Kiev is the capital and largest city of Ukraine. Ukraine gained its independence following the collapse of Soviet Union in 1991. Although Kiev is the most commonly used English name for the city, the Ukrainian government adopted Kyiv as the mandatory romanization for use in legislative and official acts in 1995. From Baku, Azerbaijan, I boarded the Ukraine International Airlines to Kiev. First stop on the way to the city center is none other than the Motherland Monument, which is one the best recognized landmark of Kiev.
Arriving at Boryspil International Airport. My tour guide, Iryna picked me up from the airport and started the tour in the morning. When I first arrived in Kiev, I was surprised by the weather. I was expecting a hot summer weather but a pleasant cooling weather greeted me. Such a good start to my holidays.
Crossing the Patona Bridge to reach Motherland Monument on the other side of Dnieper River bank. On the far right is another famous attraction, Kiev Pechersk Lavra.
Some military vehicles such as tanks are on display at the memorial complex.
You can pay a fee to get inside the military helicopter.
The memorial complex is now named “National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War” although it used to be “Museum of the Great Patriotic War”. However, since Ukraine is not in good terms with Russia, the parliament of Ukraine outlawed references to the word “Great Patriotic War” as well as anything associated to Soviet Union. The “Great Patriotic War” is a term used by the Soviet Union to describe the war between Soviet Union and Nazi Germany from 1941 till 1945.
Passed by exhibition of some other military vehicles.
Bowl of “Fire of Glory” in the distance. The huge bowl is supposed to hold an eternal flame, but due to financial constraints, it now only burns during big national holidays.
The Motherland Monument or better known in Ukraine as Rodina Mat is constructed of stainless steel and was constructed during the Soviet Union time in 1979 to symbolize the feat accomplished by the people during World War II.
At 62m high, the Motherland statue sits atop a museum building and pedestal bringing the whole structure to a height of 102m high.
The memorial complex covers an area of 10 hectares on the hill overlooking the Dnieper River.
It was my first time seeing such a huge stainless steel statue. The statue was originally planned to be covered in gold leaf. But later this idea was abandoned and it was cladded in stainless steel instead.The statue holds a 16m long sword in the right hand and a shield on the left hand with a Soviet Union emblem.
Alley of the Hero Cities.
Museum of The History of Ukraine in World War II exhibits materials of the World War II and emphasizes the contribution of Ukraine in the victory against Nazi German.
Crossing of the Dnieper sculpture depict the Battle of the Dnieper whereby the Soviet soldiers launched a major offensive against the German to reclaim Ukraine.
This battle involves the battle between 4 million troops stretched on a 1,400km long front.
Crossing of the Dnieper River was very difficult as the soldiers were under heavy fire but in the end, the Soviets won.
A map of Ukraine.
Heroes of the Front and Rear.
Transfer of Arms sculptures.
Iryna was my personal tour guide for the day. She is a very friendly and informative guide. I’m glad I chose her as my tour guide in Kiev.
The complex is open from Monday to Friday (10am – 6pm) and Saturday to Sunday (10am – 7pm). You can buy tickets to enter the museum and exhibition of military weaponry separately. Otherwise, it’s free to see the Motherland Monument.
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