KIEV, UKRAINE

Kiev, the capital and the largest city of the Ukraine, is a port on the Dnepr River. Kiev is a leading industrial, commercial, and cultural centre. It is one of the Europe’s most beautiful cities, and contains a wealth of medieval art and architecture. Known as the “Mother of cities”, Kiev is one of the oldest towns in Europe, probably existing as a commercial centre as early as the 5^th century. The city became an early seat of orthodox Christianity, reaching its height around the 11^th century. The city was devastated by Mongols around 1240 and then passed under the control of Lithuania, which was united with Poland in 1569. The Ukraine was united with Russia in 1654 and the city was acquired by Moscow in 1686. In 1918, Kiev became the capital of the newly proclaimed Ukrainian Republic. German forces occupied the city during World War II and kill thousands of its inhabitants. Post-war reconstruction of the city was completed around 1960. Notable landmarks include the 11^th century Church of St. Sophia, the Uspensky Cathedral, and the 9^th century St. Vladimir Cathedral famed for its murals. The University of Kiev (1833) and the Ukrainian Academy of Science (1918) are located in Kiev.