Babyn Yar is a large park near Dorogozhychi metro station. On the surface it feels like a peaceful green space where people walk, run and spend time with their families. But once you move further in, it becomes clear that this place carries a devastating history. In 1941 the Nazis executed tens of thousands of people here, including Kyiv residents, Jews, Roma, prisoners of war and others.
Today Babyn Yar is recognised as a national memorial reserve. Several monuments stand across the grounds, the most notable being the Menorah, which honours Jewish victims. There is also a memorial to the children who were killed, a monument dedicated to Ukrainian Ostarbeiters and a wooden cross commemorating priests executed in Babyn Yar. Each of them represents a different part of the tragedy.
Within the grounds you’ll also find the Living Memory Center, which holds exhibitions, talks, film screenings and other events that reflect on Babyn Yar’s history in a contemporary context.
Photos: vandrivka website
