European Square
Ukraine, Kyiv, European Square
Description:
The European Square in Kiev gives rise to the central street of the Ukrainian capital - Khreshchatyk. This ancient square is notable for changing its name seven times. It was called Konna (because of the equestrian fairs organized here) and Theater (after the construction of the first Kiev theater here), European and Tsarskaya Square, Stalin Square, the Third International and the Lenin Komsomol.
The European Square is also interesting because the first electric tram in the Empire was launched here in 1892. The tram line lasted until 1977.
The greatest architectural interest on the square is the building of the former Merchants' Assembly, built in 1882 by Kiev architect Vladimir Nikolaev. Today, the National Philharmonic of Ukraine is located in the building. Other notable attractions of the square are the Dnieper Hotel and the Ukrainian House.