Kyiv surprises not only with its thousand years old buildings, and amuses with something more than its cool food and drinking spots. A literally Iron-girl, taller than the Statue of Liberty, majestically stands close to the Dnipro shore, adding awesomeness to the view.

The Mother Motherland is 102 meters tall. Only her plinth is taller than some of world famous Buddha statues. A woman with a shield and a sward symbolizes the strength of femininity and a powerful will of the whole nation.

For those who don't suffer from acrophobia, climbing up to the shield of Mother Motherland might be a great adventure.

   

But what is even more fascinating is what this plinth holds inside. There you will find a three-floor museum that tells the full story of Ukrainian participation in the World War II. Military boats, armors, vehicles, uniforms, musical instruments and other tools will bring you back to 1940th and open your eyes on many details of those formidable events. Newspaper pieces will add to the picture, and recover memories of heroic and tragic fates of Ukrainians of that time.

The first floor of the building tells the story of ongoing weapon conflict in Eastern Ukraine, reminding that the pain of war didn't yet leave this land, and heroic feats of Ukrainian warriors still take place.

After impressive exhibitions and installations, the third floor of the museum is laconic with its walls covered with names of those who passed away during the Word War II and huge windows with breathtaking Kyiv view.

Beinside team will always be happy to organize your trip to Kiev or another Ukrainian city. If you would like to find out more about Kiev during the Soviet times, immerse into the Soviet history through the landmarks of that time, we suggest you have a Kiev Soviet trip. We start with Mother Motherland monument, we will show you what Stalinka or Khrushchevka is, introduce the neo-classical style of Verkhovna Rada, take you to the  Exhibition of Achievements of Ukrainian SSR and other iconic sights.

Photos by Andrii Kuzmin