Since the start of Ukraine’s independence movement in 1990, the square has been the traditional place for political rallies, including for large-scale radical protest campaigns: the 1989 student “Revolution on Granite”, the 2001 “Ukraine without Kuchma”, the 2004 Orange Revolution, and the ongoing Euromaidan. Besides, the Maidan is a traditional point for several non-political events such as the city’s Christmas Tree and the various festivities annually held on the Ukraine Independence Day and Kiev City Day.
Maidan Nezalezhnosti ( Independence Square) – is the heart of the capital of Ukraine , which beats in unison with those events that are facing the State and , in particular , Kiev . Wear the title of the main square of the country – it is an honor and it is no wonder Maidan was awarded this prestigious title . Here are all the major official institutions of Ukraine , including the Post Office, International Center of Culture , formerly the Institute for Noble Maidens , Conservatory , Independence Monument , as well as one of the biggest shopping centers in the city of Globe . In addition, there are hotels and Cossack Ukraine . By area can be reached by metro station of the same name coming on .
Maidan has a rich and colorful history of the various events . During the reign of Yaroslav the Wise , the area was part of a complex of fortifications defending Kiev . About the location of the ancient gates of Kiev , often called Lyadsky , historians are ongoing dispute . Some believe that it was pointless to put the strengthening under the hill , as they should be at the top . Others believe that the gates were still installed under Starokyivska mountain, which could be the reason that so easily Batu army took Kiev in 1240. History of Kiev knows yet another gate , called the Caves . They appeared in the 17th century and , as proved by scientists , were exactly on the territory of the Independence Square . During excavations , archaeologists discovered the remains of the foundation of the ancient gates . At this place a long time underground museum was located , but it was closed because of the dampness . The gate was restored in 2001 on the site of the old foundation found the gate, but for some reason they are now called Lyadsky .
As the central Kiev square, following the end of Soviet era the Maidan has been the centre of public political activity. In the autumn of 1990, students’ protests and hunger strikes also known as the Revolution on Granite at the Maidan resulted in the resignation of Chairmen of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukrainian SSR Vitaliy Masol.
