The name of Kiev comes from the name of Kyiv, the legendary founder of this great city. Throughout history, Kiev which is one of the oldest cities in all of Eastern Europe, transformed through several stages of great prominence and relative obscurity. Kiev is considered to have been founded in the fifth century as a trading post. It then gradually acquired prominence as the center of the East Slavic Civilization, becoming in the tenth to twelfth centuries a political and cultural capital of what at the time was Russia. Completely destroyed during the Mongol invasion in 13th century, the city lost most of its influence for the centuries to come. It was a provincial capital of marginal importance in the outskirts of the territories controlled by its powerful neighbors: first the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, followed by the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and, finally, Russia. The city prospered again during the Russian industrial revolution in the late 19th century. After the turbulent period following the Russian Revolution of 1917 from 1921 onwards Kiev was an important city of the Ukraine and in 1934 became its capital. During World War II, the city again suffered significant damage, but quickly recovered in the post-war years becoming the third most important city of the Soviet Union.

oday, Kiev is a bustling capital of Ukraine, full of beautiful architecture, museums, delicious restaurants, cozy cafes, vibrant nightlife and much more. It is also home to over 4 million inhabitants (although the official figure is around 3 million, it is widely believed the city is well beyond the 4 million figure). The art and architecture of Kiev / Kyiv are world treasures. The Cathedral of St. Sophia, where the princes of Kiev were crowned in the years of Kiev grandeur, has outstanding mosaics and frescoes dating back to the 11th century. Overlooking the old section of Kyiv, 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. These 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.

If one is a theater lover, you will find much to choose from in Kiev. Most performances are in Ukrainian or Russian but occasional shows are conducted in Italian or Latin. The recently renovated Kiev Opera House has world renowned opera as well as a broad repertoire of ballets. The Kiev Young Theater is very popular among drama buffs and stages various plays in Ukrainian or Russian. The Ivan Franko Theater is the center of Ukrainian drama, comedy, and musicals. This repertoire has just opened a brand new season with new adaptation which includes brilliant versions of Aeneid and Teve Tevel, the original version of Fiddler on the Roof.

Kiev 's modern centers with surviving parts of the old city are on the hilly west, or right bank, of the Dnipro River. The main street of Kiev is Khreshchatik which runs between two steep hills. Parallel about half a kilometer west, is vulytsya Volodymyrska, the main street of the Old Kyiv area (Staryj Kyiv). From the north end of Khreshchatik, Hrushevskoho Street rises southeast along a ridge to the Caves Monastery at Perchersk. Woods and parks cover most of the steep right-bank slopes. The capital's newer sections stretch out on the flat left bank. These are characterized by large housing developments and industrialized neighborhoods. Everyone visiting during the summer will notice the abundance of parks in Kiev, making it one of the 'greenest' cities in all of Europe. No one should leave Kiev without getting at least one souvenir and Ukrainian handmade crafts, pottery and embroidery are available throughout the city, particularly in shops on Andrievsky Uzviz, at Percherska Lavra, and St. Sophia's church. Quality and quantity will vary from shop to shop.

Not surprisingly, given Ukraine's recent entrance into the capitalistic arena its nightlife, particularly in Kiev is widely getting reputation to be 2nd only to Moscow. World renowned DJs, singers and bands make Kiev their routine stop on various tours. The selection and diversity of the nightclubs and restaurants in Kiev is impressive to say the least, ranging from small & intimate venues like to large entertainment centers. These large entertainment complexes cater for all tastes from exquisite to exotic. Most, offering a quality restaurant, striptease bar, dance floor, variety show, cafe and luxurious casino.

Above is just a small taste of the city's offerings. Kiev is a capital emerging on the world arena and right now is a perfect time to plan a visit. No matter what your interests are now is a perfect time to make plans to visit this magnificent city - you will be glad you did!