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.