Cover photo © credits: iStock/Leonid Andronov
Cover photo © credits: iStock/Leonid Andronov

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Andriyivskyy Descent in Kyiv, 750 meters of aesthetic pleasure

3 minutes to read

What would you rather choose: an excursion to a strange museum or a visit to an unbelievable temple? Maybe instead you want to be a guest in a modern theater, or buy some relics at the fair? If you come to Kyiv, you can find all these attractions on Andriyivskyy Descent. It is one of the oldest streets in Kyiv. Here, you will forget about the noise of metropolis and meet the charm of an ancient city. I invite you to discover the 750 meters of aesthetic pleasure - Andriyivskyy Descent in KyivАndriyivskyy Descent is not only one of the oldest streets in Kyiv, but it is also the most colorful place in the capital of Ukraine. In ancient times, the Andriyivskyy Descent was the shortest way from the upper city (administrative part) to the lower city, where there were a city port and craftsmen quarters.

Photo © credits: iStock/VvoeVale
Photo © credits: iStock/VvoeVale

Andriyivskyy Descent, a street museum

I want to start our story from an interesting fact. On Andriyivskyy Descent, there is a museum of Andriyivskyy Descent. It is called – One Street Museum. It is dedicated to the history of the street, where you can see historical documents, manuscripts, autographs, vintage postcards, photographs, and a large number of old household items. The main theme of the exhibition is dedicated to interesting cases, stories, and city tales about the houses on the Andriyivskyy Descent and their prominent owners. In the house under the number 13, there is a museum of the brilliant writer Mykhailo Bulgakov, the author of “The Master and Margarita” and “The White Guard". He lived and worked in this building.

The One Street Museum, Kyiv
The One Street Museum, Kyiv
Andriivs'kyi descent, 2б, Kyiv, Ukraine, 02000
Mikhail Bulgakov Museum, Kyiv
Mikhail Bulgakov Museum, Kyiv
Andriivs'kyi descent, 13А, Kyiv, Ukraine, 02000
Photo © credits: iStock/Gelia
Photo © credits: iStock/Gelia

On Andriyivskyy Descent, there is another interesting place - the museum-workshop of Ukrainian Michelangelo - Ivan Kavaleridze. There, you can get acquainted with the works of this brilliant Ukrainian sculptor. In the middle of the street, you will find the building that is fundamentally different from the overall street architecture. It's the newest and the most modern theater - Kyiv Academic Drama Theater on Podil. This building can cause only two sensations: absolute delight or absolute disgust.

Museum-workshop of Ivan Kavaleridze, Kyiv
Museum-workshop of Ivan Kavaleridze, Kyiv
Andriivs'kyi descent, 21А, Kyiv, Ukraine, 02000
Kiev Academic Drama Theater on Podil
Kiev Academic Drama Theater on Podil
Andriivs'kyi descent, 20а, Kyiv, Ukraine, 01025
Photo © credits: iStock/ablokhin
Photo © credits: iStock/ablokhin

However, Andriyivskyy Descent hides not only museums but also many galleries of contemporary art, where you can buy paintings or various products of local artists. You can get lost in the amount of jewelry, vivid embroidery, decorative utensils, and many other unique souvenirs. Antique lovers will be interested in oldies: coins, gramophone records, books, postcards, cameras, etc.

St. Andrew's Church - a treasure of the Andriyivskyy Descent

St. Andrew's Church is a real treasure on the top of the Andriyivskyy Descent. St. Andrew's Church is one of the biggest temples in Kyiv, rising proudly above the city. It has a special feature, in addition to its extraordinary style, there are no bells in it. Legend tells us that the hill, where the masterpiece of the Ukrainian Baroque was erected, in ancient times, was washed by the sea, which retreated from its shores, after Andrew The Apostle established a cross on it. The centuries passed, the city was born and expanded, and on this slope grew a temple that not only exalts but also protects Kyiv from the natural threats. According to the beliefs, the bell would wake up the sea that rushes under the hill. Rumor has it that this legend has protected the church from destruction in the Soviet times. I want to assure you that, unlikely as it sounds, a street walk that has only 750 meters can actually take a half of a day. Andriyivskyy Descent in Kyiv will give you a sea of ​​positive impressions, and both aesthetic and cultural pleasure.  

St Andrew's Church, Kyiv
St Andrew's Church, Kyiv
Andriivs'kyi descent, 23, Kyiv, Ukraine, 02000
Photo © credits: iStock/connect11
Photo © credits: iStock/connect11

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The author

Marusia Bilous

Marusia Bilous

Hi, I’m Marusia from Lviv, Ukraine. My life is a permanent movement in a search for unforgettable impressions and interesting people. I promise that your virtual trip to my country will be interesting, and you will definitely plan one of your travels to Ukraine.

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