Ukraine Attractions

Kyiv

Founded in the 5th century, Kyiv is the mother city of Ukraine, Russia and Belarus. All three descend from Kyivan Rus, the Slavic super-state that existed from the 9th to the 11th centuries. Kyiv has survived Mongol invasions, devastating fires, communist urban planning and the destruction of WWII.

The Old Town is concentrated around the northeastern end of vulitsya Volodymyrska and contains a number of Kyiv's historic landmarks. The main attraction is the 11th century St Sophia Cathedral, the city's oldest standing church, which contains some of the country's greatest mosaics and frescoes.

Odesa

Odesa is a curious mix of enticing seaside holiday retreat and polluted industrial port. A long-time Black Sea shipping centre and southern Ukraine urban giant, the city is famous for its role in the 1905 revolution, when the mutinous battleship Potemkin Tavrichesky supported rebellious workers.

Today it's best known for its excellent collection of museums. It's filled with beautiful low-rise buildings and tree-lined streets, and is home to the elaborate and famous 19th-century Opera & Ballet Theatre, designed by Viennese architects who gave it a Baroque cast with a Renaissance twist.