The Monument to Princess Olha on Mykhailivska Square is one of Kyiv’s most iconic sculptures, dedicated to the remarkable female ruler who symbolizes wisdom and statecraft. Together with the figures of Saints Cyril and Methodius and the Apostle Andrew the First-Called, it forms a monumental ensemble that reflects the origins of the Christian and cultural tradition of Kyivan Rus. The idea of erecting the monument emerged in the early 20th century as part of the concept of a “historical route” — an alley of monuments intended to connect Saint Sophia Square and Mykhailivska Square. The original sculptural group was created by Ivan Kavaleridze and his colleagues from concrete, an innovative material for its time.
After its ceremonial unveiling in 1911, the monument stood only briefly: amidst the revolutionary events of 1919, it was destroyed, and fragments of the sculptures were buried nearby. Only in the 1990s did the restoration of historical justice begin. First, a mock-up of the lost composition was installed, followed by excavations during which parts of the original monument were discovered (except for the head of Princess Olha). These fragments are now preserved in the Ivan Kavaleridze Sculpture Park on Andriivskyi Descent, serving as a reminder of the dramatic fate of the monument and its creators.
In 1996, for Kyiv Day, the sculpture was restored — this time in white marble and pink granite. Today, the Monument to Princess Olha not only recreates the original composition but also serves as an important part of the city’s historical route. Together with the Saint Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery, Saint Sophia Cathedral, and the Monument to Saint Volodymyr, it becomes a point of encounter with history — one that is worth experiencing in person.