The Ukraine is one of those countries where unimaginable tragedies seem to wash over it on a regular basis. One of those tragedies occurred in 1932-33 when millions perished in a famine induced by Joseph Stalin and the Soviet Union against the people of Ukraine. Holodomor is a Ukrainian word that literally means “extermination by hunger.”
Independence Square in downtown Kiev is the public political center of Ukraine. This view of the square shows the column erected in 2001 as a tribute to Berehynia, a female spirit from Slavic mythology that has come to symbolize a “hearth mother” that serves as both a nurturer and protector of Ukraine. Interestingly, the column was erected on the site of a former monument to Lenin. Continue reading “Independence Square, Kiev”
U is for UNDERGROUND The Kiev Metro Station, Zoloti Vorata (Golden Gate) is more than 340 feet underground. Build during the 1980s when Ukraine was part of the USSR, this beautiful station is designed in a Ukrainian style. It takes two escalator rides to get to the boarding area. Travel safe. Have fun. Related articles Golden Gate (travel-monkey.me) Continue reading A-Z Photo Challenge: The Letter U
No, not that Golden Gate, we’re talking about the Golden Gate of Kiev. Built about the same time as the Saint Sophia Cathedral, the Zoloti Vorata—golden gates—was constructed by Yaroslav the Wise between 1017 and 1024 and served as the main entrance to the walled city of Kiev. It is reportedly modeled after the Golden Gate of Constantinople. Continue reading “Golden Gate”
The Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kiev is one of the city’s best known landmarks. This magnificent cathedral, a World Heritage Site, is named after the famous Hagia Sophia that was built in Constantinople in the 6th Century. Kiev’s version was laid down in 1037 and finished twenty years later. (Kongo visited Hagia Sophia in Istanbul in 2000) Built in the Byzantine style the cathedral still has mosaics and frescos from the 11th Century. Continue reading “Saint Sophia Cathedral, Kiev”
You must be logged in to post a comment.