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Old Kyiv (Ukrainian:Старий Київ,romanized: Staryi Kyiv,IPA:[stɐˈrɪjˈkɪjiu̯]) is a historical neighborhood ofKyiv. Other names includeUpper City (Ukrainian:Верхнє місто,Ukrainian pronunciation:[ˈʋɛrxnʲeˈmʲisto]; as opposed toPodil, the "Lower City"),Old Town, and others. It is located at the far eastern portion of theShevchenkivskyi District. The approximate boundaries areSt. Andrew's Church,Volodymyrska Hill,Independence Square,Golden Gate,Kyiv Velodrome [uk] (alias Kyiv Velotrack or Kyiv Bicycle Track), andLvivska Square [uk].
This part of the city originated at the Old Kyiv Hill (Starokyivska Hora), developing in contrast to the Lower City,Podil.[citation needed] According to the legend recorded in thePrimary Chronicle, this was the place where the four siblingsKyi, Shchek, Khoryv and Lybid' founded the city at some unknown date. In the 9th–10th centuries it covered only 2 ha (4.9 acres), mostly at the western portion of the Old Kyiv Hill.[citation needed]
The first fortifications supposedly were built during the reign ofVolodymyr the Great, creating what is known as theCity of Volodymyr [uk] that covered already 12 ha (30 acres).[citation needed] However, already at times ofYaroslav the Wise in 1037 the area of the Upper City consisted of 80–98 ha (200–240 acres).[citation needed] The city of Yaroslav included monasteries such as the Sophia monastery, monasteries of Saint George and Saint Iryna. It also included the city of Iziaslav around the Saint Michael's Golden Dome Monastery and the Kopyriv Kinets.[citation needed]
Old Kyiv historically represents the city ofYaroslav the Wise before it was presumably destroyed by the Mongol invasion ofBatu Khan in 1240.[citation needed] After the Mongoldevastation of the city in 1240, the Upper City lost its significance, and the Kyiv city centre was transferred to Podil.[citation needed] During thePolish–Russian War (1609–1618), the city was secured by Russia through financial compensation. During that time, the Upper City was reinforced with a number of fortifications when Kyiv started to quarter a Russian garrison. However, the garrison was soon transferred toPechersk (Caves), and fortifications were decaying and getting ruined.[citation needed]
In the 19th century, the whole area came under complete reconstruction. It was then that the modern network of streets, squares, and parks was established. TheNational Historical Museum of Ukraine, under several names, has stood at the location since 1899.[citation needed]
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