Ukrainian Museum of Historical Treasures, Kiev

The Ukrainian Museum of Historical Treasures, part of the National Historical Museum, is located inside the Pechersk Lavra Monastery. Also known as the Museum of Scythian Gold, this is one of the most fascinating tourist attractions in the city. Its exhibits are extremely valuable - cast in gold, platinum and silver, and inlaid with precious stones: sapphires, emeralds, pearls and rubies.

Tourists can admire the collection of Scythian artefacts discovered at the Tolstaya grave; among them are decorated swords, gold plates and jewels. By far the most spectacular exhibit on display is the "Scythian pectoral", a breast decoration made of gold and depicting scenes of Scythian life in much detail. The pectoral weights about 1 kg and is dated 4th–3rd century B.C.

Matching it in importance is the Glodoskiy treasure, believed to have belonged to the nomadic tribes which invaded the country in the 7th-8th centuries. It contains 1kg of silver and 2.5kg of gold items. The treasure was accidentally discovered by a schoolboy in the Kirovograd region.

Other exhibits include religious artefacts: mitres, and religious books decorated with precious stones. Gold and silver-clad icons complete the 14th–16th century religious collection. Precious items from all over Ukraine and Russia presented in the museum, alongside exhibits from Western Europe, offer visitors a broad palette of styles to enjoy.