THE KIEV - PECHERSK LAVRA MONASTERY. Founded three km south of where Kiev stood in 1051 it was Kievan Rus first & for a long time most famous monastery. Spread across wooded slopes above the Dnipro, it is a unique array of gold-domed churches, underground labyrinths lined with mummified monks, & elegant monastic buildings turned museums.

SAINT-SOPHIA CATHEDRAL. Designed to rival Hagia Sophia in Constantinople, Kiev's SAINT-SOPHIA CATHEDRAL symbolizes the 'new Constantinople', capital of the Christian principality of Kiev, which was created in the 11th century in a region evangelized after the baptism of St Vladimir in 988.

ST.ANDREW'S CHURCH is an inspired 1746-61 Baroque interpretation of the traditional Ukrainian five-domed, cross-shaped church by Rastrelli. The slender curves of its blue, white, gold & green exterior stand out against the skyline, perched up above the Podil district at the crest of the historic Upper Town, at the supposed site where the Apostle Andrew erected a cross.

Kiev is not only the capital of Ukraine but also the mother city for all Eastern Slavic peoples. Kievan Rus, the state from which Ukraine, Russia & Belarus are all descended, was established here between the 9th & 11th centuries. The modern center & the remains of the old city are both on the hilly west bank of the Dnipro river.

THE GOLDEN GATES.Built in 1037 by the prince Yaroslav the Wise, the original Golden Gates served as the main entrance into the ancient Kiev, which was surrounded by the defense walls. This jewel of early Slavic architecture was inspired by the gates of Constantinople, and was renowned throughout the Europe. The Gates were decorated by gold and precious metals and had miniature Church of the Annunciation built-in.

THE INDEPENDENCE SQUARE is the central square of Kiev-city. Until the end of 10 century this area was covered with woods. A little bit upper there were Lyadskiye Gates which entered the way to the Upper Podol district. In 1976-81 the reconstruction of the square took place. The dominating element in architectural ensemble of the square is fountain "The Friendship Of Then Nations ".

Podol is a part of Kiev city near the Dnepr River; it's an ancient district of craftsmen and fishers. The contemporary arrangement of the streets is the result of the fire, which had happened in 8th June of 1811 and has destroyed all the wooden constructions. There are few descents, which lead from Upper Town to Podol.