Back to the USSR

Khmelowska

You will hear the most incredible stories about Soviet Union times from 1920s to 1950s and about Kyiv during this period:

  • Return of capitalism in 20s or a Jazz Band in Khreshchatyk
  • Bloody 30s or Mass Terror and the Holodomor
  • The Great Patriotic War how it differs from the World War II
  • 50s or Stalin Empire stile in action

You will see architecture of 30s and 50s. 40s produced only ruins… sorry. Most of the Soviet monuments were demolished during the last 20 years. But the biggest one is still on its place. It cannot be demolished since it is a statue of 62 meters high. The statue is a part of the War Museum devoted to the history of Ukraine in WWII. A visit to the museum can be a part of our tour upon request. It is worth visiting indeed.

You will get to know:

  • why in 30s Kyiv had a construction boom
  • the difference between canteens for workers and for party members
  • what can be a reason to be imprisoned
  • what monument was hung and why.

Daily life of the Soviet people was unbelievable for the Westerners. You will hear incredible stories about life in a communal apartment, Soviet ice cream, and sport. If you wish to fill a taste of the USSR, I can recommend a couple of the restaurants with the Soviet interior and meals.  Just think about ‘Olivier salad’ or ‘herring under coat’ and order this tour!

There are no a standard route or a standard version of this tour. It depends on a number of hours you pay for. If you a limited in time and buy 2 hours, you will see only the main objects: the former House of the Central Committee of the Communist party of Ukraine, the great ensemble of the main street Khreshchatyk and the buildings of the government quarter. If you buy more time, I can show sites off the beaten track, for example the DVRZ district. Do not forget to include the visit to the WWII museum if you like war history.

If you are interested in the Soviet architecture of 60s, 70s and 80s, I can offer a separate tour)

Price 25$/hour for a group (1-10) for a walking tour

Extra: car rent, museum tickets, transport expenses

Written by: Khmelowska