The central square of Kharkiv. It ranks sixth in Europe. Here are the most important administrative institutions of the city.
Freedom Square (‘Maidan Svobody’ in Ukrainian) is the heart of Kharkiv, where you can feel the incredible grandeur and energy of the city. The Kharkiv Regional State Administration is located here, known in the past as the House of Councils. Almost 12 hectares in size, up to 960 meters in height, and 125 meters in width, this maidan is the largest square in Ukraine, the 6th largest in Europe, and the 12th largest in the world.
The idea of the square emerged in 1919 when during the power seizure in Ukraine, the Bolshevists decided to move the capital from Kyiv to Kharkiv. Thus, the future maidan had to become a symbol of a new government and a new era.
The architectural ensemble of the square includes outstanding monuments of Soviet constructivism. There is a 13-storey House of State Industry constructed in 1926–1928, which is one of the first skyscrapers in Eastern Europe and the first building made of reinforced concrete monolith. The central and northern buildings of Karazin Kharkiv National University were also built here in the 1930s along with the ‘Kharkiv’ Hotel building — the former ‘International’ Hotel.
The House of Councils was constructed in 1954 in the style of Stalin Neo-Renaissance. It was on the site of the former Central Committee of the Communist Party of Ukraine, which was destroyed during World War II. The Palace of Children and Youth Creativity then became part of the square ensemble, called ‘Dzerzhynskyi Square’ in those days.
Maidan Svobody received its name in 1991 with the restoration of Ukrainian independence and became a favourite venue for public events in Kharkiv. The legendary band ‘Queen’ chose this place as the performance venue in Ukraine for its powerful energy, drawing an audience of over 300 thousand.
With the beginning of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, Russian occupiers fired ‘Kalibr’ missiles at Freedom Square, one of them hitting the historic building of the Kharkiv Regional State Administration, injuring twenty and taking the lives of ten people. All windows were broken, and the ceilings were significantly damaged and completely destroyed in some places. According to preliminary estimates, the house is not subject to restoration.
Whatever stored the memories may now become a memory itself.
Kharkiv National University named after Vasyl Karazin, founded in 1804, is one of the oldest institutions of higher education not only in Ukraine, but also in Eastern Europe.
National Literary Memorial Museum of the Ukrainian Philosopher and Poet (18th-century building).
190-years-old architectural monument in the classical style, built in 1832, which used to be the manor of Kharkiv officials and became an excellent illustration of Kharkiv’s life in the 19th century.
Built thanks to the cooperation of students, professors, and institute personnel of the Kharkiv Polytechnic between 1985 and 1991, the sports complex became the site for practising over 30 different kinds of sport, as well as an Olympic training base and the only sports facility in Ukraine to receive the State Award in architecture.
An ancient building, erected in one of the historical neighbourhoods of Kharkiv in the early 20th century. Several generations of Ukrainians have studied at this school for more than a hundred years.
A building of the beginning of the ХХ century in eclecticism style, which housed a female gymnasium from the time of construction and until the 1920s.
Church in the largest residential area of Kharkiv – Saltivka. The architecture of the building, built in 2013 for the Independence Day of Ukraine, resonates with Ukrainian Baroque traditions.
One of the largest Fine Arts museums of Ukraine. The museum’s collection is one of the oldest and most valuable artistic properties of Ukraine.
One of the oldest musical theaters and the first permanent opera house of Ukraine. Its history dates back to the end of the 18th century.
The main center of ensuring the accuracy of measurements in Ukraine with more than a century of history.
Former House of Judicial Institutions was constructed in the best Neo-Renaissance traditions. The building has the features of Italian palazzos and the exterior of the house stands out due to its sophisticated design.
An extraordinary building of the early 20th century in the architectural ensemble of the Constitution Square in Kharkiv built in the Art Nouveau and Neoclassicism styles.
In 1940, 3809 captive Polish officers and 500 Polish civilians were shot here by order of the Soviet government.
The oldest square in the city. From XVIII to early XX centuries, this place became the centre of the city culture.
This house became a home for Ukrainian writers and artists in 1928. The Soviet government built it for the Ukrainian intellectuals, but soon this place turned out to be a trap.
Holocaust Memorial Complex (menorah monument of 2002).
The cathedral is the oldest Orthodox church in Kharkiv and has great historical and art value.
A brick church constructed on the site of a wooden temple. The first mention of this building dates back to 1691.
Architectural monument, built in 1884–1886. For more than 130 years, the building has helped save the city and its citizens from fires.