Last updated on December 20, 2023.

I started my third day in Kyiv by taking the metro to Independence Square (Maidan Nezalezhnosti), the main square in the city. It’s where the Euromaidan protests began on November 21, 2013.

 

Berehynia Monument

After exiting the metro, I immediately noticed the Berehynia Monument, built in 2001 for the 10th anniversary of Ukrainian independence. It’s dedicated to Beryhinia, a female spirit in Slavic mythology and the protector of the Ukraine.

Berehynia Monument at Independence Square in Kyiv, Ukraine
Berehynia Monument
Berehynia Monument at Independence Square in Kyiv, Ukraine
Berehynia Monument

Behind the Berehynia Monument is the Globus Trade Complex, a shopping mall. Next to it is the smaller Monument to the Founders of Kyiv. The large white building south of the monument is the Concert Hall of the Kyiv Conservatory, and the Ukraine State Department of Food is next to that.

Berehynia Monument and Globus
Globus Trade Complex at Independence Square in Kyiv, Ukraine
Globus Trade Complex
Monument to the Founders of Kyiv at Independence Square in Kyiv, Ukraine
Monument to the Founders of Kyiv
Concert Hall of the Kyiv Conservatory (left) and Ukraine State Department of Food (right) at Independence Square in Kyiv, Ukraine
Concert Hall of the Kyiv Conservatory (left) and Ukraine State Department of Food (right)

 

Buildings Around the Square

Independence Square is split by Khreshchatyk Street. On the side opposite the monument is a larger space full of fountains and a few monuments and surrounded by buildings. Looking towards this side of the square from the monument, the huge building on the left along Khreshchatyk Street is the Central Post Office. To the right is the House of Trade Unions.

Independence Square in Kyiv, Ukraine
Independence Square
Central Post Office at Independence Square in Kyiv, Ukraine
Central Post Office
House of Trade Unions at Independence Square in Kyiv, Ukraine
House of Trade Unions

The other buildings around the square are shops, hotels, offices, and restaurants.

Independence Square in Kyiv, Ukraine
Independence Square
Independence Square
Buildings at the end of Independence Square
Independence Square

 

Monuments

There are two interesting monuments on this side of the square. The first is the Lyadski Gate, which was originally built in the 11th century and later destroyed during the Siege of Kyiv by Batu Khan in 1240. It was rebuilt in 2001 when its remains were accidentally found. It’s topped by a statue of Archangel Michael, the historic protector of Kyiv.

Lyadski Gate at Independence Square in Kyiv, Ukraine
Lyadski Gate
Lyadski Gate at Independence Square in Kyiv, Ukraine
Lyadski Gate

The other is a column topped with a globe. It measures distance and points the direction to all regions of the Ukraine and foreign capitals.

Pointer monument at Independence Square in Kyiv, Ukraine
Pointer monument

 

Flower Clock and Bridge

Running along the monument side of the square is Institute Street. A large flower clock sits on the north side of the street, and a pedestrian bridge spans the street. The bridge was built in 2002. From the bridge there are some great views of Independence Square.

Flower clock at Independence Square in Kyiv, Ukraine
Flower clock
Bridge over Institute Street
Independence Square in Kyiv
Independence Square

 

October Palace

On the other side of the bridge is the October Palace, a performing arts center that was built in 1838 as a school for females. During Soviet times, it was infamous for being used as a prison by the Kyiv KGB. Over 120,000 people were executed there from 1920 to 1930, including artists, writers, politicians, teachers, priests, and scientists. I couldn’t imagine these kinds of atrocities being committed in such a beautiful building.

October Palace in Kyiv, Ukraine
October Palace

 

Victory Day

On May 9, I was able to witness Victory Day celebrations that took place in the square. In the morning, I watched rehearsals for the parade as I waited for my Chernobyl tour.

Victory Day rehearsals at Independence Square in Kyiv, Ukraine
Victory Day rehearsals
Victory Day rehearsals

 

When I returned from the tour, I watched a choir and some other performers before heading back to my hostel.

Victory Day celebration

Author

Owner of Paisadventure. World traveler. Chicago sports lover. Living in Colombia.

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