Although the exact date of establishment of the area is not known, there is evidence that during the 4th and 3rd centuries BC, a Neolithic settlement existed near lake Sviatyshche (Ukrainian: Святище).

During the 9th century, Darnytsia was an important centre of the Kyivan Rus', where ambassadors and delegations from other powers were housed while waiting to meet the kniaz and offer gifts.

While throughout the 19th century the area was progressively becoming more densely populated, the dwellers were technically residing outside of Kyiv in village-like (but non-village by status) settlements called slobidkas or slobodkas.

Until the late 19th century, the name Darnytsia was commonly applied to the plain on the left bank of Dnipro river across from the Kyiv city center.

Major infrastructure projects, including heat-and-power co-generation units, railroad stations, highways, and Metro lines were accomplished.