The bustling capital of Ukraine is situated on the Dnipro River and boasts a population of nearly 3 million denizens. As one of the oldest cities in Eastern Europe, Kiev is the proud survivor of numerous wars, purges, and genocides. Many important historical landmarks and monuments throughout the city have been preserved or restored throughout the history, which is believed to stretch back to the 5th century. Kiev was an outpost of the Khazar empire during the 8th and 9th centuries. Then, sometime in the late 9th or 10th century, Kiev fell under the rubric of the Varangian nobility and became the nucleus of the Rus’ polity. In 1240, the city was completely destroyed by Mongol hordes, an event that had a profound effect on the city’s future development and Eastern Slavic civilization in general. What was left of the city would go on to become a part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania (in 1362), and the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth (in 1569.)
In the 17th century Kiev fell under Muscovite Russia (later the Russian Empire), but was destined to remain a provincial town of little importance well into the 19th century. During the Russian Revolution it began to prosper once more, but its newly enjoyed status wouldn’t last – shortly after the Revolution, Kiev found itself in the midst of the Russian Civil War, the Polish-Soviet War, and the Second World War, during which the city was nearly completely destroyed for a second time. It quickly recovered in the post-war years, becoming the third most important city of the Soviet Union. The city became the capital of an independent Ukraine in 1991.
Like many Eastern European cities, Kiev is an intriguing blend of the old and the new. Having experienced a major growth spurt in the 1970s up to the mid-90s, the city is continuing to grow at a phenomenal rate. Kiev’s main urban area is distinguished a wealth of modern buildings called novostroika nestled among the older ones, which are characterized by their pale yellows, blues, and grays. With the loosening of visa regulations in 2005, the Ukraine’s capital city is now being enjoyed by visitors from all over.
Tour the architectural wonders of St. Andrew’s Church and Mariyinsky Palace, or just lose yourself in the splendor and charms of the city center. Many squares and buildings have recently been restored and redecorated, making this a great time to capture the “real Kiev.” Many historical districts have been transformed into popular outdoor markets, where you can peruse a selection of traditional Ukrainian art and crafts, as well as religious items, books, handmade chess sets, and jewelry by local artisans. Visitors are also drawn to modern day Kiev for its thriving nightlife – you’ll find a diverse array of bars, discos, and nightclubs where you can let your hair down at the end of a long day of exploring the Ukrainian capital.
Having experienced first-hand the highs and lows of history, Kiev is in the midst of an intriguing renaissance, making now the ideal time to visit.

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