It is also the cradle of Russian civilisation, the origin of the Kyiv Rus State founded in the 8th and 9th centuries and the city from which the Orthodox faith spread throughout Eastern Europe. Even though many of its buildings were destroyed in World War II, Kyiv still has much to offer. The Caves Monastery in the city centre is the focal point of the early Orthodox church.
Visitors have to carry candles to see the church relics which are set in a maze of catacombs.
It is the headquarters of the pro-Russian Orthodox church. The 11th-century St Sofia Cathedral contains splendid icons and frescoes and is situated in beautiful grounds. The Golden Gate of Kyiv is the last remnant of the 10th-century walls built to defend the city. Andreyev Hill is a restored cobbled street in central Kyiv now used by artists to sell their wares. There are a lot of caf s and restaurants in this area.