This collectible 1986 postcard presents a panoramic view of October Revolution Square (now Independence Square) in Kyiv, showcasing its cascade of fountains and the prominent Hotel Moskva in the background.
What is shown on the postcard
The foreground features active circular fountains with high water jets, surrounded by pedestrian walking areas, green lawns, and flower beds with visitors. On the left side, the roadway of Khreshchatyk Street is visible with cars and a passenger bus. In the background on the hill stands the multi-story Hotel Moskva (now Hotel Ukrayina), with the Monument to the October Revolution in front of it. To the right, the building of the Kyiv Conservatory with a large red banner on its facade and a portion of the Main Post Office are visible.
Historical note
The square developed in the 19th century and underwent multiple name changes: Khreshchatytska, Dumska, Radianska, Kalinin Square, and from 1977 to 1991, October Revolution Square. In 1977, the Monument to the October Revolution was unveiled here (later dismantled in September 1991). Hotel Moskva was constructed between 1954 and 1961 based on a design by a team of architects led by Anatoly Dobrovolsky.
Present day
In 1991, the square was renamed Independence Square (Maidan Nezalezhnosti). During a major reconstruction in 2001, the square’s appearance changed drastically: the old fountain complex was dismantled, the Independence Monument (a column with a statue) was erected, and Hotel Moskva was renamed Hotel Ukrayina.
Location (map)
Address: Independence Square, Kyiv, Ukraine
Coordinates: 50.450100, 30.523400
(Google Maps)
Coordinate source: Coordinates of the center of Independence Square (formerly October Revolution Square) in Kyiv..
Questions and answers
- What is the current name of this square? Today, it is the central square of Kyiv, known as Independence Square (Maidan Nezalezhnosti).
- What is the high-rise building located on the hill on the left? It is Hotel Moskva, constructed in 1954–1961, and renamed Hotel Ukrayina in 2001.
- Does the fountain complex shown in the foreground still exist? No, the original Soviet-era cascade of fountains was dismantled during the major reconstruction of the square in 2001.
See also
The «Old Postcards» archive includes other views of Kyiv from 1986.
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