Maidan Nezalezhnosti

Independence Square is Kyiv's main square Kyiv, its historic center, where the most important events in Ukrainian history took place. Each year this place developed and changed, becoming a modern historic center that, together with the capital's residents, lived through both the joyful moments of festive parades and the sad events of bloody uprisings.

The most interesting sights and buildings of Independence Square

Maidan became famous not only for its location and history, but also thanks to the unique buildings located here. Nearby, the first skyscraper in Ukraine, the Ginzburg building (1912), was erected; to this day it has survived only as the new high-rise building of the Hotel Ukraina. It is worth noting that this was the tallest 12-story building not only in Ukraine, but in the entire Russian Empire. However, because of the Second World War, it was completely destroyed.

On Independence Square itself, a fountain-“monster” was built, constructed by order of Governor Bibikov in 1843. Due to a mistake by the designers, the water pressure was so low that the decorative structure could hardly be called either a sculpture or a fountain.

The main monument of modern Maidan is especially notable — the 52-meter triumphal column with a figure of a girl Berehynia — one of the tallest monuments in Ukraine, a symbol of the state's independence. The white marble column, topped by a light-blue globe from which extend markers showing the distances between cities of Ukraine and the capitals of other countries — this is the Zero Kilometer. Earlier, Archangel Michael stood on the site of the monument, and in 2001 he was moved to Donetsk. Today it is a “dovecote,” a meeting place where Kyiv residents constantly arrange to meet.

Despite their ancient age, the Lviv Gate with Archistratyg Michael appeared on Independence Square only in 2001. It is not only the city's symbolic guardian, but also the main gate through which, centuries ago, the road stretched to the outskirts of Kyiv. Among the new sculptures are the monument to the founders of Kyiv, the monument to the Cossack knight Mamay, and the light-and-music fountain, which every evening entertains visitors with a variety of melodies.

Historical facts

Independence Square changed its name most often during the 20th century. It was rebuilt several times and called Dumska Square, Soviet Square, Kalinin Square, and Square of the October Revolution. The modern name was approved only in 1991, after Ukraine was recognized as an independent state.
The largest reconstruction of Independence Square was carried out in 2001. As a result of excavations, the Lviv Gate (1151) was found — part of the defensive fortifications. Since then, the square has been a place for various celebrations, ceremonial parades, as well as rallies and protests. The most important of them are the Orange Revolution of 2004 and the Revolution of Dignity of 2013-2014, which ended in the tragic death of more than a hundred people. Today, the Memorial to the Heavenly Hundred, built nearby, reminds us of their courage and determination.