A real heritage of Kyiv: old courtyards in Podil are shown online. Archival photos

Podil is the true heart of Kyiv. This low-lying area of the historic city center has long been a neighborhood of artisans and fishermen. Podil stretches along the right bank of the Dnipro River and the Kyiv Harbor.

Podil offers picturesque views from everywhere, as the area is surrounded by mountains: Starokyivska, Zamkova, Shchekavytsia, and Yurkovytsia. The network showed old Podil courtyards that create a special flavor.

Podil, together with the Upper Town and the Pechersk Hills, make up the oldest part of the city. The age of the oldest building log found during archaeological excavations is estimated to be the 9th century. Throughout history, Podil has been home to ancient areas: Biskupshchyna, Borychiv, Honchari, Dehtiari, Kozhumiaky, and Ploske.

Podil used to be located on the banks of the Pochaina River, the mouth of which was eventually swallowed up by the Dnipro. The modern harbor is a remnant of the river.

Main streets in Podil: Sahaidachnoho, Kostiantynivska, Khoryva, Verkhnii and Nyzhnii Val, Naberezhno-Khreshchatytska, and Naberezhno-Luhova. Naberezhno-Luhova. There are also well-known squares such as Kontraktova, Zhytnotorzka, and Poshtova.

Several descents lead from the Old Town to Podil, and the most popular of them is Andriivskyi. Kontraktova Square is considered the center of Podil. Also in this district of Kyiv are the monument to the Ukrainian philosopher H. Skovoroda, the Intercession Church in the Ukrainian Baroque style, the house of goldsmith Strelbytskyi, and the bell tower of St. Nicholas the Good Church. Since 1798, large fairs have been held annually on Kontraktova Square, with the Hostynnyi Dvir standing in the center.

We can talk a lot about Podil because almost every house in this area is a monument. But a special atmosphere is created by the famous Podil courtyards, which will immerse some people in childhood, and for others will be an interesting journey into distant history.

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