Introduction
The capital of Ukraine, Kiev is one of the largest and most important cities in Eastern Europe. Kiev lies along the Dnieper River, about 590 miles (950 kilometers) north of the Black Sea. Kiev is Ukraine's cultural and commercial center. The city's long and interesting history is reflected in its many historic buildings and sites.
Places of interest
Photograph:The 18th-century Church of St. Andrew, in Kiev, Ukraine, is known for its five green and gold domes.
* The 18th-century Church of St. Andrew, in Kiev, Ukraine, is known for its five green and gold domes.
Although many of Kiev's buildings were built after World War II (1939–45), the Old Town has a variety of historic sites. For example, the Cathedral of St. Sophia is almost 1,000 years old and is the oldest standing church in Kiev. The cathedral has detailed mosaics that show scenes from the Bible. Another important religious site is the Church of St. Andrew. Built in the 18th century in the baroque style, the church has five green and gold domes that can be seen from all over the city. Kiev's famous Golden Gate, which used to be part of the city's defenses, was built in 1037. Although the gate was destroyed during an invasion, it was completely reconstructed and today looks as it did almost 1,000 years ago.
One of the most interesting places in Kiev is the Monastery of the Caves, which dates back to the 11th century. Underneath the churches on the monastery grounds are caves where monks used to live. Today the caves house the mummies of monks and saints. There are also museums at the monastery, including the Historical Treasures Museum, which contains Ukrainian gold and gems. Other museums in Kiev are the Russian Art Museum and the Western and Eastern Art Museum. The Chernobyl Museum of Kiev has exhibits about the worst nuclear disaster in history. The disaster happened about 65 miles (104 kilometers) north of Kiev, at the Chernobyl nuclear plant, in 1986.
Monuments throughout the city remember events from Kiev's history. For example, the Baby Yar Monument marks the site where more than 30,000 Jews were killed by German troops in 1941. Kiev also has many parks (including a zoo), gardens, and streets lined with chestnut trees. Among the city's cultural centers are the Shevchenko Theater of Opera and Ballet and the Tchaikovsky Conservatory, where concerts are given.
Economy
Kiev's economy depends on services, trade, and industry. Many people in Kiev work in government agencies and business offices, while others work for manufacturers, book publishers, and engineering companies. Factories in Kiev make precision tools, electronic parts, medicines, chemicals, foods, clothing, and building materials. The river port, railroad stations, and airports are also important to the economy. The countryside surrounding the city has some of the region's most productive farms.
History
People began farming and fishing along the Dnieper River thousands of years ago. Eventually a village was established on the river. The village of Kiev became an important trading center because of this river location. By the late 9th century, invaders from the north called Varangians had taken over Kiev and won control over several other towns. Kiev became the capital of a kingdom called Kievan Rus.
In the 11th century, Kiev was an important center of culture and politics. However, by the 12th century Kiev lost much of its power because of attacks from its neighbors. In 1240 a Mongol army attacked and destroyed the town. The town and surrounding area were later ruled by various other powers. In the late 18th century, Russia claimed the city. A railroad was built between Moscow and Kiev, and the city's population increased dramatically. Kiev was also the center of a movement to gain independence for Ukraine.
In 1917, following the Russian Revolution, Ukraine did declare its independence, with Kiev as its capital. However, Ukraine and Kiev soon were taken over by the newly formed Soviet Union. During World War II, German and Soviet troops fought major battles in Kiev. Because of this, large sections of the city were destroyed. In addition, many residents of Kiev, mainly Jews, were killed by the Germans. After the war, the city again became a center of industry and culture.
Kiev was a center for protests against Soviet rule. After the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991, Kiev became the capital of the independent country of Ukraine. Since then, the city has led the country in making political and economic changes. Many foreign investors have been attracted to Kiev. Population (1998 estimate), 2,629,300.
