Kyiv Pechersk Lavra

Kyiv, Ukraine

Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra is a historic Eastern Orthodox Christian monastery which gave its name to one of the city districts where it is located in Kyiv.

Since its foundation as the cave monastery in 1051, the Lavra has been a preeminent center of Eastern Orthodox Christianity in Eastern Europe. Together with the Saint Sophia Cathedral, it is inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Lavra is not only located in another part of the city, but is part of a different national sanctuary than Saint Sophia Cathedral.

The Kyiv Pechersk Lavra contains numerous architectural monuments, ranging from bell towers to cathedrals to cave systems and to strong stone fortification walls. The main attractions of the Lavra include the Great Lavra Belltower, and the Dormition Cathedral, destroyed in World War II, and fully reconstructed in recent years.

Other churches and cathedrals of the Lavra include: the Refectory Church, the Church of All Saints, the Church of the Saviour at Berestove, the Church of the Exaltation of Cross, the Church of the Trinity, the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin, the Church of the Conception of St. Anne, and the Church of the Life-Giving Spring. The Lavra also contains many other constructions, including the St. Nicholas Monastery, the Kyiv Theological Academy and Seminary, and the Debosquette Wall.

The Kyiv Pechersk Lavra caverns are a system of narrow underground corridors (about 1-1½ metres wide and 2-2½ metres high), along with numerous living quarters and underground chapels. In 1051, the monk Anthony settled in an old cave in a hill near the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra. This cave received additions including corridors and a church, and is now the Far Caves. In 1057, Anthony moved to a cave near the Upper Lavra, now called the Near Caves.

References:

Comments

Your name



Details

Founded: 1051
Category: Religious sites in Ukraine

More Information

lavra.ua
en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Vagabond Couple (4 months ago)
Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, also known as the Kyiv Monastery of the Caves, is one of Ukraine's most revered religious and cultural landmarks. Perched on the picturesque hills overlooking the Dnipro River in the Pechersk district of Kyiv, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a stunning example of Eastern Orthodox monastic architecture and a place of profound spiritual significance. Founded in 1051 by St. Anthony of Kyiv, the Lavra began as a humble cave monastery and grew into a vast complex of churches, bell towers, and subterranean catacombs. The history of Kyiv Pechersk Lavra is deeply intertwined with the spread of Christianity in the region, serving as a spiritual center for Eastern Orthodoxy and a cradle of monasticism in Kievan Rus. Over the centuries, it has been a focal point of religious life, attracting pilgrims from across the Orthodox world. The architectural beauty of Kyiv Pechersk Lavra is breathtaking. The complex is dominated by the Great Lavra Belltower, which soars to a height of 96.5 meters, making it one of the tallest bell towers in the world. The golden domes of the Dormition Cathedral, which was rebuilt after being destroyed during World War II, gleam in the sunlight, creating a striking contrast against the blue skies of Kyiv. The interior of the churches is adorned with exquisite frescoes, mosaics, and icons, reflecting the rich artistic tradition of the Orthodox Church. Beneath the Lavra's surface lies a network of catacombs, where the mummified remains of saints, monks, and notable figures from Ukrainian history are interred. These underground passages are a place of pilgrimage, with visitors coming to venerate the relics and experience the serene, otherworldly atmosphere of the caves. Culturally, Kyiv Pechersk Lavra is a symbol of Ukraine's religious heritage and national identity. It has played a crucial role in the preservation and dissemination of Orthodox Christian traditions, theological scholarship, and religious art. The Lavra continues to be an active monastery, home to a community of monks who maintain the centuries-old spiritual practices that have been passed down through generations. In addition to its religious significance, Kyiv Pechersk Lavra is a cultural treasure, hosting museums that display priceless artifacts, manuscripts, and religious objects. The site is not only a place of worship but also a center of learning, art, and history, embodying the spiritual and cultural legacy of Ukraine.
Kir Vladimirovich (6 months ago)
A lot can be said about this place, but it is better to come and see everything yourself. It is difficult for me to imagine where else in the world there are so many historical buildings, caves, museums, icons in one territory. And indeed the place that is full of history. Just go to the free part, if you like it, you can come on Sunday and get into the "museum" part for free too.
Eric W (14 months ago)
I visited just before the start of war, so my review is based on my experience at that time. A beautiful and historic monument in Kyiv. Arguably the centre of the Slavic Orthodox religion. I wish to visit again when things are back to normal.
JP Laf (JPL) (15 months ago)
This is an amazing site to discover in Kyiv. Visit the church, see the mirror egg outside. The outstanding architecture. You need to visit this as travellers. It's a must and less than $5 to visit. On my visit there was some coffee machine outside, was very tasteful.
Daniel Bar (3 years ago)
This is a refreshingly happy of sorts religious monument. Forget about being a tourist and just join the crowds, go around and soak the atmosphere. You’ll see groups praying, pilgrims kissing icons, priests care of daily chores and the like. Highly recommended if you’re into vibe and not just seeing a monument.
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Bengtskär Lighthouse

Towering 52 meters above the sea, Bengtskär lighthouse is the tallest one in Scandinavia. The building started in in 1905 after the shipwreck of S/S Helsingfors and was completed in 1906. The lighthouse was designed by architect Florentin Granholm. On December a special petrol lantern, designed and built in Paris, was brought to Bengtskär and installed atop the tower.

German fleet bombarded Bengstkär in the First World War in 1914. Since the Gulf of Finland was heavily mined, it was not until 1919 that the surrounding seas were declared safe for shipping, that the light was lit again.

After the war the military value of Bengtskär increased as part of the defence system of independent Finland. In Second World War (1941) Soviet Union made a suprise attack to island. After a bloody battle, the small Finnish garrison emerged victorious. Intermittent repairs to the facility continued during the post-war period.