Kiev Top Ten

Here is a brief description of our recommended top 10 attractions in Kiev and its environs. If you have limited time we recommend one of the optional excursions that you can book through Panorama Tours before you leave home.

1 - St Andrew's Cathedral

Designed by the Italian architect Bartholomeo Rastrelli in 1754, St Andrews Cathedral at the top of Andriyivsky Uzviz is a glorious example of Baroque architecture. The single domed cathedral with its five lesser cupolas sits on the site where the Apostle Andrew erected a cross and prophesied that ‘here would grow a great Christian City’.

2 - St Sophia Cathedral

Built in 1037 by Prince Yaroslav the Wise, it is one of oldest surviving churches in Kiev. This majestic 13 domed church is now a museum, a national shrine and under the patronage of UNESCO. Legend has it that as long as the interior mosaic of the Madonna stands so too will the city of Kiev.

3 - St Volodymyr's Cathedral

Built in 1882 in neo-Byzantine style, its beauty is dramatic. This cathedral is the Seat of the Patriarch of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and should be on everyone's 'must see' list of sights in Kiev.

Top Tip: Try to visit this cathedral when a service is in progress - it will make your visit truly memorable hearing the inspiring choir singing the service in Ukrainian.

4 - Kiev Pechersk Lavra Monastery

Situated on a hill overlooking the Dnipro River, Kiev’s Pecherska Lavra Monastery was founded by monks in 1051. Its spectacular structures were added to over the years in classical Byzantine and Ukrainian Baroque styles. This functioning monastery (28 hectares) is spread over several hills and consists of numerous churches, towers, and miles of underground tunnels (catacombs) with ancient crypts and ecclesiastical objects. Some of the most interesting museums of Ukraine are located in the grounds of the monastery - including the Museum of Historical Treasures & Jewellery, the Museum of Ukrainian Decorative and Applied Art and the Museum of Miniatures.

Top Tip: If you are feeling energetic, climb to the top of the Bell Tower for some stunning panoramic views of the city. PLUS don't forget to visit the Museum of Miniatures. It's absolutely breathtaking what Nikolai Siadrysty has created!

5 - Ukrainian State Museum & Statue to the Great Patriotic War

Standing some 108 meters high, the gigantic titanium female figure soars into the sky and on a sunny day really does shine. Inside the pedestal is a museum with some 8000 exhibits reflecting the various stages and aspects of World War II. Located in grounds totalling 10 hectares, there is an eternal memorial flame, plaques honouring 'hero-cities' and a rather fine static display of vintage and more recent military equipment. There is also a museum dedicated to the Afghan war.

Top Tip: It's located next to Kiev Pecherska Lavra Monastery, so why not make a full day tour and combine both sights – it is such a contrast.

6 - St Michaels Cathedral

St Michaels Cathedral opposite St Sophia has a history which reflects the spirit of Ukrainians. Originally built in the 10th century, Soviet authorities demolished the original cathedral in the 30’s sighting its ethos of ‘renovating’ the city of Kiev. The interior mosaics were stripped with most sent to the Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg in an attempt to steal Kievan history. In the late 1990’s, with renewed national pride, Ukrainian authorities undertook the task of rebuilding the Cathedral as it originally stood. The result is a breathtaking monument to the undying Ukrainian spirit. Outside the walls of the cathedral is the first monument in Ukraine dedicated to the memory of the 10 million victims of Stalin’s imposed terror famine from 1932-1933, referred to as the ‘Holodomor’ with a moving statue and descriptive storyboard of the mass genocide of the Ukrainian people.

7 - National Museum "Chernobyl"

This museum is dedicated to the worst ever environmental disaster in history, which took place on the 26th April 1986 at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. More than 7000 exhibits are displayed in 5 large halls - including secret documents, maps, photos, personal items and housekeeping items depicting the rural life of the Chernobyl region. There is also an audio/visual display and documentary films are shown.

8 - Mariyinsky Palace and Verkhovna Rada

Mariyinsky Palace was originally the Kievan residence of the Tsar’s. Designed by Bartholomeo Rastrelli in the mid 1700’s, the Palace is now the scene for official functions and state receptions for visiting dignitaries. Adjoining the Baroque masterpiece is the Verkhovna Rada, or Ukrainian Parliament building. Built in the 30’s, the building boasts a glass dome weighing in at over one hundred tonnes!

Top Tip: Most times of year you will find Ukrainians in their peaceful fashion protesting outside the building. Spend a few moments with the protesters, and you may be lucky enough to also see one of Ukraine’s politicians discussing the grievances with the demonstrators!

9 - National Museum of History of Ukraine

The museum's extensive exhibits consist of eight sections dealing with various aspects of Ukraine's history from prehistoric times to the present. The museum has a rich collection of archaeological and ethnographical findings, coins, works of art and old books. Behind the museum there is a path that provides a good view of Podil, Kiev's lower town from the highest point of Old Kiev.

10 - Taras Shevchenko State Museum

The museum's collection, comprises of more than 4,000 exhibits, displays personal belongings of the great poet, his manuscripts and paintings. Born a serf, Shevchenko became a celebrated painter and poet whose works extolling human rights, social justice, and sovereignty for Ukraine deeply inspired the people.