Ukrainian Places of Interest

Ukraine is a country with the glorious past. It is rich in historical monuments and different places of interest. Kyiv is the capital of Ukraine and one of the oldest cities in the eastern Europe, a lot of interesting

monuments are situated there, for example, the well-known to all Slavonic world St. Sophia's Cathedral and Kyivo-Pecherska Lavra.

Ukrainian places of interest are situated not only in Kyiy.

Near the small town of Kanev the monument to the Ukrainian national genius Taras Shevchenko is situated. The museum, where the books, drawings and manuscripts of Shevchenko are kept, is situated in the village not far from Kanev. Even the house, where he was bom, is preserved. It is very interesting to look at it.

One may come to Poltava and visit the museum of the famous Poltava battle, the field where Peter the Greate defeated the Swedes.

One can go to Odesa and walk along the boulevards, where Pushkin walked a long time ago. It is also possible to visit the last house of Chekhov (now the museum in Yalta), where Chekhov lived, and where he wrote his last works, and where he died.

One can continue this list, because there is also Western Ukraine with the Carpathians and their legends, feudals lords' castles and cathedrals, with their unique culture and nature. There are a lot of places to see in Ukraine and to be proud of. And I am glad to live in such a country, with all those beautiful monuments.

Kiev - the Capital of Ukraine

1. According to the chronicles first Kiev's citadel was built in the sixth to eighth centuries. 2. Kiev bears the name of prince Kij, who lived on the old Kiev Hill in the sixth century. 3. Under the rule of Yaroslav the Wise Kievan Rus with Kiev as its capital reached the height of its power. 4. Nowadays Kiev is a large political, industrial, scientific and cultural centre. 5. Its population is about 2 millions. 6. The city lies on both banks of the Dnieper. 7. Kiev is a garden city; only a seventh part of its territory is occupied by buildings. 8. Kiev has a well - developed industry. 9. Its factories and plants produce sea and river transport vessels, air liners, computers, motorcycles, consumer goods. 10. Kiev is also one of the largest scientific centres. 11. The Ukrainian Academy of Sciences and many research institutes are famous for their discoveries. 12. More than 50 000 students study at the Shevchenko State University.13. There are 18 higher educational establishments in Kiev. 14. Kiev is also the centre of political life in Ukraine. 15. All major political events take place here. 16. Kiev is the largest ancient centre of national Ukranian culture. 17. It can boast of 20 museums, 1300 libraries, 41 theatre, 121 parks. 18. Kiev is building, growing, becomes younger and more beautiful.

Vocabulary:

1. chronicles - летописи

2. citadel - крепость

3. to bear the name - носить имя, именоваться

4. to reach - достигать

5. vessel - судно, корабль

6. discovery - открытие

7. ancient - древний

8. numerous - многочисленные

9. inhabitans - жители