There are many picturesque corners in the city, but some of them demand special treatment. We are talking about the holy places in Kyiv, its churches and monasteries.

MIKHAILOVSKIY GOLD-DOMED MONASTERY
Mikhailovskaya Square , Kiev.
Mikhailovskaya Square , Kiev . Back in the 11 th century the Dmitriyevskiy Monastery stood here. It was founded by Prince Isyaslav Yaroslavich of Kyiv. Mikhailovskaya church wich was built inside the monastery was built by his father. The Dome was painted with gold and later the whole monastery became known as the Mikhailovskiy Gold-Domed. Over the next centuries the Monastery was subsequently rebuilt.

By the middle of the 18 th century and after numerous renovations, the Cathedral had seven Domes, all of them gold- painted. The interior was decorated with frescos and mosaics. The southern chapel was dedicated to St. Catherine.

USPENSKA TSERKVA - DORMITI0N CATHEDRAL IN KYIV-PECHERSKA LAVRA
Ivana Mazepy, 21, Kiev . Open from 9am to 5pm , caves until 4 pm. every day.

Built in 1073 - 1077, it probably was the first stone structure in the Kyiv-Pecherska Lavra. After the devastating fire in 1723-1729 the gorgeous church was completely renovated. During the 17th-18th centuries, it has been constantly changing until it reached a Ukrainian Baroque architectural style. In November 1941 it was blown up by the Soviets.
The Dormition Cathedral was rebuilt in 2000 y

 

KYIVO-PECHERSKA LAVRA
Ivana Mazepy, 21. Kiev.
Open from 9am to 5pm , caves open from 9am to 4 pm. every day.
This is the oldest and most famous Europe 's Orthodox churches. The Kyiv-Pecherska Lavra was founded in 1051 by the monks Antoniy and Feodosiy Pecherskyi to spread and solidify Christianity. It covers an area of 28 ha. The unique ensemble of 80 structures situated picturesquely on a hill consists of churches, museums, defence walls, caves containing the remains of saints and underground churches, became a favorite tourist center. At this time there is a men's monastery, academy and seminary on the grounds.

SOPHIA CATHEDRAL
Volodimirsika 24, Kiev.
Open from 10 am to 5-30 pm except Thur.
This is the most famous Ukrainian shrine. It was built in 1037 by the Ukrainian Prince Yaroslav the Wise. After numerous restorations in the 17 th -18 th cen. it became an example of the Ukrainian baroque style. At this time there is a monastery. Today the dimensions of the cathedral may not appear especially impressive. But remember that it was built in the first half of the 11 th century, when most of the architectural jewels of Europe did not yet exist. In those days the Metropolitan of Kyiv Illarion said of St. Sophia Cathedral: “The church is wonderful and glorious. There is nothing of the kind in any northern country.” Later the cathedral was reconstructed and enlarged. Inside the cathedral there are models of St Sophia in its initial and present form. On the eastern front where the plaster has been partially removed, strips of orange and pink masonry from the times of Jaroslav are visible.
Sophia Cathedral is under the patronage of UNESCO.


VLADIMIR CATHEDRAL

Bulv. Tarasa Shevchenka 20, Kiev.
Open Mon- Sun
Admission is free
This great seven cupola cathedral was built in 1882 in the neo-Byzantine style in honor of the Prince Volodymyr Velykyi. It was beautifully decorated by the famous painters Vasnetsov, Nesterov, Vrubel and Pymonenko. Services are being held every day.

KIEV SYNAGOGUE

Shota Rustaveli 13, Kiev.
Service on Saturday at 10 am and 8 pm (Hebrew)
Until 1992, in the building were the puppet theatre performances. The building of the synagogue was resituated and returned to the Jewish Religious Community in 1995.
In the entrance hall of the Synagogue you may see exhibits from the Museum of Jewish History , which we continue to form.