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Upon entering the city of Kyiv, visitors might be surprised why it is deemed as the country's capital. Kyiv symbolizes ‘New Ukrainian' wealth in all aspects. From inspiring building designs to BMWs populating the roads, this city is an odd balance of crooked affluence and historical architecture.

The urban Ukrainian experience usually begins with Kyiv's famous St. Sophia Cathedral and Kiev Pechersk Lavra. Both places are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The more religious might enjoy a church visit to the Orthodox churches St. Andrew's and St. Vladimir's, as well as to St. Michael's Cathedral and the Golden Gate.

Among the churches, the highlight is St. Sophia's Cathedral, where the Virgin Orans mosaic is found. Outside St. Sophia's is a statue of Bogdan Hmelnitski, the man who freed Kiev in the 17th century only to the hand the city later to the Russian empire.

Devout Christians and tourists alike tend to frequent the Pecherska Lavra or caves where mummified monks and pilgrims rest in an underground church. The cave monastery was founded by St. Anthony in the 11th century.

Much could also be learned in the Museum to the Great Patriotic War, which is below the Motherland Statue's base. The museum shows how much the German invasion influenced the Soviet Union. The Babiy Yar is also relevant to the Second World War, having been the ravine where 60,000 Jews and other civilians were massacred by the Nazis.

For livelier entertainment, a must-visit is the Hreschatik Street, where entertainers come to please wandering visitors. Even the lively crowd might entertain foreign visitors who enjoy people-watching.

Regarded as the best place for tourists to buy Kyiv memorabilia is Andriyivskiy Uzviz, home to many restaurants, museums, and souvenir shops. On Andriyivskiy Uzviz is One Street Museum, which is devoted to the street's famous residents. St. Andrew's Church is also located at the top of the cobblestone street.

Artistic inspiration is also being offered at the Mariyinsky Palace, a Baroque-style structure resting beautifully on the Dnieper River's hilly bank. The palace is the president of Ukraine's official ceremonial residence. It is connected to the neo-classical Verkhovna Rada or parliament building.

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