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Spotlight on Kyiv

Kyiv is the capital and the largest city of Ukraine with nearly 3 million inhabitants and is one of the oldest cites in Eastern Europe.

Throughout its almost 2000 year history Kyiv was once the centre of Kyivan Rus during the Golden Age of Kyiv (9th century). Kyiv has also survived many wars, purges and genocides including its complete destruction by the Mongol hordes of Batu Khan in 1240. Kyiv later became part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth only to be taken by the Russian Empire in the 17th century and again in the Russian Revolution of 1917, but finally became the capital of independent Ukraine for the first time in history when the Soviet Union fell in 1991.

Kyiv is home to some the most world famous historical and architectural landmarks including the Orthodox churches and church complexes such as the Kiev Pechersk Lavra (Monastery of the Caves), St. Sophia Cathedral, St. Michael's Cathedral, St. Andrew's, and St. Vladimir's, the recently reconstructed Golden Gate, and others such as a nineteenth-century Lutheran church.

The best way to get around and see Kyiv is using the publicly owned and operated Kiev Metro system which remains the fastest, the most convenient and affordable network that covers most of the city. The Metro a typical ex-Soviet three line system (total length 59 km) with all lines meeting in the city centre forming a triangle. Older stations in the city centre were built in the underground palace style similar to Moscow's metro.

Getting to Kyiv is easy with Boryspil International Airport being located just out of Kyiv and is served by the most major international airlines from all parts of the world. From New Zealand both the Star Alliance and Our World airline alliances have airlines that go to Kyiv. For more information call 0800 UKRAINE or email enquire@beyondtours.co.nz

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