| 22 February 2010
The city of Kiev hosts many edifices, monuments and cathedrals that reflect what the Slavic culture is and also tells the story of the city for first-time visitors. If you are new to the city of Kiev and you are here for business or pleasure, it is recommended first that you immerse yourself in the culture and the story of the city through the many guided tours to check out the many interesting places in the city.
A guided tour will not be complete without a detour to Andrew’s Descent. This street is considered one of the oldest and most popular streets in the city. This is known as an artistic street that combines genuine art and commercial products and souvenirs. Guided tours also include a visit to the Caves Monastery which is considered the capital’s premier tourist attraction. The monastery hosts the Upper Lavra and this section contains museums and churches and a visit to these places will require you to pay up some amount.
The Great Bell Tower is worth checking out as well. This tower is one of the highest structures in the city, rising over 96 meters. Guided tours will definitely include a trip to the Chernobyl Museum. This museum tells the story of the world’s worst nuclear accident. All guided tours usually include stops at the other museums, parks and churches in the city like the St Andrew’s Church and St Sophia’s Cathedral.
In a day it's possible to walk a circuit of old Kiev, taking in: the Great Gates of Kiev (1037); the enormous Saint Sophia Monastery Complex (11th 18th C); the spectacular Cathedral of Saint Michael of the Golden Domes (1108 1113) and Saint Andrews Cathedral (1749 1762); which stands over Andriyivskiy uzviz, one of the oldest streets in Kiev, now a fascinating and thriving artisan market.
You may wish to walk to the river from here and take a river bus just for the experience or you could take the cable car back up the hill. Of course all of this would be twice as enjoyable with a sophisticated Kievian by your side.
