Kiev-Pechersk Lavra

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There are many interesting and beautiful art pieces at Kiev-Pechersk Lavra. Some of them are too large to be viewed with the naked eye. The Lavra has several unique and beautiful art pieces, and one such one is the bas-relief portrait of ballerina Maya Plisetskaya. In addition, the World Digital Library has information from partner institutions. So, what should you see?

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Photo of Kiev-Pechersk Lavra by TinaGeller

The Kiev-Pechersk Lavra is an impressive Orthodox church that is one of the largest monasteries in the world. It was first founded in 1051 as a cave monastery, but today it is the largest Orthodox church in Ukraine. You can hike through the Lavra Caves, which are also open to visitors. The Lavra is the home of active friars and contains the relics of over 120 saints.

Photo of Kiev-Pechersk Lavra by TinaGeller

The Kiev-Pechersk Lavra is also home to several museums dedicated to Ukrainian history and culture. The Museum of Historical Treasures of Ukraine, Museum of Ukrainian folk art, Book and print history museum, and Theater and film history are among the places to visit in the Lavra. These museums are a pleasant bonus to your Lavra tour. It's well worth a visit. And remember to bring your camera! The Kiev-Pechersk Lavra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Photo of Kiev-Pechersk Lavra by TinaGeller

The Great Lavra Belltower is one of the most impressive features of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra. It has four tiers and stands 96.5 meters tall. It was built between 1731 and 1745. Johann Gottfried Schadel was the architect of the tower. There are several other interesting sites and structures at the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra. You'll surely enjoy the many attractions and beautiful nature.

Photo of Kiev-Pechersk Lavra by TinaGeller

The Near Caves, also known as the Far Caves, are another highlight of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra. There are 79 surviving burials, including Venerable Anthony. Other notable survivors include Nestor the Chronicler, Illarionov the First, and the Holy Martyr Kuksha. Theodosius and Barlaam joined the community in the early years. Both of them had the same ambition as Anthony: to live in seclusion. The Caves are open to the public daily, except for religious holidays, and in the summer, from 8:30am to 4:30pm.

Photo of Kiev-Pechersk Lavra by TinaGeller

Before the Bolsheviks seized power, the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra was a famous Orthodox center of religious life. Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims visited the monastery each year. The relics of saintly monks were venerated at the Lavra under Metr. Peter Mogila in 1643. After the Russian Revolution in late 1917, the Lavra was destroyed.