Each city has a large number of attractions worthy of being carefully studied by tourists. Among them are places that are his hallmark. In Moscow, it is Red Square and Arbat. In St. Petersburg - the Hermitage and St. Isaac's Cathedral. When talking about Paris, we first remember the Eiffel Tower.
There are such places in Kiev - the capital and one of the largest cities in Ukraine. Let's name them. Kiev Pechersk Lavra, Vladimir Cathedral, St. Andrew's Descent, Khreschatyk Street. In Kiev, of course, there are many other worthy places, but it is these that are recalled in the first place. Today we want to tell our readers about one of them.
Khreshchatyk in Kiev
This is a world famous street. How many secrets and mysteries she hides in herself. A large number of entertaining stories and legends are associated with it. During the Great Patriotic War, it was almost completely destroyed, and already in peace years restored. We will introduce you to her and try to reveal all her secrets. And for this, let's first sit in a virtual time machine and go to the distant past of the city of Kiev.
A bit of history
There are two versions of the origin of the name Khreschatyk Street. The first says that Prince Vladimir baptized Russian people in this place. The second says that the street got its name from the intersection of the hollows in the place where it was located. Its active settlement began when the annual fair or auction, as they were then called, was transferred here by royal decree. Circus performances and folk festivals were also shown here. This territory was called Khreshchaty Valley. At the end of the 18th century, a two-story palace was built here for one of the local landowners. Then other houses began to appear.
Curious facts
We invite you to get acquainted with some interesting information about the legendary street of Kiev.
- On the territory of Khreshchatyk in ancient times there was a dense forest.
- Russian princes, and subsequently other Kievites, arranged hunting for small animals and birds with the help of special nets - cows. From here the first name of the street appeared - Pereveschet.
- Today, the highway passes through three squares: Independence, European, Bessarabian.
- There is a boulevard with chestnut trees.
- At the end of the 19th century, the first tram line in Russia was drawn along it.
- In the forties, the street was almost completely destroyed.
- It is considered one of the shortest main streets in the world.
- During the Great Patriotic War, it was called the Theater, and then Khreshchatitsky.
Description
One of the most beautiful streets of the city has a length of more than a kilometer. How can you get here when you come to Kiev? Metro "Khreshchatyk" takes you directly to the main thoroughfare of the Ukrainian capital. And there is something for tourists to see. It is also interesting that the street is located in two areas at once: Shevchenkovsky and Pechersky. On its sides grow lush chestnuts, many flowers and other vegetation. On weekends and holidays, it becomes completely pedestrian, as the passage of vehicles at this time is strictly prohibited. Here is a large number of popular shops, entertainment centers, office buildings, cafes and restaurants. Locals love to arrange romantic dates on Khreshchatyk or get to know each other.
Fountains on Khreshchatyk
Many people come to Kiev to see a stunning and unusual sight. And this is not an exaggeration! Fountains on Khreshchatyk amaze with their beauty and sophistication. I must say that in Kiev there are a large number of them. But the most unusual are on Independence Square (Maidan). The fact is that fountains are not only able to save from the heat on the hottest day, but also “dance” to the music, overflowing with colorful paints. You can see a beautiful show on any day except Monday, from 21.00 to 23.00. Be sure to visit this place. Believe me, you will not regret it!
Other attractions
What other interesting monuments can be seen on Khreshchatyk? We offer you information about the most popular of them:
- House with Chimeras. This building still from afar attracts the eyes of passers-by. The house has amazing sculptures of animals, sea monsters, mermaids. Female faces are here next to the faces of animals. The sight is absolutely amazing. It is interesting to visit inside the mysterious building, which is located on the street Bankova, 10.
- Cinema "Friendship". It has two rooms equipped with the highest quality appliances. His address is the city of Kiev, Khreshchatyk, 25.
- The house-museum of T. G. Shevchenko. Here you can see things that once belonged to the great Ukrainian poet. Visitors pay attention to the original interiors of the rooms. The museum was opened in the twenties of the last century.
- Passage. Every Kiev knows this place. Here are the most fashionable shops and cozy cafes.
- Monument "Lanterns in Love". It is installed on one of the benches located on Independence Square. The sculptures reach almost two meters in height. Near unusual lovers, young couples like to be photographed.
Where to shop
Many readers will be interested to know about the most popular stores, which are located on the main street of Kiev. We offer you useful information about some of them:
- Market "All Your Own" . This is one of the largest shopping centers in Kiev. The building has 5 floors. It sells products of more than two hundred different brands. They are represented by both proven Ukrainian producers of goods, and completely new ones that have not yet announced themselves. There are four product categories in the store: household goods, for children, gastronomic products, clothes, shoes and accessories. Prices are for middle-income buyers. Store address - Kyiv city, st. Khreshchatyk, 27.
- Central Department Store - TSUM. It attracts a large number of buyers not only with a variety of assortment, but also with its rich history. On its territory once housed a concert hall, then warehouses, the House of Books and even a printing house. TSUM was opened to customers in 1939. At the beginning of the war, it was completely destroyed, but already in 1944 resumed its work. The TSUM has a large number of boutiques of the most famous world companies, there are beauty salons, dry cleaning, ateliers, dressing rooms, cafes and restaurants. The store is located in the Shevchenko district.
- "Monarch" is a shoe store. This brand is known and popular in many countries. The address of the store in Kiev is Khreshchatyk, 21. Here you can always find something special for yourself and your family.
- Shop "Roshen". It attracts attention with its display cases and, of course, an abundance of all kinds of sweets produced by a well-known confectionery company. This is a real paradise for the sweet tooth. Here you can buy a variety of sweets, waffles, chocolate, cakes, marshmallows and much more. Gift sets and souvenirs are also on sale. Store address - Khreschatyk, 29/1.
We introduced you only to some of the shops located on the main street of the city. There are many more. All of them, no doubt, deserve your attention.
Cafes and restaurants
After walking along the street and exploring its main attractions, a logical question arises, where can I eat tasty and inexpensive? On Khreshchatyk and near it there are many options. Here is some of them:
- Dining room of the national cuisine "Puzata hut". Here you will be offered a large selection of salads, fish and other dishes. The self-service system will appeal to many visitors. Address - Khreschatyk, 15.
- Cafe "Zdorovenki bula". The assortment has a large selection of pizzas, meat, fish, poultry dishes, soups, all kinds of side dishes. There is an institution on Lutheran street, 3.
- Restaurant "Sushiya". The menu features popular Japanese dishes. Location - 10 Bogdan Khmelnitsky Street.
- Restaurant "Murakami". From the name its specialization is clear. The menu offers rolls, seafood snacks, a large number of desserts. The address of the restaurant is 14/1 Khreshchatyk Street.
- "Mafia". An Italian restaurant awaits its visitors at Khreshchatyk, 6. For lovers of singing, there is karaoke.
- "McDonald's" - Khreshchatyk, 19.
- Cafe "City" hospitably welcomes everyone on the street Khreshchatyk, 7/11. Delicious pizza is sold here.
- Beer restaurant "Chateau". Here you will be offered a wide selection of drinks, including alcoholic ones. The menu also has snacks, hot dishes, desserts and much more.
In these establishments you can eat very tasty, and most importantly - the prices in the above catering establishments are quite affordable. The quality of service is also at the highest level.
Amazing place
Khreshchatyk in Kiev is considered a must-see place for tourists who come to Ukraine. It is always noisy and crowded. There is street trading, passers-by communicate and take pictures, street musicians and singers perform. Animation and fun reigns everywhere, even at night, life on the street is in full swing.