Top 10 Sensational Facts about Independence Square

Independence Square, Maidan Nezalezhnosti, Kiev. Picture By Quot WIKIMEDIA

Top 10 Sensational Facts about Independence Square

Kyiv Independence Square is an open-air square in the center of Kyiv, and the center of the square is connected by Gorizia Street.

The square has been established since the era of Kievan Rus, and its name has changed several times. The current name was changed to commemorate Ukraine’s declaration of independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.

There is a landmark memorial column on the square, and the Slavic goddess Berehynia stands on the top of the column. A group of heroes is erected in the fountain beside the column.

Let’s look at some sensational facts about Independence square;

1. Independence Square has been the center of public Political activity

Since the start of the Ukraine independence Movement in 1990, the square has been the traditional place for political rallies, including four large-scale radical protest campaigns: the 1990 student Revolution on Granite, the 2001 Ukraine without Kuchma, the 2004 Orange Revolution, and the 2013–14 Euromaidan.

Maidan is also a regular site for non-political displays and events; however, since 2014, most of them were moved to Sofiyivska square or elsewhere, because making entertainment in a place where people were killed during Euromaidan was considered inappropriate.

Most notably, Christmas Fairs and New Year celebrations were moved to Sofiyivska Square.

2. Independence square was the site of the Euromaidan Protest

Euromaidan protests began in November 2013. By spoilt exile. WIKIMEDIA

The square was the site of Euromaidan protests beginning in November 2013, and progressing to the viol.

The square was covered in protesters all day and night since 1ent clashes, and fires, and ended in the February Revolution of Dignity in December 2013. On 27 January 2014, Ukrainian police reported a 55-year-old man from western Ukraine was found dead hanging from the framework of a huge artificial ‘New Year tree’ in central Kyiv.

The body was found hanging inside the cone-shaped tubular steel construction on Kyiv’s Independence Square. The tree, which had become a symbol of anti-government resistance, was at that time decorated with a poster of jailed opposition leader and scrawled with graffiti opposing President.

3. Independence Square is a tourist attraction site

If there is an attraction we would highly recommend, then it would have to be Independence Square in Kyiv.

A few words best describe this place it would be full of life, energy, fun, and food among others.

Beautifully decorated landscapes, flowers especially tulips of various colors, fountains with amazing lighting, and surrounded by good restaurants are available in this place hence making it a good tourist attraction site.

4. A competition to Design a new monument was held

The reconstruction of Maidan Nezalezhnosti (Independence Square) began only in 2000, and a competition was held from 7–21 September 2001 to design a new monument.

The organizers decided on three finalists and merged their proposals into a single structure, with Anatoly Kushch commissioned as the sculptor.

The Independence Monument was inaugurated on 23 August 2001 by President Leonid Kuchma to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Ukrainian independence.

5. A striking Building Hotel in the Independence square

Hotel Ukrayina (Kiev).By Suicasmo WIKIMEDIA

The most striking building on Independence Square is Hotel Ukrayina; it was built in 1961 and for many years it was known as Moskva.

It was designed as a palace in a Stalinist architectural style. However, Soviet leader Khrushchev ordered the building to be stripped of all unnecessary decorations, the grand entrance with marble columns was removed and countless statues, reliefs, and the giant red star on the roof were taken away. To many, the giant concrete square box is an eyesore.

6. There is a Monument in Independence Square

Independence Monument, Kyiv, Kyiv Oblast, Ukraine. Picture By Peter Collins. Wikimedia

The Independence Monument is a victory column independence Maidan Nezalezhnosti(Independence  Square) in Kyiv, commemorating the Independence of Ukraine in 1991.

Stylistically it presents a mix of Ukrainian Baroque and Empire styles. The monument was built in a compositional center of the square for the 10th Anniversary of the independence of Ukraine in 2001. The monument itself is a column with a figurine of a woman (Berhynia) with a guelder-rose branch in her hand. The height of the monument is 61 m (200 ft).

The column is faced with white Italian marble that stands on a pedestal in the form of a Christian temple of Ukrainian Baroque and weighs 20 tonnes. It is a beautiful column and Monument, especially when illuminated at night.

7. Biggest protest of the Orange Revolution happened in Independence Square

In the 2000s, the biggest political protests in Ukraine, such as Ukraine without Kuchma campaign and the Orange Revolution took place in this square.

During the Orange Revolution in late 2004, Maidan Nezalezhnosti received global media coverage, as hundreds of thousands of protesters gathered in the square and nearby streets, and pitched tents for several weeks, enduring the cold and snow. One of the eminent activists during that time became Paraska Korolyuk.

The protests against electoral fraud resulted in an additional round of presidential elections being ordered by the Supreme court of Ukraine, which was won by the opposition candidate, Viktor Yushchenko.

8. Independence Square split by a street

Khreshchatyk Street, Kyiv. Picture courtesy of Maksym Kozlenko Wikimedia

Khreschchatyk street splits Independence Square. 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. The other buildings around the square are shops, hotels, offices, and restaurants.

9. There is a flower clock within the Square

A flower-like clock is situated in Independence Square. By Quot Wikimedia

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. . From the bridge, there are some great views of Independence Square.

10. The October palace in Independence Square

On the other side of the bridge is October Palace. The performing center is a female school.

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.