Kiev, a scenic city situated on the Dnipro River, is the bustling capital of Ukraine. The contemporary capital of Ukraine is one of the biggest cities in Europe. It is the administrative, economic, scientific, cultural and educational centre of independent Ukraine. Kiev is a city of invaluable historical and cultural monuments, of great events and outstanding people. There is something for everyone in this city. The art and architecture of Kyiv are world treasures. The Cathedral of St. Sophia, where the kings of Kiev were crowned in Kiev’s golden era, has outstanding mosaics and frescoes dating back to the 11th century. Overlooking the old section of Kiev, Podol, stands the Ukrainian Baroque church of St. Andrew, much beloved by Ukrainians. The Percherska Lavra, the Monastery of the Caves, a short stroll from the centre of town, has two 11th-century cathedrals on its grounds, in addition to its world-famous catacombs, bell tower, and museum collections. Close to the centre of town stands the Golden Gate, a structure which dates back to 1037. This recently reconstructed remains of the former fortified wall of the city defined the limits of the city in centuries past. Several blocks away, stands the magnificent 19th century Cathedral of St. Volodymyr. Kiev is a place of big statements, a city of glittering golden church spires and gargantuan Soviet-era tower blocks, set along the banks of the Dnipro River. The city has more to offer visitors than history and sumptuous churches though. Over the past decade, Kiev has rapidly developed to become a major centre for nightlife, seemingly having more restaurants, bars, nightclubs and music venues than the rest of Ukraine combined together.