Andriyivsky Descent

This is without a doubt one of the Kyiv's oldest and most beloved streets. In ancient times it linked the administrative part of the upper town with Podil, the lower town of merchants and artisans. Its steep and winding cobblestones are a traditional place for outdoor festivals and concerts, and it has numer­ous intriguing art galleries and museums. Many people associate Andrew's Descent with Montmartre of Paris. Of course, being at the very heart of the city's art community the street is a favourite stop for tourists in search of paintings and traditional Ukrainian crafts, as well as a repository for souvenirs and different Soviet stuff. The elegant silhouette of Baroque church one large dome and five lesser cupolas are easily visible from Podil and beyond. Built in 1754, Andrew's church is one of the most magnificent Christian Orthodox buildings in the city. The sidewalk artisans come out in the full force on weekends and big holidays. There's an interesting building that Kyivants refer to as the Castle of Richard the Lion-Hearted, built in 1902. A bit further down on the right is a steep, twisting flight of iron steps which will reward lovers of heights with yet another commanding vantage point above Podil and the Dnipro. At the bottom of the hill, turn left to reach the former marketplace of Kontraktova square or right to head towards the funicular at Poshtova square.

The One Street Museum is a charming little museum near the bottom of Andriyivsky descent tells the rich history of this important street through the years.