Monument of Kiev Founders - Ladya, Kiev
The Monument of Kyiv Founders, often referred to as the Ladya Monument ("ladya" meaning "boat" in Ukrainian), is one of the capital's most iconic landmarks, celebrating the legendary foundation of the city.
Located in the picturesque Navodnytskyi Park along the banks of the Dnipro River, the monument features a striking bronze sculpture of the city's legendary founders—three brothers, Kyi, Shchek, and Khoryv, and their sister, Lybid—standing proudly aboard a stylized Viking-style boat. This ensemble pays tribute to the ancient chronicles that credit the siblings with establishing Kyiv in the 5th century.
Unveiled in 1982 to commemorate the 1500th anniversary of Kyiv, the monument was designed by Ukrainian sculptor Vasyl Borodai.
The dynamic composition of the sculpture captures a sense of motion and purpose, with the siblings gazing forward into the future, symbolizing strength, unity, and the deep historical roots of the city.
The boat appears to rise above the waters of the Dnipro, evoking the spirit of exploration and the importance of the river in Kyiv’s development.
Located in the picturesque Navodnytskyi Park along the banks of the Dnipro River, the monument features a striking bronze sculpture of the city's legendary founders—three brothers, Kyi, Shchek, and Khoryv, and their sister, Lybid—standing proudly aboard a stylized Viking-style boat. This ensemble pays tribute to the ancient chronicles that credit the siblings with establishing Kyiv in the 5th century.
Unveiled in 1982 to commemorate the 1500th anniversary of Kyiv, the monument was designed by Ukrainian sculptor Vasyl Borodai.
The dynamic composition of the sculpture captures a sense of motion and purpose, with the siblings gazing forward into the future, symbolizing strength, unity, and the deep historical roots of the city.
The boat appears to rise above the waters of the Dnipro, evoking the spirit of exploration and the importance of the river in Kyiv’s development.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Kiev. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Monument of Kiev Founders - Ladya on Map
Sight Name: Monument of Kiev Founders - Ladya
Sight Location: Kiev, Ukraine (See walking tours in Kiev)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Kiev, Ukraine (See walking tours in Kiev)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Kiev, Ukraine
Create Your Own Walk in Kiev
Creating your own self-guided walk in Kiev is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Andriyivskyy Descent Walk
Andriyivskyy (Andrew's) Descent is a historic cobblestone street, running 720 meters (2,360 ft) downhill from the Upper (Old) Town of Kiev to the once commercial neighborhood of Podil (Lower Town), ending at Kontraktova Square.
According to a legend, there was once a sea where the Dnieper River now flows. When Saint Andrew, the Apostle came to Kiev and erected a cross on the spot where St... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.6 Km or 0.4 Miles
According to a legend, there was once a sea where the Dnieper River now flows. When Saint Andrew, the Apostle came to Kiev and erected a cross on the spot where St... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.6 Km or 0.4 Miles
Kiev Introduction Walking Tour
Kiev is a very old city. It was initiated approximately 1500 years ago. Since 1934, it was Soviet Ukraine's capital and remained the main city of the country with the collapse of the Soviet Union. Being one of the biggest cities in Europe, it has a very specific history, architecture and cultural life. One can never be bored in Kiev, as it has endless interesting and captivating places to... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Monastery of Kiev Caves Tour
Some sources say that Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra (Monastery of Kiev Caves Tour) was initiated in 1051, when Reverend Anthony arrived there. He, together with some of his followers, built an entire complex composed of caves and monasteries. When the monks moved to a monastery which is on Lavra's territory, the caves were utilized as burial sites. Nowadays it is included in the UNESCO World... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Kiev's Architectural Jewels
Kiev is a city with such a wide diversity of architectural styles from various periods of time. The best European, Russian and Ukrainian architects and artists worked on the buildings of the capital of Ukraine. Some of the elements are absolutely unique and can be seen exclusively in Kiev. Some of the most famed architects who contributed to the city's beauty and originality are Vikentiy... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Kiev Souvenirs: 12 Distinctively Ukrainian Products to Bring Home
In recent years, Ukraine has made the news rather distant from welcoming tourism. Still, despite some controversial publicity, the country - for the most part - continues normal life and retains its traditional hospitality. There are quite a few things in Kiev, distinctively Ukrainian, that a...