Text “Exploring the Incredible Sights of Kyiv ”

Text “Exploring the Incredible Sights of Kyiv ”

for the 7-th graders

Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Europe! It’s full of history, culture, and amazing sights that people from all over the world come to see. Let’s take a tour of some of the most incredible places in Kyiv!

1. Kyiv Pechersk Lavra (Cave Monastery)

Kyiv Pechersk Lavra is one of the most famous landmarks in the city. It’s a large complex of churches, bell towers, and underground caves where monks once lived. The monastery is almost 1,000 years old and is known for its beautiful golden domes that shine in the sunlight. Visitors can explore the caves and see ancient artifacts and relics.

2. St. Sophia's Cathedral

St. Sophia’s Cathedral is another UNESCO World Heritage site in Kyiv. It was built nearly 1,000 years ago and is famous for its stunning mosaics and frescoes, which are pictures made from tiny pieces of colored stone or glass. The cathedral has tall, green and gold domes, and it’s a symbol of Ukrainian history and faith.

3. Independence Square (Maidan Nezalezhnosti)

Independence Square, or Maidan, is the heart of Kyiv. It is where many important events in Ukraine’s history have taken place. The square is surrounded by fountains, statues, and large buildings, making it a lively spot to visit. People gather here for festivals, concerts, and celebrations. In the center of the square there is a tall monument that symbolizes Ukraine’s independence.

4. Andriyivskyy Descent

Andriyivskyy Descent is a steep, winding street that’s full of charm and history. It’s often called "Kyiv’s Montmartre" because it’s a place where artists, musicians, and writers gather. The street is lined with colorful buildings, art galleries, shops, and cafes. At the top of the hill is St. Andrew’s Church, a beautiful baroque-style church with bright blue and gold domes.

5. Motherland Monument

The Motherland Monument is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Kyiv. It’s a huge statue of a woman holding a sword and a shield, standing 62 meters tall! The monument is part of the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in World War II and represents the strength and courage of the Ukrainian people. You can even climb to the top of the statue and enjoy a fantastic view of the city.

Fun Facts:

• Kyiv is located on the banks of the Dnipro River, which is one of the longest rivers in Europe.
• The city is known for its many parks and green spaces, making it a great place for walks and picnics.
• Kyiv is more than 1,400 years old, making it one of the oldest cities in Eastern Europe!

Pre-reading activities

I. Look at the pictures. Do you know anything about these sights?

II. Read and check your answers

Post-reading activities

I. Fill in the Blanks
Use the words from the box to complete the sentences.

• Kyiv Pechersk Lavra
• St. Sophia’s Cathedral
• Independence Square
• Andriyivskyy Descent
• Motherland Monument

1. The tall statue of a woman holding a sword is called the ___________.

2. The street known for its art galleries and charming shops is ___________.

3. One of Kyiv’s oldest and most beautiful churches, famous for its mosaics, is ___________.

4. The complex of golden-domed churches and underground caves is called ___________.

5. People often gather in ___________ to celebrate or enjoy festivals.

II. Draw and Describe
Draw one of the sights you read about. Write 3 sentences to describe what makes it special.

III. Answer the questions.

1. Where is Kyiv located?

2. How old is Kyiv?

3. Which of these places would you most like to visit and why? Write 2-3 sentences.