Podil stands as Kyiv’s enduring witness in stone, a keeper of urban legends and pivotal events in the city’s history. Today it ranks among the most popular places where city life thrives, and for guests of the capital, it serves as a front stage for Kyiv’s rhythm, culture and everyday life.
On Saturday, 22 November 2025, the team of the Media Center organised an insightful walk through the heart of the capital entitled Unknown Podil for representatives of the diplomatic corps.
Diplomats from the Embassies of Canada, Denmark, Finland and Sweden joined the promenade, along with representatives of the UNHCR Office and UNICEF Ukraine.
A jewel of Podil’s architectural ensemble and one of the city’s most recognisable hilltop landmarks, St Andrew’s Church embodies a masterpiece of eighteenth-century Baroque architecture. The diplomatic journey began at this sanctuary, where foreign guests saw the church’s historical value through its architectural integrity. The perfection of its lines, the clarity of its proportions, and the remarkable harmony of its forms with the surrounding landscape earned it wide recognition and renown.
The group then walked along the most vibrant and mystical street of Podil — Andriivskyi Descent. Its atmosphere arises not only from its historic buildings and monuments but also from its unusual, cosy courtyards and contemporary creative spaces. Foreign guests admired the grandeur of Richard the Lionheart’s Castle, the stunning view from the Klynets Hill, the architecturally innovative building of the Drama Theatre on Podil, and the distinctive charm of Borychiv Tik and Pokrovska Streets, both rich in architectural heritage. These include the functioning brick Church of the Intercession of the Holy Virgin and Samson Strelbytskyi’s House, an example of late Classicism. Diplomats also heard engaging stories about this picturesque corner of Podil and enjoyed its vivid and colourful scenery.
The walk ended at the heart of Podil — Kontraktova Square. Participants left filled with impressions after a wonderful stroll through one of Kyiv’s oldest districts.
