Ukrainian capital is a historic city that may offer a wide variety of historic monuments, cult constructions of different styles and religions and charming old streets as if specially designated for walking about. This guide will introduce you to Podil district, one of the Kiev oldest districts, and provide some information about its the most interesting attractions.

History of Podil dates back to the 9th century. It is mentioned in several ancient records and manuscripts such as “The Tale of Igor’s Campaign”, an epic poem of the 12th century. In those ancient times it was the main trade centre with a large market and communities of various artisans. There was a port in Podil receiving numerous ships with goods as well as merchants, pilgrims and travellers.

The Podil district is full of intresting religious buildings

The great fire of 1811 destroyed numerous, mostly wooden churches, temples and houses of the district. Podil was rebuilt rather quickly. Its previously narrow and curved streets were substituted by wider and straight ones running parallel to the Dnieper and those perpendicular to them. Now all streets come together in Kontraktova Ploshchad (Trade Square). Today Podil is one of the most prestigious districts of Kiev.

Kontraktova Ploshchad, which may be easily accessed by metro from almost any district of the city, is the heart of Podil. It is one of the oldest squares in Kiev dating back to the ancient times. This grand and beautiful square is surrounded by several buildings each of which is interesting in its own way. The stand out attraction of the square is the oldest Kiev’s Dormition Church of the Blessed Virgin of Pirogoshcha. It was built in 1132, destroyed by the Soviets in 1935 and completely restored in 1998.

Kontraktova Ploshchad square kiev

You will see there the so-called Gostinny Dvor (it means a long row of shops) – the trade complex, which was constructed at the beginning of the 19th century. Once it had 50 shops (and workshops) grouped into different rows: silk, iron, woolen, etc. Nowadays there is a library in this building.

Blessed Virgin of Pirogoshcha Church

Built in 1749 the charming Fountain of Samson was also demolished by the Soviet authorities and restored in 1981. The legend runs that one who has tasted the water of the fountain will stay in Kiev forever. The Fountain of Samson is popular among locals and tourists. The former use it for dating, whereas the latter – for taking photos.

Kontraktova Ploshchad also hosts two monuments to outstanding persons of Ukraine – G.Skovioroda, a great Ukrainian philosopher and P.Sagaydachny, famous Ukrainian military commander. Kontraktova Ploshchad is a popular place for outdoor public events including concerts and fairs.

Florovsky-Voznesensky Monastery is located behind Frolovskaya (Frolivska) Street and it takes no more than a 5 minutes walk to get to it from Kontraktova Ploshchad. The monastery was founded in the 15th century at the foot of Zamkova Gora (Castle Hill). The Monastery consists of the complex of constructions built in different styles: Byzantine, old Russian and classic. Of 38 buildings available at the end of the 19th century there are now only the Bell Tower erected in 1740ies, the Voznesensky Cathedral with its domes and cupolas gilded in the middle of the 19th century and highly stuccowork decorated exterior, the 17-19th century Refectory Church and the Voskresenskaya (Resurrection) Church of the 19th century. There is an iron-saturated spring in the territory of the Monastery, which is said to rejuvenate those who tasted its water.

The Florovsky-Voznesensky Monastery

Florovsky-Voznesensky Monastery was closed by the Soviet authorities in 1930. Now it is functioning with religious services held every day. The Monastery is open from 10:00 to 18:00 and there is no entrance fee.

 

Adjacent to the Monastery an old Pritissko-Nikolskaya Street houses the Pharmacy-Museum located in the premises of the Kiev first private drug store, which was opened in 1728. Do not miss this interesting Museum on your way to another attraction, the Church of St. Nicholas Pritisk, to which the street is leading. There are about 55,000 exhibits in museum including various medicine bottles and dish, furniture and other pharmaceutical items. The Museum has 12 halls. You may enjoy visiting “the house of wisewoman” or “the laboratory of alchemist”. The drug store sells a handmade soap, which is very popular among tourists who purchase it as a souvenir. The Museum is open every day from 9:00 to 16:00.

The Samson and the Lion Fountain

The Church of St. Nicholas Pritisk was built in Ukrainian baroque style at the end of the 18th century on the site of a wooden temple. Only some of the original inscriptions have been preserved on its interior walls. At the same time there is an interesting modern carved iconostasis on the order of baroque nicely fitting in the interior. The Church is functioning and open every day from 8:00 to 18:30 (Saturdays from 7:00 to 19:00 and Sundays from 7:00 to 18:30).

There are plenty of good restaurants and pretty cafes in Podil district, so you will have no problem if feeling hungry. For coffee addicts (if any) we would recommend to visit a cozy “Theatre of Coffee” café that is located in G.Skovorody Street. It is one of the streets radiating from Kontraktovaya Ploshchad. They claim to be brewing the best coffee in Kiev, however, tastes differ.

The grand architecture of the Podil district

Moving further along G.Skovorody Street you will notice the 18th century the Naberezhno-Nikolskaya Church, which may boast of a very nice iconostasis created in 1852 and a miracle-working icon of St. Nicholas. There is a Bell Tower near the main temple erected at the end of the 19th century.

The Pokrovskaya Church

G.Skovorody Street is crossed by Pochayninskaya Street, where two cult buildings are located. The St. Elijah Church was erected at the end of the 17th century. The majority of its fascinating frescos has been preserved. The temple is open every day from 10:00 to 17:00 (and from 7:00 to 19:00 on weekends). Entrance is free. There is also a small and quite ordinary the Assumption Church of Old Believers that was built in 1897. They say it has a highly decorated and fascinating interior, however, the Old Believers will hardly let you in.

 

We would also recommend to visit the imposing Pokrovskaya Church, a stone temple erected in 1772. It is one of the best examples of Ukrainian baroque architecture of the 18th century. The Church is located in Pokrovskaya Street. Nearby you will notice a charming Bell Tower of the Church of St. Nicholas the Good. The Church was destroyed by the Soviet authorities.

The trip to Kiev is not complete without visiting the “Kiev Montmartre”, an ancient cobbled Andreyevsky Spusk (Descent), which boasts various attractions. This, one of the oldest streets of Kiev, hosts a graceful and magnificent the 18th century St. Andrew’s Church, which is famous for its scarlet iconostasis made of braid gold covered linden. You will admire the Castle of Richard the Lionheart resembling medieval knightly castles with pseudo-Gothic style elements. You will be fascinated by a small but interesting the One Street Museum with its unique collection of various old objects. This Museum is open from 12:00 to 18:00 every day and entry ticket costs 1 Euro.

Saint Andrew's church

Andreyevsky Spusk is the popular place of artists and artisans displaying their art and wares on the buildings’ walls or stands along the street. It is the best place to choose and purchase various souvenirs.

Andreyevsky Spusk is lined with nice restaurants, charming cafes, bars, art galleries. Do not miss the chance to taste delightful handmade chocolate sweets in “Lvivska Maisternia Shokoladu” (Lvov Handmade Chocolate), a cozy and pretty café located at the very bottom of the street. We hope that you will really enjoy walking across Podil district.