Live Learn Shine On: Kiev

Hello dear readers!
Today I'd like to introduce my lovely home city, beautiful place and the hist of Euro 2012 final - Kiev, the capital of Ukraine :)
P.S. All pictures belong to me.

Kiev, also known as Kyiv, is the capital and the largest city of Ukraine, located in the north central part of the country on the Dnieper River with the population of over 3 million and growing. It became a very popular spot for tourists. Different places of interests for all age groups and people of different tastes attract tourists from all parts of the world. Kiev is perceived as one of the biggest and most eye-catching cities in Europe, especially in spring and summer.

The name "Kyiv" is said to derive from the name of Kyi, one of four legendary founders of the city (brothers Kyi, Shchek, Khoryv, and sister Lybid). During its history, Kyiv, one of the oldest cities in Eastern Europe, passed through several stages of great prominence and relative obscurity. Completely destroyed during the Mongol invasion in 1240, the city lost most of its influence for the centuries to come. It was a provincial capital of marginal importance in the outskirts of the territories controlled by its powerful neighbours: first the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, followed by Poland and Russia.
The city prospered again during the Russian Empire's industrial revolution in the late 19th century. In 1917, after the Ukrainian National Republic declared independence from the Russian Empire, Kyiv became its capital. And from 1921 onwards Kyiv was an important city of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, and, from 1934, its capital. During World War II, the city again suffered significant damage, but quickly recovered in the post-war years, remaining the third largest city of the Soviet Union. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union and the Ukrainian independence of 1991, Kyiv remained the capital of Ukraine.

Kiev is a beautiful city with a rich history. There are more than 60 museums here, preserving memorials of ancient culture. In 2009 they recorded a total of 4.3 million visits.
The Museum of the Great Patriotic War (World War II Museum): is a memorial complex commemorating the Great Patriotic War located in the hills on the right-bank of the Dnieper River in Pechersk. It has moved twice before ending up in the current location, where it was ceremonially opened on 9 May 1981, Victory Day. The museum has been visited by over 21 million visitors.
The Golden Gate: is a historic gateway in the ancient city's walls. The name Zoloti Vorota is also used for a nearby theatre and a station of the Kiev Metro. This gateway was one of three constructed by Yaroslav the Wise, Prince of Kiev, in the mid-11th century. In 1982, the gate was completely reconstructed for the 1500th anniversary of Kiev, although there is no solid evidence as to what the original gates looked like. What makes it unique is that its architectural ensemble is very much based on the internal decorations of ancient Ruthenian churches.

It is said that one can walk from one end of Kiev to the other in the summertime without leaving the shade of its many trees. My friend once called it "The City in the Park" ;) The most "popular" trees in Kyiv are chestnut trees, you can see its leaf on the emblem of the city. Kyiv has two botanical gardens and numerous large and small parks. One of the most famous parks in Kiev is the Mariinsky Park. Here you can find the People’s Friendship Arch as well as the Mariinsky Palace which is the architectural monument of the city.
The centre of Kiev (Independence Square and Khreschatyk Street) becomes a large outdoor party place at night during summer months, with thousands of people having a good time in nearby restaurants, clubs and outdoor cafes. The central streets are closed for auto traffic on weekends and holidays.
Andriyivskyy Descent is one of the best known historic streets and a major tourist attraction in Kiev.

So, we hope you have the time of your life when you come to visit - whether during Euro 2012, or just for fun ;)

Quick facts:
Time: Summer: GMT +3 hours; Winter: GMT +2 hours
Area code: 44
Post code: The whole territory of Kyiv, is divided into several boroughs. Every borough has it’s own zip code or index. But for convenience purposes, they all use one, common zip code 01001
Electricity: voltage 220 V AC, 50 Hz
Currency: Hryvnia (UAH)
Phone code: international (+380)44, in Ukraine – (044)