Kiev is the capital of Ukraine and is known as "the mother of all cities of Rus". Its history goes back to the last decades of the 5th century when, according to legend, three brothers Kiy, Shchek, Khoriv and their beautiful sister Lybid, leader of the Polyane Slavic tribe, built a fortified settlement and named it in honor of the oldest brother.

By the 9th century, Kiev was the capital of Kievan Rus, the first centralized feudal state of the Eastern Slavs. The late 10th and 11th centuries marked the glorious days of the city, which had turned into a great trade and commerce centre, rivaling Constantinople the capital of Byzantine Empire.

In 1240 Kiev was almost completely destroyed by Baty Khan and the Tatars. It took six centuries before Kiev's population reached the pre-invasion level.

Among several outstanding architectural monuments of the Kievan Rus that are still standing, are St. Sophia's Cathedral, the Vidubetsky Monastery, the Gate Church of the Trinity at the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, the Church of the Savior at Berestove, St. Cyril's Church and the Golden Gates.

St. Sophia Cathedral (Sofiysky Sobor)
Built in 1037, St. Sophia's Cathedral was build by the Prince Yaroslav the Wise in recognition and celebration of victorious battle against invading nomadic tribes of Pechenegs. Its Byzantine layout and design, as well as the name taken from the St. Sophia Cathedral in Constantinople, reflects all the power and esteem that Kievan Russ had at the time. It was spiritual heart of the early Rus state and it is still regarded as a treasure of Eastern Slav Civilization.

The Kiev-Pechersk Lavra
The Kiev-Pechersk Lavra (Monastery of the Caves) is located about 3 km (2 miles) southeast of the town centre. This spellbinding functioning monastery was founded in 1051. Miles-long, mazelike underground tunnels contain numerous churches and ancient crypts. This historical and architectural complex also houses some of Ukraine's most celebrated museums. Among them are the Museum of Historical Treasures, Museum of Ukrainian books, and Museum of Ukrainian Decorative and applied Art.

The Golden Gates (Zoloty Vorota)
Built in 1037 by the prince Yaroslav the Wise, the original Golden Gates served as the main entrance into the ancient Kiev, which was surrounded by the defense walls. This jewel of early Slavic architecture was inspired by the gates of Constantinople, and was renowned throughout the Europe. The Gates were decorated with gold and precious metals and had a built-in miniature Church of the Annunciation.