Maidan Nezalezhnosti (Independence Square), Kiev

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

Maidan Nezalezhnosti, the Ukrainian for “Independence Square”, is the place which lies at the heart of Kiev. This is by far the most important and grandest square of the Ukrainian capital which has been a part of the city scape since the 10th century and seen its progression over time. In the course of the centuries, the square, much as its name, has changed a lot, without detriment to its spirit, though. Originally, the place was called Perevisyshch. Later, in the 18th century, it became known as Kozyne Boloto (Goat's Swamp) and remained vacant until the mid 19th century, when it took the name of Khrestshchatitskaya Ploshchad. At the end of the 19th century, the square was renamed Dumskaya Ploshchad (Parliament Square) and in 1919 - Soviet Square.

The current name, Maidan Nezalezhnosti, originated in 1991, reflecting the newly acquired independence of the Ukrainian state. For some locals, however, Maidan Nezalezhnosti, or simply Maidan, has gone down in history as the place of protest against the reportedly rigged presidential elections of 2004.

Today, Maidan is dominated by the statue of Archangel Michael, spiritual patron of Kiev, which is surrounded by many fountains and seedbeds. Historic buildings, flanking the square, add a great deal of charm to it, with the main attractions being just steps away, making Maidan an ideal retreat for tourists and locals who seek to rediscover the beauty of the nation's capital.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Kiev. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Maidan Nezalezhnosti (Independence Square) on Map

Sight Name: Maidan Nezalezhnosti (Independence Square)
Sight Location: Kiev, Ukraine (See walking tours in Kiev)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Kiev, Ukraine

Create Your Own Walk in Kiev

Create Your Own Walk in Kiev

Creating your own self-guided walk in Kiev is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Monastery of Kiev Caves Tour

Monastery of Kiev Caves Tour

Some sources say that Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra (Monastery of Kiev Caves Tour) was initiated in 1051, when Reverend Anthony arrived there. He, together with some of his followers, built an entire complex composed of caves and monasteries. When the monks moved to a monastery which is on Lavra's territory, the caves were utilized as burial sites. Nowadays it is included in the UNESCO World...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Kiev's Architectural Jewels

Kiev's Architectural Jewels

Kiev is a city with such a wide diversity of architectural styles from various periods of time. The best European, Russian and Ukrainian architects and artists worked on the buildings of the capital of Ukraine. Some of the elements are absolutely unique and can be seen exclusively in Kiev. Some of the most famed architects who contributed to the city's beauty and originality are Vikentiy...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Andriyivskyy Descent Walk

Andriyivskyy Descent Walk

Andriyivskyy (Andrew's) Descent is a historic cobblestone street, running 720 meters (2,360 ft) downhill from the Upper (Old) Town of Kiev to the once commercial neighborhood of Podil (Lower Town), ending at Kontraktova Square.

According to a legend, there was once a sea where the Dnieper River now flows. When Saint Andrew, the Apostle came to Kiev and erected a cross on the spot where St...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.6 Km or 0.4 Miles
Kiev Introduction Walking Tour

Kiev Introduction Walking Tour

Kiev is a very old city. It was initiated approximately 1500 years ago. Since 1934, it was Soviet Ukraine's capital and remained the main city of the country with the collapse of the Soviet Union. Being one of the biggest cities in Europe, it has a very specific history, architecture and cultural life. One can never be bored in Kiev, as it has endless interesting and captivating places to...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles

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