This summer, Ukraine celebrated 15 years
of independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union, although
some might argue that it seems more like just 15 months. The
countrys Orange Revolution, which in 2004 swept away the remnants
of the old communist regime, has finally opened up this jewel of a
European destination.
Rich culture, a
fascinating history and a booming entertainment industry have
conspired to make Ukraine one of Europes newest hot spots. At the
heart of all this lies capital city Kiev, known in Ukrainian as
Kyiv. Both country and capital have endured a checkered history,
with most neighboring lands using the country as a battleground.
Invaded by Mongols, Lithuanians, Poles, Russians and Germans, it
seems everybody at one time or another wanted a piece of
Ukraine.
Kiev itself was
destroyed twice; first by Mongols and much later by the Nazis. The
post-World War II era saw the Soviets grab power and, despite the
fact the boys in red have left town, the socialist reconstruction
of the city has left an impression that will last for years to
come.
But thanks to
attractions ranging from gold-domed churches and cathedrals to
picturesque parks, the only hordes invading Kiev nowadays comprise
tourists.
The main tourist
drag is the avenue called the Khreschatyk, bordered at its northern
end by European Square and, to its south, 
Bessarabska Square. The
Khreschatyk is also home to the Maidan Nezalezhnosti, or
Independence Square, where Orange revolutionaries partied their way
to democracy.
This area is, in
effect, Kievs downtown and undoubtedly the best place to get a feel
for the city. At 1.25 miles long, the Khreschatyk arguably is lined
with the best selection of Soviet-style architecture anywhere in
the world. A boulevard design makes the street ideal for strolling
while marvelling at its grandiose examples of Socialist
Realism.
Rome of Orthodoxy
For a street that
once housed the mechanics of Soviet power, its perhaps ironic that
capitalism has taken a stranglehold, as the Khreschatyk also
features the best of Ukrainian shopping. Everything from designer
clothes to I Love Ukraine T-shirts can be picked up along the way.
Also to be found is a motley crew of entertainers and musicians who
ply their trade in summer.
The Rome of
Orthodox Christianity wasthe moniker bestowed upon Kiev upon the
founding of the Kyivo-Pecherska Lavra monastery in 1051. The
monastery, established with the intention of spreading Christianity
to the heathens in the East, nowadays attracts hordes of
tourists.
The 69-acre site
contains not only churches,
monasteries and other
religious sites but museums such as the Museum of Historical
Valuables, which showcases the talents of local
jewelers.
Kiev has more
square miles of park per resident than any city in Europe. In
summer or early autumn, the whole city seems to be in bloom. It is
claimed its possible to cross the city without ever having to touch
concrete, and although it seems a tall order, visitors can probably
have a good try.
The city also
hosts two botanical gardens, including the Central Botanical
Garden, which is home to more than 13,000 specimens of
plants.
The center of
outdoor life in Kiev is the Dnieper River. In summer months, most
residents trundle down to the beaches, cafes and sports facilities
that line its banks. Its noteworthy that, thanks to the Dnieper, a
landlocked city such as Kiev can boast of more than 47 miles of
sandy beaches.
Some of the best
spots for a day sunning and sleeping can be found in the Hidropark
and Trukhaniv area. Although inundated with visitors, they feature
plenty of hidden beaches and tucked-away coves.
Orange opening
The Orange
Revolution paved the way for a tourism renaissance, and nowhere is
this more visible than in the burgeoning hotel industry. Ukraines
dropping of visa restrictions for U.S., E.U. and Canadian citizens
has seen what was once a tourist trickle turn into a
torrent.
Upscale hotels
are gaining a firm foot in the market, although at the moment the
countrys only five-star hotel is the magnificent Premier Palace,
with the four-star Dnipro not far behind.
A more moderately
priced option is Khreschatyk, which is in the center of town, or
the Domus, offering a more business-like environment.
Kiev is a young
town, and the nightlife is vibrant, with no shortage of bars and
nightclubs catering to every taste. Riverside and street cafes and
bars dole out fine-tasting Ukrainian brews, although visitors
should be warned that in terms of alcohol content, the stuff is
like rocket-fuel.
Whether it is
snow-covered churches, sandy beaches or a walking tour of
Soviet-era architecture, Kiev has something for all the
seasons.
For more on
travel to Kiev and Ukraine, visit http://ukraineinfo.us/travel.
To contact the reporter who wrote this article, send e-mail
to [email protected].