Andrew's Descent (Аndriyivskyy Descent)

Discover the descent and the Castle of Richard the Lionheart

Andrew's Descent (also known as Аndriyivskyy Descent) is one of the most beautiful and famous streets in Kyiv. Daily it is visited by hundreds of tourists from all over the world, but also inhabitants of Kyiv enjoy the lovely setting. It runs down a magic bright ribbon from Zamkova Hill to Podil. The upper part of the descent connected Old Kyiv and Podil in times of Kievan Rus´, but later it could only be used by pedestrians and riders, it was so narrow. According to legend the apostle Andrew during his trip from Sinop to Rome blessed the strands of the Dnieper and said that the g andrews descent reat Christian city will be built here. In place where he stood a church which carries the name of the apostle was built. At the beginning of the XVIII century the route was extended. In 1920 as a result of the October revolution the name “Andrew´s Descent” was changed to G. G. Livera untill 1944. Among historical and cultural sights the Andrew´s Descent is most famous for the Andrew´s church that was built in the XII – XIII century by order of the Russian Empress Catherine II. The project was designed by the architect of the Russian imperial court. According to a legend, Ukraine got it from the Empress, as an expression of gratitude for Olexa Razuma (later Cont Razumovski). Andrew's Descent is street-museum, combining great monuments of art from different periods and styles. Near the church there is a monument to the heroes of the world famous play M. Starytsky – Pronya Prokopovna and Svirid Golohvastow.

There you can find one of the most impressive buildings of Kyiv – The Castle of Richard the Lionheart. This castle was erected at the beginning of 20th century. There are plans to turn it into a hotel.

Mikhail Bulgakov a well known writer from Kyiv lived here too; in house number 13 on Andrew's Descent, this house was built in 1888. Now his house is a world-famous historic site, including a museum and also hosts his monument.

Andrew's Descent fascinates with its unique brightness and special color. Many cafes, restaurants, theaters, studios, art galleries, artists who create an unforgettable image of beauty can be found here. You can also find retailers with various decorative souvenirs from Kyiv. This magical atmosphere you will probably never forget once walk on this legendary street. Here, as in a fairy tale myths and legends live beside each other with living history. One of them said that the place where the mighty Dnieper River now flows there was once a sea. Apostle Andrew putting a cross on the mountain – said that the city would be built here. A legend says that people noticed a strange fact that the church has no bells. They say as the sound of bells will be heard over the mountain the water will flood the left bank of Kyiv immediately. The latest church restoration was done in 1970s using original pictures of the church.