiev is a welcoming, energetic, intriguing city in a country struggling to maintain a unique identity in the world. The stately capitol city is bursting with tasty food, friendly people, interesting sites and Cyrillic signs. I spent a very full day in the metropolis of 2.9M people and these are a few of my favorite shots.
The sweeping view of the square in front of St. Sofia’s Cathedral from the top of the bell tower of the church. Looking towards St. Michael’s Monastery. A sweeping view of the central Kiev skyline taken from atop the bell tower of St. Sofia’s Cathedral in Central Kiev. Bohdan Khmelnytsky Monument, located on the corner of vast Sofia Square. The stately Founders Monument rises opposite Independence Square, which is where many of the walking tours in the city meet. Independence Square in central Kiev comes alive at night with locals gathering to watch the dramatic cannons of water spray to the beat of music.
Churches
Only have one day to spend in the Ukraine capitol of Kiev? No problem. Follow me for the top 10 ways to experience Kiev in one day.The commanding complex of St. Sofia’s Cathedral at night taken from Sofia Square. St. Sofia’s Cathedral in the heart of Kiev. The vast square out front adds to the majestic feel of this special site. View of St. Sofia’s Cathedral from high atop the bell tower. View of St. Sofia’s Cathedral from high atop the bell tower. St. Michaels Monastery complex of buildings are quite impressive and the grounds provide an easy stroll. Mary Icon located inside the vestibule of the main church in St. Michael’s Golden Dome Monastery.St. Andrew’s church is an 18th century baroque style Orthodox Church atop a hill overlooking broad views of Kiev.
Parks and green space
Volodymyr Hill overlooks large areas of the city and has abundant greenery and fountains. This is also the location of the new glass bridge, just steps nearby. This boardwalk, which hugs the side of Volodymyr Hill, appeared brand new and offered a peaceful stroll amongst the trees. The view from Volodymyr Hill, which includes the new Glass Bridge crossing the ravine to the Friendship Arch. The view downhill focuses on the Dnieper River. Lenin-style statue depicting friendship and prosperity, underneath the Friendship Arch in the park on Volodymyr Hill. Aleya Khudozhnykiv lookout off Volodymyr Hill. The new boardwalk winds through the trees towards the Glass Bridge.
Architecture
This 19th century grand budding is now a Renaissance Hotel. The streets of Kiev run smoothly most of the day. Normal rush hour traffic exists but otherwise low drama. The quaint cobblestone streets leading down the hill from St. Andrew’s Church. Taras Shevchenko National University of KyivApartment buildings on the streets of Kiev give a nod to 19th century design.
Food and Drink
Delicious Georgian food from Mama Mahaha restaurant. The dish in the pot is called Megrelian Lobio, which is red beans stewed with walnuts, coriander, onion and spices.Pickled delights are very typical and abundant in Ukrainian cuisine. All of these were delicious. Sportykach restaurant.A goodbye present, rolled paper with little sweets inside. Sportykach, a traditional Ukrainian restaurant.
Transportation
Finding my way – Blue token in my hand with the Kiev subway map in the background. A quiet soviet era subway platform right before the storm of trains exiting locals rushing to and fro.Modern Borspiel International Airport, about 18 miles from the city center of Kiev.Final moments in Ukraine: Boarding my flight from Kiev to Frankfurt.
Chernobyl Exclusion Zone: Bonus round. Click photo to learn more.
A shot of me next to the remnants of a Lara car that was left behind in a village near Chernobyl following the explosion at nuclear reactor #4 in April, 1986.
