Monument of Independence, National monument in Maidan Nezalezhnosti, Ukraine
The Monument of Independence rises 61 meters (200 feet) above Kyiv's central square, anchored by a white marble column topped with a bronze Berehynia statue holding a guelder-rose branch. The smooth marble surface creates a striking vertical presence in the middle of the plaza.
This structure was erected in 1991 to replace a Lenin statue that previously stood in this location, shifting the square's symbolic meaning toward national sovereignty. Its formal dedication in 2001 commemorated Ukraine's first decade of independence following the Soviet Union's dissolution.
The Berehynia figure at the top represents a protective spirit from Slavic mythology, dressed in traditional Ukrainian clothing with golden ornaments that catch the light. This guardian presence embodies the nation's connection to its cultural roots and serves as a visual anchor for national identity in the heart of the capital.
This site sits on a large public plaza that is easy to reach on foot and visible from multiple vantage points. The open space allows visitors to view the structure from different angles and take photographs without obstacles.
The sculptor used his own daughter as the model for the statue, embedding a personal story within the artwork. The white marble used for the column was specially imported from Italy, creating a striking contrast with the bronze figure above.
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