Mykhailivska Square took shape in the 12th century as the ceremonial forecourt of St Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery. Since then, it has remained an important landmark in central Kyiv.
The square is home to the monument to Princess Olha, a 10th-century ruler of Kyivan Rus whose legacy combines political wisdom with strength of character. Nearby you’ll also spot an unexpected detail — a sculpture of platypuses, gifted by the Australian Embassy in 2023 to mark 30 years of diplomatic relations between Ukraine and Australia.
The square also reflects Ukraine’s ongoing war. Since 2022, it has hosted an open-air exhibition of destroyed Russian military equipment, including burned-out tanks, armored personnel carriers and other vehicles brought from de-occupied areas.
Mykhailivska Square is just a short walk from St Sophia’s Cathedral and Volodymyrska Hill. From here, it’s easy to take the funicular down to Podil — a perfect way to end or continue your walk through the city.
