Bucket list destination: Kiev

SAINT SOPHIA’S CATHEDRAL (ABOVE)

Kiev is home to around 950 churches, cathedrals and monuments, but Saint Sophia’s is an outstanding example of Byzantine and Ukranian Baroque architecture. The elaborately decorated interior contains mosaics and frescoes which date back to the 11th century. The cathedral is located at the intersection of four of the main roads in the capital, so make the effort and climb to the top of the bell tower and you will be rewarded with a stunning panoramic view of the city.

MARIYINSKY PALACE

This beautiful palace, which was formerly known as Tsarskoe, is located next to the Verkhovna Rada (Parliament) building and is the ceremonial residence of the President of Ukraine. Built in 1744 by the Italian Baroque architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli, the palace now hosts various events of national importance such as receptions, summits and award ceremonies. While you’re there, pay a visit to the contrasting parliament building next door and enjoy the peace and tranquility of Mariyinsky Park.

CHERNOBYL

The name is notorious as the site of the world’s world nuclear disaster in April 1986, but not only can you visit the Chernobyl National Museum in Kiev itself, but you can take guided tours of the site, which is around a twohour drive from the capital. You will be given a personal radiation monitor before being taken to the abandoned town of Pripyat, which housed many of the workers from the nuclear power plant, before viewing the plant itself from safe observation points.