Kiev
The capital of Ukraine and the third largest city of ex-USSR (population - 2,654,000) after Moscow and St.Petersburg.
There are 2 airports in Kiev International flights Borispil airport and Zhuliany airport for domestic flights.
Founded in the 5th century, it became the capital of Kyiv Rus. It was in Kyiv that Christianity first found a foothold among Eastern Slavs when Prince Volodymyr [Vladimir] the Great had his people collectively baptized in the Dnipro [Dnieper] River in A.D.988.
Even after the decline of Kyiv Principality (13th century) when Eastern Ukraine was a part of the Russian Empire, Kyiv remained a major cultural center of the Empire, famous for its remarkable architecture, theaters, fine arts, music, etc.
Kyiv suffered severely during World War II; many irreplaceable architectural and art treasures were destroyed. After considerable restoration, Kyiv is now the most popular tourist city in Ukraine. In the ex-USSR its popularity is next only to that of Moscow and St.Petersburg.
The art and architecture of Kyiv are world treasures. The Cathedral of St. Sophia, where the princes of Kyiv were crowned in the years of Kyiv's grandeur, has outstanding mosaics and frescoes dating back to the 11th century. Overlooking the old section of Kyiv, Podol, stands the Ukrainian Baroque church of St. Andrew, much beloved by Ukrainians. The Percherska Lavra, the Monastery of the Caves, a short trolley ride from the center of town, has two 11th-century cathedrals on its grounds, in addition to its world-famous catacombs, bell tower, and museum collections. Close to the center of town stands the Golden Gate, a structure which dates back to 1037. This recently reconstructed remains of the former fortified wall of the city defined the limits of the city in centuries past. Several blocks away, stands the magnificent 19th-century Cathedral of St. Volodymyr.
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