The neighbourhood of Podil was once the home of Kiev’s merchants and artisans. It is linked to the Upper Town by the Funicular Railway and Andrew’s Descent.
The area is relatively untouched by the 20th century and offers many attractions and historical landmarks:
- Kontraktova Ploscha (Contracts Square) – A central square named after Contracts House, a trading centre where merchants from the Russian Empire signed trading contracts.
- National University of Kiev Mohyla Academy – Ukraine’s most prestigious university.
- Fountain of Sampson – Situated at Kontraktova Ploshcha this fountain was built in the 18th century but destroyed by the Bolsheviks in the 1934. It was rebuilt in 1981.
- Poshtova Ploscha (Postal Square) – Historic square, served by the Poshtova Ploshcha Metro Station.
- Museum of One Street – Small museum dedicated to the history of Andrew’s Descent.
- Funicular Railway – Offers a scenic trip between Podil and the Upper Town (St Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery).
- Andrew’s Descent – Famous street packed with restaurants, galleries, and museums.
- Chernobyl Museum – Tells the story of the disaster at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant.
Hotels
Hotels and places to stay in and around this area include Impressa, Podol Plaza Hotel, Fairmont Grand Hotel Kyiv, Hotel Staro, Amarant Hotel, and Radisson Blu Hotel Kyiv Podil.
Map
Interactive map of Podil. Click on any icon for further information.