You're reading: Where to find love in Kyiv

Love can be elusive. Even so, Kyiv provides singles and couples with many opportunities and places to find romance.

Tradition recommends a visit to the legendary 400-year-old lime tree near the remnants of the former Desyatynna Church, next to Andriyivsky Uzviz. The legend is that the tree grants wishes. A lonely person should walk around it seven times clockwise.

If a person you are in love with does not reciprocate, it is time to visit a public garden in Kyiv’s Obolon district where a naked water nymph stands on 2 Heroiv Stalingrada St. People say that rubbing her breasts helps in the quest for love. She’s got a polished pair, for sure.

The bridge located in Mariinsky Park is decorated with ribbons, padlocks with lovers’ names, and poems. The bridge is also popular for romantic dates and marriage proposals. Lately, the bridge has become a border separating police from protesters, spoiling the romantic mood.

At least several sculptures in Kyiv are believed to assist in finding a mate. People say that the Street Lights in Love sculpture that stands at Independence Square helps love candles burn lighter. The simple sculpture pictures an elegant lamp-man tenderly holding a lady-lamp in his arms. Lovers can be seen here on the bench, kissing passionately, oblivious to weather or season.

In a small park near St. Sofia Square there is a charming phantasmagoric sculpture of Leo-Aquarius. It is believed that if someone sits astride the lion and grabs its ears, dreams about mutual love will come true. 

A cat named Panteleymon on the intersection of Yaroslaviv Val and Lysenko Streets could make another destination for those seeking love. People in love pet the cat’s ears, whiskers and tail, hoping for eternal love.

Fountain of Desires in the courtyard of St. Michael’s Cathedral is a popular place among honeymooners. The fountain makes wishes come true. If one manages to rub a coin against the fountain construction and make it stick, the person will be happy in marriage. It is also believed that rubbing the coin while looking into each other eyes will help to strengthen a new or blossoming relationship.

Kyiv Post staff writer Nataliya Trach can be reached at [email protected]