Independence Square, located in the center of Kiev, is divided into east and west by the main street, Khreshchatyk. The square was a strategic base during the Orange Revolution of Ukraine in 2004, and in the Soviet era, it was known as the October Revolution Square.
Although the terrain of Independence Square is not flat, it offers a wide view. The southeast corner is home to the National Tchaikovsky Music Academy, with a memorial column outside the gate topped with the Slavic goddess Berehynia. Next to the column, there is a fountain and a group of heroes, including the three brothers Kyi, Shchek, and Khoryv, who are said to have founded Kiev.
In contrast, the west side of the square is much simpler, with only an old city gate, the southwest corner post office, and the Earth Column as a monument. Below the Earth Column, there is a large underground mall called Globus and a shopping street connected to the subway station.
St. Andrew's Church is an 18th-century Eastern Orthodox church and one of the most famous landmarks in Ukraine. The church is built on the steep Andrew's Hill, overlooking the ancient Podil district. Its most striking feature is its magnificent exterior, built in a Baroque style with green and gold domes complementing the blue and white walls. The façade is adorned with six Corinthian columns, giving it the appearance of a work of art when viewed from a distance.
Andriivskyi Uzviz is located in the ancient cultural district of Kiev, named after St. Andrew's Church. During the Kievan Rus period, artisans and small merchants lived in the lower city, so Andriivskyi Uzviz became an important place for them to trade crafts. Today, the street has been restored to its appearance in the last century and has handicraft workshops and art salons selling various crafts and souvenirs with Ukrainian ethnic characteristics. Andriivskyi Uzviz is 720 meters long, winding down from St. Andrew's Church to the Podil district of the lower city. As a popular tourist destination, there are small stalls selling various souvenirs and crafts along the way. Here, visitors can buy all kinds of souvenirs, including handicrafts, paintings and Soviet-style products.
