Huge square, with a big monument of Lenin. Not much more to it. It is said to be the biggest, or one of the biggest squares in Europe.
this truly is a disgrace...locals tout this has the largest square in Europe...it is the sixth largest but who cares. the square is nothing but a collection of cobblestones..there are no trees, flowers, statues, fountains..NOTHING!! There are tired and boring stores on the perimeter of the square. The only statue that WAS there was Lenin and that has been removed (understandably). I laughed and said to friends that they should put a statue of their beloved Shevchenko there in place of lenin...my colleagues noted that the Shevchenko statue is one block away LOL
This is one of the landmarks of Kharkiv. But I would not say there is something extraordinary in it. Yes, this is the main square of the city and, yes, this is the largest square in Europe but this is it. However I rate it high as this is really the symbol. Now it is changed as the huge Lenin's monument was removed and looks different but anyway..
This square is advertised as the second largest in Europe. I am not sure about this claim, as there are similar huge squares in Prague, Berlin, Amsterdam. However, it is a really nice square and is surrounded by some lovely buildings and the amazing park. There are lots of activities carried out on the square at different times in the year and they have one of the largest Christmas Trees ever.
The square was a few blocks from hotel Aurora. Spent a few hours walking around on multiple days. Spent over 2 hours with my girlfriend at the sky lounge eating a leisurely lunch. This dining spot is perched towards the top of Hotel Kharkov. It has wonderful views of the square and is very quiet and private. The different perspective was wonderfully romantic!
This is basically what it says a big square, however I did find Kharkivs first Irish bar, it is a bit plastic but the food was good and reasonably priced, for me this made the square.
On the day I crossed the square a stork had perched on the head of Lenin's Statue! No events were taking place so nothing to see in the large square, and being a very hot day not many people were walking in the square. A must photo of the statue of course but nothing to see in the square, but I'm sure what looked to be 30's style buildings surrounding the square were of historical interest but I hadn't had time to investigate them.
A huge square with a statue of Lenin in the center. Typically old fashioned and grey (similar to the city style). If you are a westerner it's worth to pay a visit mostly from curiosity. Otherwise, it's nonsense.
There are a number of interesting things to do here during the holidays. The majority of the square is set up with a Christmas themed carnival like atmosphere. Lots of food, rides for children, a skating rink, pony rides, etc. It is decorated very well and is worth seeing for some excellent holiday photos.
In time of my visit June 2014, the square is still picketed by a few dozen hardcore pro-Russian pensioners, while just a hundred miles south in Donetsk borders is still engulfing with insurgents fighting. This is the place where people gather for their freedom, which its very value is at stake with Lenin statue still withstanding.