Kyiv, a scenic city of close to 3 million people situated on the Dnipro River, is the bustling capital of Ukraine. Ancient Kievan Rus, which reached its greatest period of ascendancy during the 11th and 12th centuries, was a centre of trade routes between the Baltic and the Mediterranean. The city of Kyiv and the power of Kievan Rus were destroyed in 1240 by Mongol invaders and the lands of Kievan Rus were divided into principalities located to the west and north: Galicia, Volynia, Muscovy and later, Poland, Lithuania, and Russia. Once a powerful force on the European scene, Ukraine's fate in modern times has been decided in far-off capitals. As a result, modern Ukrainian history, for the most part, has been defined by foreign occupation. But after gaining the independence by Ukraine in 1991 it significantly restored it's political and economic weight.

Lviv (other spellings: L'viv, Lvov, Lwiw, Lwow, Lemberg) is one of the most beautiful cities of Ukraine, the real pearl of European architecture. Its architectural landscape joins the monuments of numerous styles and different epochs. From the gothic XIV century Latin Cathedral to the baroque of St. George (Sviatoho Yura) Cathedral. Renaissance-style Bernardine Monastery and Chapel of Boimes coexist with the strict simplicity of Armenian Church. Lviv city has a rich and impressive history. Numerous historical events are concerned with the city. The walls of old Lviv buildings still keep the spirit of past centuries. Cozy streets and fascinating monuments make it a unique tourist attraction among the Ukrainian and Eastern European cities.

In the background is the Bernardine Monastery

Picture by Gennady Zinchenko.

Picture by Larry Kozak.

Traditional ukrainian embroideries are the real specialty of Western Ukraine. Lviv has numerous booths and mini-bazaars selling them just on the street.

(Independence square). The central square of Kyiv.

Picture by Andrew V. Shchegloff

Just another example of linking creative Western conceptions with local traditions Greek-Catholic cathedral of St. Yury (aka St. George) is dominating the city. It was built by Bernard Merderer also known as Bernard Meretyn who brought some influence of late baroque. It resembles the Monastery Complexes by Jacob Prandtauer in Melk (Austria) or Superga Philippo Juvara in Turin but as to planning and pyramidal composition Cathedral is closely connected with ancient traditions of Ukrainian church architecture.

The Chapel of Boimes is another example of renaissance architecture in Lviv. The walls of main facade are decorated with carvings in white stone. On the cupola there is the unique sculpture of Jesus Christ, who sits.

Picture by Dr. Donald Houston.

Hydropark located on the Dnieper's island is a beautiful recreation site. Easy to reach (there is a metro station there) it is the most visited place at the weekends. Numerous different carousels and other attractions are located there there.

Pictures of Ukraine by UA Zone, visit their site here