Starokyivska Hora, Archaeological site on Upper City Hill in Kyiv, Ukraine
Starokyivska Hora is an archaeological site on an elevated plateau in central Kyiv positioned between the Dnipro River and Lybid River. The location reveals remains of palaces, churches, and other structures that document different periods of urban settlement.
This location began as a settlement in the 6th century and was later transformed into a capital city under Prince Volodymyr in the late 10th century. That change brought new palaces and a major church that reshaped the place into a political center.
The site holds religious structures from the 11th century such as Saint Sophia Cathedral and the Golden Gate that shape how it looks today. Visitors can see how these buildings reflected the spiritual importance of the settlement in medieval times.
The location is now a historical preserve where visitors can view ancient foundations and ruins uncovered through archaeological work. Sturdy footwear is recommended since the terrain is uneven and partly open to the elements.
The northwestern section holds the oldest traces dating back to the founding by Kyi in the 6th century, marking the true origin of Kyiv. These early remains show how a small settlement gradually became a major city.
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