Let’s have a walk: The best Kyivs parks

Volodymyrska Hill

The monument to Prince Vladimir and its picturesque park have become the brand identity of the Ukrainian capital. However, not everyone knows its story. Meanwhile, Park Volodymyrska Hill was established in the XIV century. The monument, thanks to which the park got its name, was erected in 1853, and the first of the Kokorivsky arbors — in 1898.

By the way, the monument to Vladimir the Great, which looks at the left bank is not the only one sculpture in the park; here you can see other creations of Kyiv craftsmen.

It is through Volodymyrska Hill that one of the main tourist routes goes through the capital, because there are a lot of cultural monuments and interesting places nearby. From year to year, the park carries on attracting tourists and citizens, especially since this year when the head of Kyiv promises to establish a fountain with a sculpture of the city's patron saint — Archangel Michael. It is planned to be placed it in the upper part of the park, behind the St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery.

Park «Muromets»

This is a park with an area of ​​more than 200 hectares, which is located between Obolon and Troyeschina. It is a famous place where citizens enjoy spending their time since Soviet times. It's about the Park of Friendship of Peoples, received the new name "Muromets" two years ago.

It was based in 1972 and divided into 4 parts: memorial, children’s part, water sports and beach. A little bit later, the island of Muromets joined the park. Why it is named — Muromets? According to one of the legends, during the time of Kyiv Rus, it was here where the bogatyrs were waiting for a meeting with the Prince Vladimir. According to another legend, the island was named after Ilya Muromets, who defended the Whirlpool tract from different evil spirits. What really happened we will never know but you will see there a monument to the strong man Ilya.

The park «Muromets» is a unique place today. There is fresh air, walks along green landscapes, and numerous extreme entertainments. Indeed, it is here that the X-PARK sports and entertainment complex is located. It is a place where people come for good rest and a dose of adrenaline from all over Ukraine.

Square named after Heydar Aliyev

The square with the famous carpet-waterfall appeared in the capital not so long ago — in 2013. It was opened in honor of 90th birthday of the Azerbaidjanian leader. By the way, you will also find a monument to Aliyev here.

Walking along the street Hlybochytska you will definitely not ignore this small square. First of all, thanks to the extraordinary waterfall, made in the form of an oriental rug, lay out of ceramics and Murano glass. This is the only life-size copy of the famous Sheikh Safi rug, which is the eighth wonder of the world. The original of this beauty is preserved in London at the Victoria and Albert Museum. Against a background of the waterfall, you can see a huge stele stylized as a Baku fortress.

Another decoration of the park is a flower bed in the shape of Azerbaidjan, which symbolizes the unity of the people of this country.

Park Pushkin

Until 1898 there used to be an unprofitable orchard, it was decided to redo it in a public park.

Why it was called like that? Because the next year, in 1899, it was in this park that festivities in honor of the centenary of the birth of Pushkin were planned to be held. The name stuck. In 1900, at about a hundred thousand seedlings were planted here, a year later – there were created two alleys where people could move not only on foot, but also by car or horses.

At the end of 1962, a monument was erected here to an outstanding poet, whose name this park has.

Park Vidradnyy

This park use to be an orchard as well as Park Pushkin, which over time has become a place for relaxing. Moreover, there was a lake. Today, this lake is commonly called Integral because of a similar shape. In 1971, the park was named Hrushky but local people carried on calling it this way till the name Park Vidradnyy became official.

Now Park Vidradnyy is 17 hectares of beauty with playgrounds, suitable for walking tracks, a summer theater and a platform for walking and training pets.

Holosiivskyi National Nature Park

The whole day it is not enough to get around it, because its area is 4,500 hectares.

First of all, Park Holosiivskyi is a great variety of plants, 23 species which are listed in the Red Book. In the southern part of this park you will find pine and alder trees, and in the northern part of it you will find deciduous oaks, linden trees, ash trees and maples. Also there are ponds with swans and ducks, in which badgers and otters have built their houses. Shortly, this is an extraordinary place to meet with wildlife.

Park of Kyiv Polytechnic Institute

Beloved by students and squirrels, the park adorns and protects the capital Hogwarts — Kyiv Polytechnic Institute. It seems that the park and the university are one. Work on both of them was carried out simultaneously. They were handed by same person, it was — Ieronim Kitner. Just imagine: there used to be a military field on the site of the park without any trees, which means that plants were planted from scratch.

Today KPI Park is a kaleidoscope of paths, lanterns and benches for relaxation surrounded by trees. Add here the magnificent building of the KPi, a large number of monuments and street art — and get the perfect location for a spring walk.

Of course, Mariyinsky Park, Park of Eternal Glory and Shevchenko Park can compete for the status of the most beautiful, aesthetically and best equipped Kyiv park. These islands of greenery in the center of Kyiv must be known to everyone. But, nevertheless, it is always worth returning here. Indeed, in these recognized works of landscape gardening art the unique spirit of Kyiv is concentrated.

Mariyinsky Park

Mariyinsky Park or Mariyinka is a beautiful fountain, alleys, about a hundred species of trees and a special atmosphere. What makes it especially attractive? The grandeur of this park has taken a place in the heart of the government quarter. Walking along cozy paths near the Verkhovna Rada gives a feeling of involvement in the creation of the modern history of Ukraine. But it is beautiful not only with this.

Mariyinka is a wonderful European example of landscape gardening art of the late 18th century. Plans In styles like that one were developed for the ceremonial residences of the influential states of Europe — Austria, France, and Germany. The entire complex composition of the Mariyinsky Park is formed around the palace (the current ceremonial residence of the President of Ukraine).

In addition, the Mariyinka, along with the City and Khreshchaty Parks, is the central park system of Kyiv. Walking in these places, flows smoothly one into another, and it is an excellent program for a lazy sunny weekend. There are panoramic views of Kyiv, and interesting architectural structures led by a magical puppet theater, legendary sculptures and monuments from different eras and, for example, such a fashionable youth attraction as the Bridge of Lovers.

Shevchenko Park

This is a park with the best infrastructure, as well as an art site, design benches and statues that claim to be the title of modern work of art. Shevchenko Park was founded in the middle of the XIX century on the site of a wild wasteland in front of the main university of Ukraine at the direction of the Brazilian emperor Don Pedro, who officially visited Kyiv.

Now there are not only beautiful avenues, but also interesting sights of our time. For example, a birdhouse library and the only mirror kiosk in the world designed by Klaus Lefo. These ones are planned to be installed in the best parks of New York, Barcelona and Los Angeles. Also, street entertainment events are traditionally arranged here: amateur chess championships, various dancing workshops, etc.

The Park of Eternal Glory

A stunning sightseeing platform, romantic pavilion, long alleys with different benches and an interesting playground — a walk in this park makes you uplifted.  Intended to be seen as a symbolic monument to the Unknown Soldier, it has turned into a very pleasant place for relaxation and dates — you can walk here endlessly, finding a very special atmosphere in its various corners.

The Park of Eternal Glory is located on two terraces above the Dnieper between the Dnieper descent and Lavra Street — these parts harmoniously contrast with each other. There is a wide parterre on the Dnieper slopes with grassy lawns and winding stairs between them. And the lower part, laid horizontally, is separated from the Dnieper descent by the line of the trees and reaches the Askold grave — an important historical area of ​​our capital.

Park «Natalka»

According to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko, the park is better than Central Park in New York and Hyde Park in London, this is the capital's Natalka Park. To admire it and take a walk there, come to Obolon. The picturesque park is located in the southern part of the Obolonska embankment, and until the 2000s, new skyscrapers had to be built there.

Only in 2010, the Obolon area began to turn into one of the best places for romantic walks and photo shoots in the capital. Finally, the park was officially opened after reconstruction on the Day of Kyiv in 2017. Green spaces and original flower beds, paths for cycling and rollerblading, comfortable benches and viewing platforms, three large pavilions looking out over the Moscow Bridge and Left Bank, so after having visited Natalka Park one day, you will definitely stay here for the whole day, wandering thoughtfully along alleys and admiring the views.

Mysterious park on the corner of Instytutska and Shovkovychna street

Another great place for walking is hiding in the bowels of the government canal. For some reason, this small park cannot be found in any address books — it even does not have a name. Locals simply call this oasis a park -yard. But, nevertheless, it is well-maintained, and serious security guards adorn at the entrance. The most important thing — in this park is probably the most beautiful fountain in Kyiv.

The mystery of the beauty of this place lies in the history of creation. During the time of the Russian Empire, there was a magnificent palace of governors general surrounded by a large garden built in the 18th century. At different historical moments, it belonged to different authorities and performed various functions — once there was a church, then the UNR General Secretariat, the residence of Simon Petlyura, and the Bolshevik Cheka. And in 1920, the Poles organised their combat headquarters and blew it up during the retreat. This is one of the largest architectural Kyivs losses.

But in 1925, the Soviet government removed the ruins that could not be restored, and ennobled the neglected garden by building houses for its elite around the perimeter. There appeared arbors, benches, sculptures with a monumental fountain in the center. In the middle of the last century, this park even got into the Soviet film She Loves You. Nowadays, the fountain has been restored — now it is made of Chinese marbled and looks gorgeous.

Theophania Park

Among the capital parks far removed from the center, the Theophania Park is definitely worth a visit. This is an amazing natural landmark of Kyiv, which was designed well by landscape architects.

In addition to the incredible beauty of local landscapes and pavilions, a complex of lakes and alpine hills, Theophania Parkis also valuable in religious sites. There is a pilgrimage trail and healing springs Tears of of Divine Mother. Medicinal plants like lavender, coltsfoot and St. John's wort also grow here.