The Beautiful Golden Domed Churches and Cathedrals in Kyiv
Winter is a wonderful time to visit the Pechersk Lavra and Golden domed Churches in Kiev (Kyiv)
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No trip to Kiev (Kyiv) is complete without a visit to the Pechersk Lavra, or as it is also known, the Kiev monastery of the caves. It was founded during the Kievan Rus period in 1051. For Orthodox Christians the Kiev Pechersk Lavra has become the third most important religious site in the world after Jerusalem and Holy Mount Athos.
Kiev (Kyiv) is a city full of surprising emotions and wonderful beauty. The Pechersk Lavra is the birth place of orthodox Christianity and the site of the most famous and sacred monastery in Eastern Europe. The golden domed monasteries and cathedrals of the Lavra have unique cultural and historical status recognised by UNESCO and is now a protected world Heritage site. Religion and spirituality run deep in Ukrainian culture, and you can find many beautiful monasteries, cathedrals and churches all around Kiev. |
Kiev (Kyiv) - Pechersk Lavra
Entrance to Pechersk Lavra
It is comprised of two parts, the Upper Lavra and the Lower Lavra. The Upper Lavra consists of museums and historical cultural monuments of national importance, and the Lower Lavra is a working monastery under the jurisdiction of the Ukrainian Orthodox church. Plan to visit both parts and give yourself a whole morning or afternoon to fully appreciate all the interesting sights.
There are four entrances to the Pechersk Lavra but the main entrance can be found at the western gate. Wear appropriate clothing if you want to enter the caves or religious buildings. Men are required to wear trousers and women are expected to cover their heads with a scarf or shawl. Scarves and shawls can be purchased next to the ticket booths at the entrance.
It is very easy to get to the Pechersk Lavra by metro and then by foot. If you walk directly from metro Arsenal’na to the Lavra it will take you approximately 20 minutes. Your journey will take you past two more places of interest, Holodomor Memorial and the Park of Eternal Glory (Park Slavi). Follow these instructions and it will be possible to enjoy all three of these must see sights in one morning.
First step is to take the metro to Arsenal’na (red line). This is an adventure by itself as metro Arsenal’na is the deepest underground station in the world and is 105.5 metres (350ft) underground. When you reach the top of the escalator (eventually) you should exit left towards the exit. When you leave the station you will see a monument with a military gun, head towards this and then turn left onto the main road. At this point you will have a choice, cross the road to find the bus stop and take the short 10 minute journey in a cramped and uncomfortable bus, or continue left on foot and walk at your leisure.
Let me assume you will walk. As you stroll towards the golden domed churches you will find benches to rest on and cafe’s, restaurants and bars for refreshment. After about 10 minutes you will see a large strangely shaped building on your left. This is Hotel Salut, it means you are going in the right direction. At this point you will have to cross the road. Look for the steps going down to the underpass and continue forward. You will exit directly in front of the Park of Eternal Glory. If you decide to go through the park, you will only slightly deviate from your final destination of the Pechersk Lavra. As you walk towards the obelisk you will eventually see the fire of eternal flame. To your left you will find fantastic views over Kiev and forward to your right will be the memorial to Holodomor. When you have enjoyed the view, keep to the right to and walk towards the Holodomor monument. You will be rewarded with a remarkable and poignant statue of a starving young girl, and another monument incorporating a museum.
Now return to the main street and continue forward. You will see the “golden domed” churches in the distance. You will be no more than 10 minutes away. Buying tickets is a little confusing so here is the best advice we can give. To enter the grounds of the Lavra go to the main entrance, the cost will be 3 UAH. This will gain you entrance but does not include access to all of the buildings, churches, museums and exhibitions. To get the most out of your visit we suggest you take the guided tour with the English speaking guide (lasts about 2 hours) or purchase an audio guide in your preferred language. We found the audio guide to be very informative and an ideal tool to navigate your way around the Lavra. Audio guides will cost 70 UAH and a 100 UAH deposit which is of course refunded on return of the audio guide. This option provides you access to all the buildings and museums in the Lavra. Keep your ticket safely with you as you will be required to show it at the entrance of each attraction.
The only extra cost to this ticket will be an additional 8 UAH for anyone wishing to go up to the Bell Tower. Tickets can be bought from the kiosk around the corner from the Bell tower entrance.
Standing on a hill overlooking the river Dnipro is the Kiev Peshersk Lavra, a spectacular orthodox Christian monastery and caves. In Ukrainian "pechersk" means cave, while "Lavra" is an orthodox term given to high ranking monasteries in Slavic tongue. In actual fact this is a large complex of golden domed churches and onion shaped towers in a mini city, built on top of a labyrinth of narrow underground caves containing chapels, catacombs, and monastic rooms.
This magical and enchanting monastery is the most Holy place in Ukraine and the centre of Orthodox Christianity in Eastern Europe. It was founded by reclusive monks Antony and Feodosly in 1051 with the intention of spreading Christianity throughout the Kievan Rus. It is chronicled that the reclusive Reverend Antony settled in the Varangian caves and his friends and monks began visiting him, bringing him food and clothes. The community of monks continued to grow and the far caves were expanded. Followers continued to join the community and eventually there was no other option than to build a church above ground. By the 12th century the Lavra had become the leading religious and cultural focal point in all of Eastern Europe. The caves themselves were still used by the monks as dwellings and a place to worship. They were even buried there, the cool humid atmosphere helping to preserve the bodies and mummify them naturally. In fact this apparent miracle only served to enhance the monastery's reputation and the monks bodies can still be seen almost perfectly preserved to this day.
Allow yourself plenty of time for this visit, in addition to the beautiful Dormition Cathedral and the Great Lavra Bell there are a number of exhibitions and museums to enjoy.It is possible to take a candle lit tour (purchase a lovely honey candle) of the caves. Because of the religious significance you will be requested to dress appropriately and women will be expected to cover there heads and bare legs. A scarf is provided at a small fee if required. And be careful of your head inside the caves, if you are particularly tall you may find the low ceiling uncomfortable. Go to the ticket kiosk to purchase tickets.
Please note: This is a working monastery so please act with respect during your visit.
There are four entrances to the Pechersk Lavra but the main entrance can be found at the western gate. Wear appropriate clothing if you want to enter the caves or religious buildings. Men are required to wear trousers and women are expected to cover their heads with a scarf or shawl. Scarves and shawls can be purchased next to the ticket booths at the entrance.
It is very easy to get to the Pechersk Lavra by metro and then by foot. If you walk directly from metro Arsenal’na to the Lavra it will take you approximately 20 minutes. Your journey will take you past two more places of interest, Holodomor Memorial and the Park of Eternal Glory (Park Slavi). Follow these instructions and it will be possible to enjoy all three of these must see sights in one morning.
First step is to take the metro to Arsenal’na (red line). This is an adventure by itself as metro Arsenal’na is the deepest underground station in the world and is 105.5 metres (350ft) underground. When you reach the top of the escalator (eventually) you should exit left towards the exit. When you leave the station you will see a monument with a military gun, head towards this and then turn left onto the main road. At this point you will have a choice, cross the road to find the bus stop and take the short 10 minute journey in a cramped and uncomfortable bus, or continue left on foot and walk at your leisure.
Let me assume you will walk. As you stroll towards the golden domed churches you will find benches to rest on and cafe’s, restaurants and bars for refreshment. After about 10 minutes you will see a large strangely shaped building on your left. This is Hotel Salut, it means you are going in the right direction. At this point you will have to cross the road. Look for the steps going down to the underpass and continue forward. You will exit directly in front of the Park of Eternal Glory. If you decide to go through the park, you will only slightly deviate from your final destination of the Pechersk Lavra. As you walk towards the obelisk you will eventually see the fire of eternal flame. To your left you will find fantastic views over Kiev and forward to your right will be the memorial to Holodomor. When you have enjoyed the view, keep to the right to and walk towards the Holodomor monument. You will be rewarded with a remarkable and poignant statue of a starving young girl, and another monument incorporating a museum.
Now return to the main street and continue forward. You will see the “golden domed” churches in the distance. You will be no more than 10 minutes away. Buying tickets is a little confusing so here is the best advice we can give. To enter the grounds of the Lavra go to the main entrance, the cost will be 3 UAH. This will gain you entrance but does not include access to all of the buildings, churches, museums and exhibitions. To get the most out of your visit we suggest you take the guided tour with the English speaking guide (lasts about 2 hours) or purchase an audio guide in your preferred language. We found the audio guide to be very informative and an ideal tool to navigate your way around the Lavra. Audio guides will cost 70 UAH and a 100 UAH deposit which is of course refunded on return of the audio guide. This option provides you access to all the buildings and museums in the Lavra. Keep your ticket safely with you as you will be required to show it at the entrance of each attraction.
The only extra cost to this ticket will be an additional 8 UAH for anyone wishing to go up to the Bell Tower. Tickets can be bought from the kiosk around the corner from the Bell tower entrance.
Standing on a hill overlooking the river Dnipro is the Kiev Peshersk Lavra, a spectacular orthodox Christian monastery and caves. In Ukrainian "pechersk" means cave, while "Lavra" is an orthodox term given to high ranking monasteries in Slavic tongue. In actual fact this is a large complex of golden domed churches and onion shaped towers in a mini city, built on top of a labyrinth of narrow underground caves containing chapels, catacombs, and monastic rooms.
This magical and enchanting monastery is the most Holy place in Ukraine and the centre of Orthodox Christianity in Eastern Europe. It was founded by reclusive monks Antony and Feodosly in 1051 with the intention of spreading Christianity throughout the Kievan Rus. It is chronicled that the reclusive Reverend Antony settled in the Varangian caves and his friends and monks began visiting him, bringing him food and clothes. The community of monks continued to grow and the far caves were expanded. Followers continued to join the community and eventually there was no other option than to build a church above ground. By the 12th century the Lavra had become the leading religious and cultural focal point in all of Eastern Europe. The caves themselves were still used by the monks as dwellings and a place to worship. They were even buried there, the cool humid atmosphere helping to preserve the bodies and mummify them naturally. In fact this apparent miracle only served to enhance the monastery's reputation and the monks bodies can still be seen almost perfectly preserved to this day.
Allow yourself plenty of time for this visit, in addition to the beautiful Dormition Cathedral and the Great Lavra Bell there are a number of exhibitions and museums to enjoy.It is possible to take a candle lit tour (purchase a lovely honey candle) of the caves. Because of the religious significance you will be requested to dress appropriately and women will be expected to cover there heads and bare legs. A scarf is provided at a small fee if required. And be careful of your head inside the caves, if you are particularly tall you may find the low ceiling uncomfortable. Go to the ticket kiosk to purchase tickets.
Please note: This is a working monastery so please act with respect during your visit.
St. Cyril's Monastery
Address: 12 Oleny Telihy Street, Kyiv, Ukraine
Nearest Metro: Dorogozhychi or Petrivka and then take trolley bus 27.
Click Here for Website
Nearest Metro: Dorogozhychi or Petrivka and then take trolley bus 27.
Click Here for Website
St. Cyrils Monastery
Hard to get to but very much worth the effort. St. Cyril's Monastery was built in 1139 is one of three buildings still remaining from the Tatar Mongol conquest. The monastery suffered a harsh fire in 1734, which was later reconstructed by the Ukrainian architect Ivan Hryhorovych-Barskyi during 1750–1760. His reconstruction works also included the addition of masonry walls enclosing the monastery's courtyard, a picturesque corner tower and gate, and other monastic buildings. Beautiful frescoes and stunning icons and paintings by Mikhail Vrubel. Since the late 1990s, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church has been allowed to conduct regular services. This is a hidden gem of religious Christian history not usually found by tourists. A unique experience which you can combine with a visit to the tombs.
St Andrews Church
Address: 23 Andriivski Descent, Kiev, Ukraine
Nearest Metro: Poshtova Ploscha
Click Here for Website
Nearest Metro: Poshtova Ploscha
Click Here for Website
St. Andrews Church
Part of the experience of visiting this church is walking up the old and historic Andriyivs'kyi Uzviz, Kyiv's answer to "Monmartre". It is an integral part of the old Kiev, and one of the oldest streets in Eastern Europe. At the top of the street you will find the beautifully majestic St. Andrews Church. The architecture is breath-taking and inside seems a lot bigger than outside. It was built by Italian architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli between 1747 - 1754 and is arguably the best example of a baroque church in Ukraine. Saint Andrew's Church overlooks the historic region of Podil, the historic old town of Kyiv. Saint Andrew's Church was built in honour of Saint Andrew who is widely recognized as the first Apostle Andrew. Saint Andrew is the Patron Saint of Ukraine, Scotland, Russia and Greece. The Council of Kyiv proclaimed him Apostle of Ukraine in 1629. In memory of St. Andrew’s prophecy, the citizens of Kyiv built permanent churches on the legendary site, the hills at the Dnipro River. Give yourself a whole morning or afternoon to visit so you can take in all the other sites in the street. Lots of cafe's, art galleries and museums to discover and the crowning glory will be a visit to the hugely impressive St. Andrews Church.
St. Michael's Golden Domed Monastery
Address: Tr'okhsvyatytel's'ka St, 6, Kiev, Ukraine
Nearest Metro: Maiden Nezalezhnosti
Ukrainian Orthodox
Click Here for Website
Nearest Metro: Maiden Nezalezhnosti
Ukrainian Orthodox
Click Here for Website
St. Michaels Golden Domed Monastery
Another stunning and beautiful Cathedral within a complex of other beautiful buildings protected by UNESCO world heritage sites. Back in 1108 Prince Svyatopolk built a stone church, dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel, which was later renamed after him as St. Michaels Golden Domed Monastery. This is a beautiful monastery to visit any time of year. The white and blue building topped with dazzling golden dome makes a vivid contrast against the sky. This is magical peaceful place so close to the centre of Kyiv but feels like a million miles away. There are some beautiful icons and paintings inside and the surrounding park is calm and peaceful. In the same place you will be able to see the "Bell Tower" (Sofiiskaya Belfry) opposite. Go to the top of the belfry to get some great pictures looking across at St. Michaels and Kiev.
St. Sophia Cathedral
Address: 24 Volodymyrska Str, Kiev, Ukraine
Nearest Metro: Maiden Nezalezhnosti
Click Here for Website
Nearest Metro: Maiden Nezalezhnosti
Click Here for Website
St. Sophia Cathedral
This stunning Cathedral is part of the World Heritage Site situated in an area of outstanding beauty. Not only a Beautiful Cathedral but the whole complex itself full of lots of interesting museums and calm quiet places to sit and contemplate life. The Cathedral was built in the Byzantine tradition, although certain influences from Bulgaria, Georgia and Armenia can be discerned. St. Beautiful mosaics and fantastic frescoes decorate walls and pillars and vaults, Sophia is the only structure of this period that still stands and retains, at least in the interior, something of its original form. It was built in the 11th century and remains, despite certain Baroque modifications in the 18th century, one of the finest and most important examples of early Kievan Rus. Since the fall of the Soviet Union, the new Ukrainian state has reemphasized the importance of the Kievan Rus in Ukrainian cultural development, in an attempt to develop a new, strong Ukrainian identity. As one of the few architectural structures still in existence from that era, the Cathedral of St. Sophia represents a tangible connection to Kievan Rus, giving it both a significant religious and national importance.
St. Volodymyr's Cathedral
Address: 20 Shevchenko Boulevard, Kiev, Ukraine
Nearest Metro: University
Ukrainian Orthodox Church
Click Here for Website
Nearest Metro: University
Ukrainian Orthodox Church
Click Here for Website
St. Volodomyr Cathedral
Beautiful Cathedral both inside and out situated on a leafy boulevard near Shevchenko University. It is a modern Catholic Ukrainian Orthodox church that replaced the old building that was destroyed in the 2nd World War. Huge ceilings and beautiful works of art and frescoes lend positively to the religious emotions, and even if you are not a particularly religious person this is definitely a place you should see . Entrance is free but if you would like to take pictures there may be a small charge. St. Volodomyr Cathedral has regular services so please observe normal practices when entering the church. Usually gets very busy at weekends so might be a good idea to visit during the week if possible. Men should be respectively dressed and women will be expected to cover their heads with a shawl.
