Mariinskyi Park in Kyiv: History and What to See

Mariinskyi Park was laid out in 1874 to a design by the gardener O. H. Nedzelskyi. In the past it bore the names Victims of the Revolution Park, Proletarian Park and Soviet Park.

Mariinskyi Park is a great first stop, and Kyivans clearly love to walk here. Cross the park and you will see Mariinskyi Palace, the ceremonial residence of the President of Ukraine. To its left is the dome of the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament. Be sure to walk to the edge of the slope: the overlook offers a wonderful view of the Dnipro and its Left Bank. Next to the Verkhovna Rada you will see a semicircular building, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine.

Head back into the park, walk around the stadium, and you will reach the famous "Lovers' Bridge," where it is customary to write declarations of love.

At the far end of Khreshchatyi Park you will find the arch formerly known as the Friendship of Nations Arch and the monument to Prince Volodymyr.

The park also has an overlook built at the wish of Empress Maria Alexandrovna: the view from the square by the palace seemed too gloomy to her, so she ordered a viewing platform to be built in the park. Grateful descendants can enjoy views of the Dnipro, the Kyiv hills, the Left Bank, the Verkhovna Rada and the Dynamo Stadium.