Babyn Yar

Lonely Planet review

On 29 September 1941, Nazi troops rounded up Kyiv's 34,000-strong Jewish population, marched them to the Babyn Yar ravine, and massacred them all in the following 48 hours. Victims were shot and buried in the ravine. Over the next two years, many thousands more lost their lives at Babyn Yar when it was turned into a concentration camp, called Syrets after the Kyivan suburb it was in. Romany people, partisans and even footballers would be among those killed.

The place's dreadful history only came to light after the war, and three monuments have been erected over time. The first was a colossal Soviet effort dating from 1976, which is found in the southern sector of the park. Typical of Soviet Holocaust memorials it makes no mention of Jews. It's also in the wrong spot; the massacre took place north from here.

Follow the path from vul Melnykova 44, past a TV station, to the secluded spot where you'll find the 1991 Jewish memorial, a menorah, which better marks the spot. From here several paths lead to points overlooking the ravine itself. Another monument was erected in 2001 beside metro Dorohozhychi to commemorate the Jewish children who perished at Babyn Yar.

Babyn Yar is easily reached from metro Dorohozhychi.