The Pechersk Lavra (Pechersk stands for pechery, that is caves which are to be found in its territory and which early monks used to live in, Lavra is an honorific title given to a monastery of extra-size and religious importance) is Kyiv's main tourist attraction and according to its promotional literature, more than 43 million people have visited the site. The origins of the Kyiv-Pechersk Monastery are closely related to the introduction of Christianity in Kyiv Rus' in the 10th century. To keep the new religion alive Princes built impressive churches and by all means supported the activity of the first monks who went from place to place teaching the Christian Faith and preaching.

During the next ten centuries the Monastery played a significant role in the cultural and religious life of the country and its history was full of interesting events. Many famous people had deep connection to Lavra.

Situated at the hillside, the territory of Kyiv-Pechersk Monastery is split into two parts called Upper Lavra and Lower Lavra and occupies about 50 acres and 86 buildings (Uspenskiy Cathedral, Bell Tower, Troitskaya Church, Hospital Church, All-Saints Church, Refectory, Museum, etc) present various architectural styles of the past. Numerous exhibitions and museums help an interested visitor to learn much about the history, national traditions and folk art.

The architectural complex of the Monastery and the way it looks today is truly grandiose. On a sunny day one is almost dazzled by the reflections from the innumerable golden domes above churches and belfries. Nowadays, Lavra is both a collection of unique museums and a functioning monastery.

There is an entire network of caves that run beneath the monastic settlement, which, for a small price, tourists can explore by candlelight, peering into the open coffins of deceased monks. Everyone who visits Kyiv simply must make the trek to the Lavra at some point!

The museum of people's architecture and way of life of Ukraine is located on a territory of about 150 hectares on the picturesque Kyiv outskirts near the Goloseyevsky forest. This is a remarkable ensemble of open-air exhibits. The museum is located near the village Pirogov not far from the city ring road.

Construction began in 1969 on the initiative of the Ukrainian Society for Protection of Monuments of History and Culture, The museum has been open to visitors since 1976. S.Vergovsky, T.Dovzhenko, V.Orlov, L.Pribega, V.Sikorskiy, S.Smolinsky, B.Stamov, N.Khodakovsky and others took part in developing the conception and design of the museum.

The museum structures (there are more than 300) are original examples of wooden architecture transported here from the different regions of Ukraine. The territory is divided into separate zones corresponding to the historical regions of the country.

From the main entrance, the road leads across a large wheat field to the zone Middle Pridnieprovie with the great Church of the Great Martyn Saint Paraskeva Friday (Cherkassy region, 1742), the small Church of the Archangel Michael (1601), and the unique collection of windmills (vitriaky). Next on the hillside comes the zone Podolie where visitors tan see the Church of Saint Nicholas and the hell tower from the beginning of the 19th century from near Gusiatin. A stone pot-house stands near the road. The complex Poltavshchina and Slobozhanshchina is situated in the centre of the museum territory. A little farther on, visitors can see the Polesiye zone with the Voskresenskaya Church (Rovenshchina, 17th-18th century) under its hipped roof. The exposition of village houses (khatas) here is unique for its age (1587 and 1687). In the northern part of the museum, the Carpathians zone is divided into small farms. The bell tower of the ancient Pokrovskaya Church rises above this zone.

The trip starts from Old Kiev Hill (Vladimir's Hill, to the honor of Prince Volodimir, the baptizer of Kiev Rus), the place, where according to the chronicles, the first settlement was established by 3 brothers, Kiy, Shcheck, Horiv and their sister Lybid in 482 A.D. On Vladimir's Hill you will see the duplicate of the basement of Desyatinnaya Church (10th), which was completely destroyed in 1240 during the tatar-mongol invasion. A nice example of Old Rus architecture raises over Volodimir's Hill (the architector Rastrelli).

From the epoch of Volodimir we proceed to the epoch of Yaroslav the Wise, the son of Volodimir. The historical monument, preserved up to our days, is St. Sophia's Cathedral (1037). It is a unique specimen of Old Rus architecture. Mosaics and frescos in the interior of the Cathedral are of great value. There is a lovely view from Sopia's Square to St. Michael Golden Domed Cathedral (1113), which was destroyed to the earth in 1934-35 by soviet regime and restored in 1998. Continuing our tour of the city we can not pass by the famous Golden Gates (11th), which were the part of fortifications of Kiev in their time, were completely destroyed in 1240 and reconstructed in 1750, 1837.

From Kiev of Old Rus time we are proceeding to modern Kiev, a famous Opera House (1901), Kiev National University (1837-43). You will drive along the main street of Kreshchatik, will hear the history of this famous street. Near the Arch of Friendship a magnificent view to the Dniper river and to one of the old regions of Kiev, Podol, will be opened to you. You visit the Museum of the Second World War with the exposition of the military equipment.

Travel from your Kiev hotel to Kiev Airport. Transfer services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When making a booking, you will need to advise your departure flight details and your Nice pick-up details. Upon confirmation you will be provided with a travel voucher to present to the driver.

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Travel from Kiev Airport to Kiev hotel. Transfer services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When making a booking, you will need to advise your arrival flight details and your Kiev drop-off details. Upon confirmation you will be provided with a travel voucher to present to the driver.

It's that easy!

Don't forget to book your return transfer here!
Kiev Airport Departure Transfer
Product Code: 3401KBPHTLAPT