Kontraktova Square

Kontraktova Square or Kontraktovaya Square (Ukrainian: Контрактова площа, translit.: Kontraktova ploscha; Russian: Контрактовая площадь, translit.: Kontraktovaya ploschad’; literally: Square of Contracts) is a square in the historic Podil neighborhood of Kiev, the capital of Ukraine. The square is an important economic, cultural, and transport center of the Podil, containing numerous architectural and historical monuments.

Monastery on the square (center). The building currently hosts the city branch of the National Bank.]]

Kontraktova Square or Kontraktovaya Square (Ukrainian: Контрактова площа, translit.: Kontraktova ploscha; Russian: Контрактовая площадь, translit.: Kontraktovaya ploschad’; literally: Square of Contracts) is a square in the historic Podil neighborhood of Kiev, the capital of Ukraine. The square is an important economic, cultural, and transport center of the Podil, containing numerous architectural and historical monuments.

History

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Kontraktova Square is known since the Kievan Rus' times as an important part of the Podil merchant neighborhood. The square lies in between the Andriyivskyy Descent, Sahaidachny, Pokrivska, Florivska, Prytisko-Mykilska, Kostiantynivska, Mezhyhirska, Spaska, Skovorody and Ilynska streets.

The construction of the Contracts House, a permanent trading center where contracts were signed, at the end of the 18th century gave the square its current name. During 1748-1749, the Fountain of Samson was built to repair the water distribution system of the area to a design by Ukrainian architect Ivan Hryhorovych-Barskyi. The compound of the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, one of Ukraine's leading universities dating back to 16th century, adjoins the square.

In the 1970s, archaeological works conducted by the Institute of Archaeology of the Ukrainian SSR were done on the square, as well as reconstructions of the square's main constructions.

The square was renamed several times during its history: between 1869-1919, the square was named Aleksandrovskaya Square (Alexander Square) in honour of the Russian emperor Alexander II; between 1919-1944 - Krasnaya Square (Red Square), dedicated to Communism; between 1945 and the 1950s, it was renamed back to Kontraktova, although Krasnaya continued to be widely used; in 1990, the original name was re-established.

Modern square

Today, the Kontraktova Square is an important center of the Podil neighborhood, and also a recreational, cultural and transportation point of the city.

The square is often used for various outdoor public festivities, including music concerts and fairs. The Petro Sahaidachnyi Street which leads to the square is limited to pedestrians on weekends.

Buildings and structures

building with the monument to Petro Konashevych-Sahaidachny.]] Listed clockwise from the Sahaidachnyi Street:

  • Monument to Petro Konashevych-Sahaidachny, a Cossack Hetman;
  • Gostynyi Dvir building, 19th century;
  • Contracts House, where contracts were signed;
  • Fountain of Samson, reconstructed architectural monument;
  • Children's Musical Theater;
  • Monument to Hryhoriy Skovoroda, a poet, philosopher, and composer;
  • Compound of the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy (including Soros Center for Contemporary Art in the corner building);
  • Building of the National Bank's city branch (formerly the "Greek Monastery");
  • Church of the Mother of God Pyrohoschya.

Transportation center

cars on the square, seen with the roofs of the St. Andrew's Church in the background.]]

Kontraktova Square is one of the largest and oldest transit points of the Kiev tram system, end stop for to several tram routes. However, tram lines crossing the square are being gradually phased out since 1980s.

Most importantly, Kontraktova Square adjoins the Kiev Metro station of the same name, thus forming a multi-modal passenger knot with the tram and minibus lines. The station has a sub-surface design with four entrances, two of them being outside the square.

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Lucille Fisher
26 September 2015
I chanced on the weekend market and it was great! For sale were locally produced & sourced food & delicacies, shoes & fashion, natural cosmetics etc. good selection of hot food from food trucks too!
Mehmet
9 May 2014
Contracts Square is in the historic Podil neighborhood of Kiev,Square is an important economic, cultural, and transport center of the Podil, containing numerous architectural and historical monument
mstrrr
31 August 2011
Enjoy the live music from street artists. And the chaslik at the 'wooden bar/restaurant' (in front of the paid toilet in the park) is, until now, the best chaslik I ate!
Polina Komisarova
28 June 2016
You can find a lot of hand made markets on weekends there????
Emre
2 September 2017
You can taste different kinds of foods at the weekends till 10.00 pö
Nez Nez
16 June 2018
Historical place and street musician show.
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Nadya Popova, Marich Marich and 77,639 more people have been here
Map
Kontraktova square, 4, Kiev, Kyiv city, Ukraine Get directions
Fri 9:00 AM–10:00 AM
Sat Noon–11:00 PM
Sun Noon–10:00 PM
Mon 9:00 AM–10:00 AM
Tue 9:00 AM–10:00 AM
Wed 9:00 AM–10:00 AM

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