People · Kyivans in history

Famous KyivansPrinces and rulers

Princes and saints, poets and aviators, patrons and adventurers — people who were born, lived or worked in Kyiv. Biographies, addresses and places to visit.

56 people
11 categories
12 centuries (X–XXI c.)

Princes and rulers

5 people

Yaroslav the WiseGrand Prince of Kyivбл. 978–1054The prince under whom Kyiv became one of Europe’s great cities: he built the “city of Yaroslav” with the Golden Gate and St Sophia’s Cathedral, where he lies buried.
Volodymyr the GreatBaptizer of Rus’бл. 960–1015The Kyivan prince who brought Christianity to Rus’ in 988. He built the Church of the Tithes and enlarged the city; his statue on Volodymyrska Hill is a Kyiv landmark.
Princess OlhaRegent of Kyiv? – 969The first woman to rule Rus’: after her husband Ihor was killed, she governed from Kyiv for her young son Sviatoslav and was the first of the dynasty to be baptized. Her statue stands on Mykhailivska Square.
Sviatoslav the BraveWarrior princeбл. 942–972Son of Ihor and Olha, a prince of Kyiv who spent almost his whole life on campaign, from the Volga to the Danube. His statue stands on Peizazhna Alley.
Volodymyr MonomakhGrand Prince of Kyiv1053–1125Grandson of Yaroslav the Wise, called to the throne by the people of Kyiv during the uprising of 1113. He ruled until 1125, wrote the “Instruction” for his sons, and lies in St Sophia’s.