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Kitaevo

Kitaevo is a historical place on the territory of Golosievsky district in Kiev. It is situated on the south border of the city, in the western part of Golosievskiy forest. In Kitaevo you can see the remains of a town that existed in 9th-10th centuries, and also caves and fortifications that take their roots in the Kiev Russ period. It is believed that the name derives from the Turkic word “kitai” that stood for “wall, fortification, and fortress or siege tower”. There is also a legend that in 12th century here was placed the castle-fortress of the prince Andrei Bogolubskiy, who had a so-called nickname “Kitay”. In 14 century on the remains of ancient caves a monastery was created, that, since 17th century, has become subjected to Kievo-Pecherska Lavra. Later it got the name of Kitaevska desert (was liquidated in 1930 and restored at the beginning of 1990th). You can see there the Troitskaya church that was being built starting from 1763 up till 1768 by architect Kovnir, the bell tower was destroyed in 1930th and restored in 1990th. You can also see the cascade of beautiful lakes called Kitaevskie.