Kiev City Profile - About Kiev, Ukraine's Capital City

Kiev has a long and prominent history. Also spelled Kyiv, Kiev was once a seat of learning, law, and leadership in ancient Kievan Rus. Kiev's Prince Vladimir was responsible for choosing the Eastern Orthodox religion that so many Eastern Europeans subscribe to today. Kiev was also the headquarters of leadership in the region until power moved to Moscow. However, Kievans are well aware of the part their city has played in Eastern Europe's history.

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Kiev straddles the Dnieper River to the north of Ukraine. Vikings were said to have traveled the River Dnieper. Another legend speaks of how Prince Vladimir threw the statue of the pagan god Perun into the Dnieper, or one of its tributaries, upon his conversion to Eastern Orthodoxy.

Kiev's long winters - which last from November to March - are so cold that its waterways become frozen. June, July, and August are Kiev's warmest months, but temperatures may not break 80 degrees F during the summer.

Public transportation in Ukraine, including Kiev, can not always be counted on to maintain a regular schedule. The most punctual form of transportation in Kiev is the metro. Buses and trolleybuses may be used, but not if you have an appointment to keep. If you're in a hurry and want to pay a bit more, Kiev has a system of minibuses that can take you to parts of the city that other forms of transportation may not service as frequently.

Kiev, as an ancient city whose glory has come and gone and come again, has gorgeous architecture and other sites that will impress travelers to Ukraine. St. Sophia's cathedral, inspired by the Hagia Sophia, is one landmark visitors should be sure not to miss. Kiev has other remarkable old religious structures, parks, and museums. However, one should be warned that Kiev has not capitalized on its tourist attractions as much as other capital cities in Eastern Europe.

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