Monument to Volodymyr the Great

The Monument to Volodymyr the Great is the oldest sculpture in Kyiv and one of the city’s long-standing symbols. You’ll find it in Volodymyrska Hill Park, close to the Glass Bridge. According to legend, this is where Prince Volodymyr baptised Kyivan Rus in 988.

Stories and legends about the monument to Volodymyr the Great:

• Plans for the monument first appeared in the 1840s, though the idea sparked controversy at the time. Church leaders were especially critical, worried that the statue might encourage idol worship. In the end, a compromise was reached: alongside the monument, the decision was made to build St Volodymyr’s Cathedral.
• For more than a century, locals had never seen the prince’s face. That changed in 1968, when it was finally photographed from a helicopter — an event that caused a real stir in the city.
• Many legends surround the monument. Some believe ancient burials and relics lie beneath it, while others point to supposed Masonic symbols in its decoration, linked to claims that both the prince and the architect belonged to a Masonic brotherhood.

Today, the monument is a popular spot for both locals and visitors. People come here to stroll through the park, enjoy views of the Dnipro and the city, and in summer, listen to street musicians performing nearby.

Photos: Projector Institute