Maidan Nezalezhnosti (Independence Square), Kiev (must see)

Maidan Nezalezhnosti, or Independence Square, sits at the very heart of the capital, forming the vibrant center of both civic life and the city’s cultural memory. Stretching along Khreshchatyk Street, it is one of Ukraine’s most recognizable public spaces, a place where locals and visitors alike come together to walk, meet, and experience the pulse of the capital.

The square’s history, however, extends far beyond its modern identity, evolving from a low-lying area on the city’s outskirts into the monumental and symbolic hub it is today.

The name “Maidan Nezalezhnosti” was officially adopted following Ukraine’s independence in 1991, reflecting the country’s new sovereignty and the square’s role as a national symbol. Over the decades, it became a stage for civic and political life, hosting everything from parades and public celebrations to pivotal moments of protest and revolution.

Most notably, it gained worldwide attention during the Orange Revolution of 2004, when citizens rallied peacefully to demand democratic reforms, and the Revolution of Dignity (also called Euromaidan) in 2013–2014, which saw massive gatherings calling for government accountability, civil rights, and alignment with European values. These events deeply shaped the square’s identity, turning it into a place of remembrance, resilience, and national pride.

Architecturally and culturally, the square is framed by fountains, sculptures, and the Independence Monument, a tall column crowned with the figure of Berehynia, a traditional guardian spirit in Ukrainian folklore. Surrounding the square are historic government buildings, shopping arcades, and cultural landmarks, which together create a sense of continuity between past and present. Since 2014, large-scale entertainment events and fairs have been moved to nearby locations, such as Sofiyivska Square, in recognition of Maidan’s significance as a memorial site.