Independence square is located in the historical center of the city. In the 11th century, there was the Lyadsky gate of the Town of Yaroslav, where the active commercial and political life of the city took place. Since then, nothing has changed and this square can be called the main symbol of Ukraine.
Independence square in Ukrainian sounds like Independence Maidan. It is crossed by the equally famous Khreschatyk street. The width of the street near Independence square reaches 100 meters, and shady chestnuts grow along the sidewalk. Independence square and chestnut alley of Khreschatyk form a very beautiful pedestrian zone, where all tourists and local residents come.
The square is divided into two parts by Khreschatyk street. On the North side, the square is surrounded by houses in the style of the monumental Empire. Here, on the site of the former Lyadsky gate, an Arch with the figure of the Archangel Michael is installed. It symbolizes the gates of the ancient Town of Yaroslav. From here, the Sofievskaya street leads up to the St. Sophia Cathedral and the Upper city. Musical fountains are located around the Arch.
On the south side in the center of the square is the Monument of Independence of Ukraine. It was installed on the square in 2001. The height of the column reaches 62 meters. Behind the monument on the hill rises the building of hotel Ukraine, built in the late 1940s in the style of the monumental Empire.
On the right side of the Monument is the building of the Tchaikovsky Music Academy. On the left on the hill, you can see a building that looks like a Palace. It is an International Center of culture and arts.
