European Square is one of the key transport and historical hubs of Kyiv, located between Khreshchatyk, Trokhsviatytelska Street, Volodymyr Descent, and Hrushevskyi Street. The area has been known since the 17th century as Yevseikova Valley, and from the 19th century as Horse Square, where fairs were held. In 1851, the Hotel “Europe” was built on the square, from which its present name originates. In the 20th century, the square was renamed several times, reflecting the political changes in the country.
After the Second World War, when a significant part of the surrounding buildings was destroyed, the square acquired a new appearance. In the 1970s, on the site of the former Hotel “European”, the modern Ukrainian House was built. Since 1996, the square has once again borne the name European Square, and it remains an important cultural and historical center of Kyiv.
Today, it is home to the Ukrainian House, the National Philharmonic of Ukraine, the Dnipro Hotel, the Puppet Theatre, the Parliamentary Library, and the central office of UNIAN. It is surrounded by a picturesque park on the Dnipro slopes, laid out in the mid-18th century, which continues to shape the unique appearance of this part of the capital.