Mariinsky Park, Kiev

Mariinsky Park is one of the largest green spaces in Kiev, venerated by many as the city's “soul.” The 8.9 hectare English-style park was commissioned in 1874 by Maria Alexandrovna, spouse of Emperor Alexander II, on a former military ground, and was laid out by O.G. Nedzelskiy. Later, shrubs and ornamental trees had been planted all over the territory. Some of them have survived WWII and can still be admired in the park. During 1918-1920, the place was used as a memorial ground for those who died during the 1917 Revolution. Many revolutionaries were buried in the park, in a mass grave.

Nowadays, the Mariinsky covers 10.7 hectares and is a home to many tourist attractions and prominent places, like the Mariinksy Palace, Water Museum, Dynamo Stadium, Kiev State Puppet Theatre, and the “Friendship of Peoples” monument. Abundant marble sculptures, statues and monuments line the park's alleys, each with its own story and significance.

The park also contains a favourite lovers' spot – a bridge decorated with hanging locks, love messages and colourful ribbons, left by sweethearts as a token of their love and affection.