The legend of the founding of Kiev is one of the most important founding myths of Eastern Europe. According to a chronicle written in the 12th century, three brothers—Kyi, Shchek, and Khoryv—along with their sister Lybed, arrived on the banks of the Dnieper River at the end of the 5th century. Each of the brothers chose one of the three hills on which they built fortifications. Kyi, as the eldest, settled on the Borichev hill, Shchek chose Shchekovitsa, and Khoriv chose Khorivitsa. Their sister Lybedz gave her name to a nearby river, which still bears her name today. The city that was created from the union of these three settlements was named Kiev in honor of the eldest brother, who took power over the entire community.

Historical truth mixes with legend in a fascinating way here. Archaeological research confirms that in the 5th century, there were indeed Slavic settlements on the hills above the Dnieper River, which were an important point on the trade route connecting the north with Constantinople. In the 8th century, the region came under the influence of the Khazars, who developed the slave trade here – 25 Slavic tribes paid them tribute. A turning point came in 882, when Oleg the Wise, leader of the Varangians (Vikings from Sweden), conquered Kiev and moved the capital here from Novgorod, creating the powerful Kievan Rus.

The legend emphasizes the values that were the foundation of Slavic society: brotherly unity, a patriarchal system of power, and respect for family traditions. The fact that a woman also appears in the story—the sister Lybed—points to the significant role of women in ancient society, even though they did not hold political power. The Lybed River, commemorating the sister of the founders, still flows through the city today, serving as a living testimony to the legend.

The Monument to the Founders of Kiev on Independence Square is a modern commemoration of this ancient legend. The sculpture depicts four siblings in a boat sailing down the Dnieper River – a symbolic image of the journey that led to the founding of the city. It is one of the most photographed places in Kiev, where tourists and residents meet to commemorate the city's origins. The monument was erected in a place of great historical significance – it was here that the first tram in Kiev set off, the first telephone rang, and the first municipal sewage system was established.

Independence Square, known locally as Maidan Nezalezhnosti, is the central point of the city, connecting the past with the present. In addition to the monument to the founders, there is an impressive fountain and numerous cafes where families can relax after sightseeing. The square has witnessed the most important events in the history of Ukraine, from the Middle Ages to modern times. Children will find it particularly fascinating to discover that beneath their feet lie layers of history dating back to the time of the legendary brothers.

Castle Hill, located at the famous Andriyivsky Descent, is the place that best captures the spirit of the legendary hills of the founders. According to tradition, it was here that one of the three original hills was located – probably Khoryvtsia, named after the youngest brother. Archaeological excavations have confirmed the existence of ancient settlements in this area, and the hill offers a breathtaking view of the Dnieper River – the same river that, according to legend, the founders of the city sailed down. For families with children, it is an ideal place for a picnic with a history lesson – the hill has a gentle slope, making it accessible even to the youngest.

Not far from Castle Hill stands St. Andrew's Church, a Baroque gem designed by Italian architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli in the 18th century. Although the church itself dates from a later period, the site is associated with another important Kiev legend. According to tradition, the apostle Andrew, traveling from Byzantium to Novgorod, stopped on this hill and prophesied: "Do you see these mountains? On these mountains, God's grace will shine, and a great city with many holy churches will arise." This prophecy was to come true with the Christianization of Rus by Prince Vladimir the Great in the 10th century.

The monument to Vladimir the Great, a monumental statue of the prince holding a cross, stands on Vladimir's descent overlooking the Dnieper River. Vladimir, who ruled from 980 to 1015, continued the work of the legendary founders, transforming Kiev into the center of Christian civilization. In 988, he baptized Rus, which was a turning point in the history of the region. The monument, erected in the 19th century, is over 20 meters high and is one of the most recognizable symbols of the city. Children find it fascinating to compare the scale of the monument with their own height – it's a great opportunity to take souvenir photos.

The Cathedral of Saint Sophia, known as Saint Sophia Cathedral, is a masterpiece of 11th-century Byzantine architecture, built during the reign of Yaroslav the Wise around 1037. It was here in 1037 that the Kiev Metropolis was established, making Kiev the official religious center of Rus. The cathedral, with its 13 golden domes and magnificent mosaics, represents the heyday of the city that grew out of the legendary settlement of three brothers. The interior features impressive 11th-century frescoes depicting biblical and historical scenes, including portraits of the princely family. For families, this offers a remarkable art history lesson—children can see what people looked like a thousand years ago.

The Golden Gate, also built under Yaroslav the Wise in 1037, was the main entrance gate to medieval Kiev. The structure was inspired by the famous Golden Gate in Constantinople, emphasizing Kiev's ambition to become the "second Constantinople." Although the original structure has been destroyed, the modern reconstruction allows us to imagine how impressive the city looked in its heyday. It is a perfect place to tell children about medieval fortifications and defense systems.

The Pechersk Lavra, founded in 1051 by the monks Anthony and Theodosius, is another chapter in the history of the city started by the legendary brothers. The monastic complex, stretching across the hills above the Dnieper River, was built just 170 years after Oleg the Wise conquered Kiev. The monks initially lived in caves carved into the loess slopes, hence the name 'Pechersk', which means 'cave'. These underground corridors, open to visitors, form a labyrinth several kilometers long, where the mummified remains of holy monks rest. For children, exploring these mysterious passages, lit only by candles, is an unforgettable adventure, although younger children may need reassurance that it is a safe place.

The Great Lavra Bell Tower, built between 1731 and 1745, dominates the Pechersk Lavra complex. This 96.5-meter-high Baroque structure was for a long time the tallest building in what is now Ukraine. From its top, there is a panoramic view of Kiev and the Dnieper River—the same landscape that the legendary founders of the city could admire more than 1,500 years ago. Climbing the bell tower requires hundreds of steps, which is physically challenging, but the reward in the form of views is well worth it. Families with small children should consider whether their kids can handle the effort.

The Lavra complex also includes numerous churches, museums, and gardens. The Uspensky Cathedral, destroyed during World War II and rebuilt in the 2000s, is the spiritual center of the monastery. The museums on the Lavra grounds display treasures of sacred art, including icons, manuscripts, and goldsmithing. Families may be particularly interested in the Museum of Miniatures, where artist Nikolai Siadristy created microscopic works of art, including a shod flea – a reference to Leskov's story. Children are delighted when they can see a caravan of camels placed in the eye of a needle through a microscope.

The monument to Bohdan Khmelnytsky, standing near the Cathedral of the Holy Wisdom, represents another era in the history of Kiev. Khmelnytsky, a 17th-century Cossack hetman, played a key role in the history of Ukraine, leading an uprising against the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. The monument, depicting the hetman on horseback with a mace in his hand, was erected in 1888 and symbolizes the continuity of Ukrainian statehood from the time of the legendary founders of Kievan Rus to the Cossack era.

Sophia Square, the square surrounding the Cathedral of Saint Sophia, is another place where history meets the present. The square is the starting point for many tourist routes through the historic center of Kiev. In summer, festivals and concerts are held here, and in winter, Christmas markets are organized. For families, it is the perfect place to start or end a day of sightseeing – numerous benches allow you to rest, and nearby cafes offer traditional Ukrainian delicacies.

The route connecting all these places – from the Monument to the Founders through Castle Hill, St. Andrew's Church, the monuments to Vladimir and Khmelnytsky, St. Sophia Cathedral with the Golden Gate, to the Pechersk Lavra – creates a coherent narrative of Kiev's more than 1,500-year history. It is a story of a city that transformed from a legendary settlement of three brothers into the center of the powerful Kievan Rus, survived invasions and destruction, and became the capital of modern Ukraine. Families planning a visit should set aside at least two days to explore these places at a leisurely pace, allowing children to absorb the wealth of history and legends that have shaped this extraordinary city.