Unit Eleven Kyiv — the Capital of Ukraine

Kyiv is the capital of Ukraine. It is one of the oldest cities in Europe. Its history goes back to the 5-th century. There is a legend about foundation of Kyiv. Once there were three brothers: Kyi, Shchek and Khoriv, and they had a young sister Lybed. They founded a city on the hills and called it Kyiv after the eldest brother.

The city was founded by Slavic people, possibly as early as the A.D. 400’s. Ancient Kyiv was a large commercial centre of the East Slavs. Its position on the important waterway helped its trade. The East Slav tribes united in a single powerful state, Ancient Rus. A great role in the history of Kyiv was played by Prince Volodymyr, who united Slav peoples. So Kyiv was made the capital of Ancient Rus and it lasted for nearly three centuries. Under the rule of Yaroslav the Wise Kyivan Rus with Kyiv as its capital reached the height of its power.

Kyiv is the largest ancient centre of national Ukrainian culture. It numbers more than 20 museums, 1300 libraries, 41 theatres, 121 parks. Kyiv is growing, and it is being built, it also becomes younger and more beautiful.

But it is not only its old age and long history that make Kyiv stand out among other cities. It is a unique and extremely harmonious combination of historic values and ways of life that attracts crowds of people from all over the world to Kyiv.

Among the places of historic interest is St. Sophia’s Cathedral, Kyiv-Pechersky Monastery, St. Volodymyr Cathedral, Church of St. Andrew, Golden Gates, Vydubetsky Monastery, Askold's Grave and many other ancient monuments which attract attention of visitors.

The cultural life of our capital is rich and varied. There are a lot of fine museums in it: the Historical Museum, the Museum of Ukrainian Art, the Museum of Russian Art, the Taras Shevchenko Museum, the Museum of Western and Oriental Art, the Lesya Ukrainka Memorial Museum and others. Many research institutes and higher educational establishments are there. Kyiv is also famous for its theatres such as the Ivan Franko Ukrainian Drama Theatre, the Opera House, the Lesya Ukrainka Russian Drama Theatre, the Puppet Theatre and others. The famous Kyiv Shevchenko Opera and Ballet Theatre has one of the best opera and ballet companies in the country.

Nowadays Kyiv is a large political, industrial and scientific centre. Its population equals 3 million people. It is situated on the banks of the Dnieper river, the longest river of Ukraine. The picturesque banks and hills, plentiful flower-beds with different flowers, wonderful beaches of the Dnieper river, Kreshchatic, one of the widest and most beautiful streets in our country — all this adds up to the beauty of the Ukrainian capital. One half of Kyiv's territory is occupied by gardens and parks, and in spring and summer time the trees and bushes are full of greenery, and the city looks like one huge park.

If only once you have been to Kyiv, you are sure to feel like coming back there again and again.