After visiting Andrew’s Descent, I continued to visit other attractions in Kiev. This includes Children Landscape Park near Andrew’s Descent, St. Michael’s Golden Dome Monastery, Golden Gate and Maidan.
This is the remnant of the foundation of the Church of the Tithes. It is the first and largest stone church in Kiev. Behind it is the National Museum of the History of Ukraine.
Next, I was at an interesting park called Children Landscape Park, hidden on Peizazhna alley.
The park was built in 2009. In November 2010, Kiev French Cultural Center gave another mosaic sculpture – figure of the Little Prince as an addition to the park.
The park is filled with mosaic sculptures like this fountain in the shape of elephant.
This 30 meter long mosaic cat-centipedes is one of the interesting sculptures in the park.
There are also benches made in the form of rabbit, crow and cat.
Another fountain in zebra shape.
Some of the fund used to built this park were contributed by residents of nearby house while the rest were given by sponsors.
This children slide is inspired by “Alice in the Wonderland”. Characters from the children’s story like white rabbit, Cheshire Cat and caterpillar were incorporated into its design.
The blanket and pillow on this bench are actually sculptures.
Originally built in 1108 to 1113 by Prince Sviatopolk, the St Michael’s Golden Domed Monastery is located in the Upper town of central Kiev. Like many old structures around the world, it has gone through numerous restorations and the monastery was believed to be badly damaged during the Mongol invasion in 1240. Yes, the Mongol empire actually stretches to central Europe up to Poland! The exterior of the church was rebuilt in the Ukrainian Baroque style in the 18th century while the interior remain in its original Byzantine style.
The monastery’s bell tower was added in 1716-1719. The big bell tower also serves as the main entrance to the monastery.
Bear in mind that the mosaics and paintings are not the originals.
The monastery gained the nickname of “golden domed” because of its gold gilded domes. The original cathedral was actually demolished by the Soviet authorities in 1930s. Later it was reconstructed and opened in 1999 following Ukrainian independence in 1991. So, the St Michael’s Golden Domed Monastery is actually a new church.
Unfortunately, no photographs are allowed inside the cathedral.
Other buildings in the monastery includes the Refractory of St John the Devine.
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The monastery compound.
As mentioned above, the St Michael’s Golden Domed Monastery was actually destroyed in the 1930s. The Soviet regime demolished all the buildings in the areas to make way for a Government Center. St. Michael’s Golden Domed Monastery is located opposite St. Sophia’s Cathedral. I was unable to visit St. Sophia’s Cathedral on the same day as it was closed. I had to go back in the next morning.
However, only the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Ukraine building was constructed which is now the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This is the only historic building in this area as all other buildings were being reconstructed.
Golden Gate of Kiev was the main gate in the 11th century which is part of Kiev’s fortification wall.
Prince Sviatoslav was a Grand Prince of Kiev famous for his persistent campaign in the east and south. Upon his expeditions he carried with him neither wagon or tent. He spread out a horse-blanket under him and set his saddle under his head; and all his retinue did likewise.
The Golden Gate or Southern Gate was one of the three main entrances into the walled city.
Statue of Yaroslav the Wise at the Golden Gate. He was the Grand Prince of Novgorod and Kiev a thousand year ago.
All though the gate fell into ruins, the Golden Gate still retained its structure. It was in 1982 that the gate was completely reconstructed. No images of the original survived, so this reconstruction is based on someone’s imagination.
The eye of the tree.
Beautiful architecture of Kiev’s building around Maidan or Independence Square.
Memorial site of the activists of the Revolution of Dignity (2013-2014) who died. This revolution took place in Ukraine in February 2014 when a series of violent events involving protestors, riot police and unknown shooters in the capital Kiev, culminated in the ousting of Ukrainian President, Viktor Yanukovych.
There are many memorial site like this near Independence Square.
Maiden Nezalezhnosti or simply Independence Square is Kiev’s main square. The meaning of Maidan literary translates as “square” from Ukrainian and that’s the name that is often used by locals and tourists.
Since 1989, the square has been the traditional place for political rallies. The most recent is none other than the Euromaidan which resulted in the removal of Ukraine’s president Victor Yanukovych.
The Independence Monument which was built also in 2001. The statue of Berehynia sits on top of the of the column.
Monument to the Founders of Kiev which comprise of Kyi, Shchek, Khoryv and Lybid.
Just across the street from Independence Square is the musical fountain and shopping mall Globus.
Lach Gates at the square was constructed in 2001 to commemorate one of the Medieval Kiev city gates. The other being, the Golden Gate and the Jewish Gate. A sculpture of Archangel Michael on top of the gate.
Kiev’s Independence Square is located at Khreshchatyk Street. Kreshchatyk Street is the main street of Kiev which is claimed to be the shortest main street in the world at a mere length of 1.3km. The street is a popular shopping place for tourists and Kievans. During weekend, it is closed to road traffic.
Freedom is our religion.
For a long time, Khreschatyk remain undeveloped when other districts built around it. The development of the area started only in the 19th century when it became the center of Kiev’s commercial and cultural life.
Today one can find numerous buildings on this main street such as Kiev City Administration.
Almost the entire street was completely destroyed in World War II and rebuilt in the neoclassical style of post war Stalinist Architecture.
Plenty of shops and restaurants along Khreschatyk Street.
Besarabsky Market is an indoor market in Kiev. Stalls here sell a variety of product including fish, meat, fresh fruits, vegetables, cheese and etc.
Time to call it a night, while I head back to the hotel.
Night view of Independence Square.
When night falls, the dancing fountains at the Independence Square dances to the music.
Tired after a long day exploring the city of Kiev. Time to head back to Hotel Ukraine for a good rest.
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