The capital of Ukraine and one of Europe’s oldest cities, Kiev is called the “Mother of Cities.” Its history can be traced back to 882, the time of the Kievan Rus, who descended from Viking traders visiting the area. From the 9th century on, Kiev was the main trade center on the Dnieper River route from Scandinavia via the Black Sea to Constantinople. The old section of Kiev retains many historic buildings and monuments, including the lovely domed St. Sophia Cathedral. Completed in 1037, it contains fascinating frescoes and mosaics as well as the marble tomb of Yaroslav the Wise.