Culture and History Center ‘Park Kyivan Rus’

Spread out in Kyiv’s picturesque surroundings, the Culture and History Center ‘Park Kyivan Rus’ is a unique project in its nature and scale that has no analogues in Ukraine and even in Europe. It recreates architectural appearance and atmosphere of princely Kyiv with amazing accuracy, taking visitors on a time travel to the Middle Ages and bringing them in the very heart of one of the most influential states in Eastern Europe – the Old Rus.

It was decided to create the park exactly in this place for the reason that it is a historically important territory not far from the capital. It is mentioned in antique chronicles and its landscape is very close to the relief and vegetation of the Old Kyiv. The creators of the Culture and History Center brilliantly recreate the ensemble of the Kyiv stronghold – the historical core of the ancient city – as it looked under the rule of the Prince Vladimir the Great. It is from Kyiv kremlin (another name for the medieval stronghold) that the origin and development of Kyiv and the Old Rus started. Later it became the cradle of Slavic civilization.

Copies of all key buildings that stood at the stronghold a thousand years ago will appear on park’s territory over time. These will be fortifications, residence palaces of Prince Vladimir and Princess Olga, the Fedorov Monastery, the Church of the Tithes, Rotunda and many other buildings, each of which is an architectural masterpiece and reflects the lifestyle of that time.

Currently, the ‘Park Kyivan Rus’ features entrance gates with two three-storey towers, defensive wall, princely palace, hippodrome where medieval tournaments were held, as well as Vikings’ camp, nomads’ camp and dwelling houses of Old Kyiv residents. In addition, the atmosphere of living city is accurately and harmonically reproduced there: streets are crowded with townsfolk, work is in full swing in workshops, and goods are sold at loud fairs.

The ‘Park Kyivan Rus’ is an excellent place for all kinds of cultural and historical events. Large-scale international festivals of historical reenactment, spectacular sports events and vivid theme parties, during which theatricalized battles, medieval entertainments, tournaments and competitions, demonstration of historical folk customs and ceremonies are organized, take place on center’s premises all the year round. In addition, it hosts fairs of folk craftsmen and concerts of ethnic folk bands.

On a regular day, when holidays and festivals are not held there, the park is a perfect recreation area. It offers to experience the unique atmosphere of the old city, ride a horse from princely stable, try on medieval clothes, fly on a balloon, try one’s hand at archery or trebuchet. One can also learn to create unique glassware and ceramics, master the skill of Slavic calligraphy and learn the basics of pottery. Then, visitors can taste delicious dishes, cooked after medieval recipes.

Getting here. It is possible to reach the ‘Park Kyivan Rus’ by a route bus that departs from the metro station Vydubychi every two hours starting at 10 a.m. The ride costs 20 UAH and lasts 45 minutes.

Average rating
10
Ratings: 1
Ratings

 

Click here to rate
Write a Review