The Assumption Cathedral is the main church of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra and the first stone structure on its grounds. Its history dates back nearly a thousand years, and during that time it has witnessed many turbulent events in the formation of our nation.
Its walls bear the memory of the heyday of Rus’ Ukraine, the devastating invasions of nomads, the era of Konstantin Ostrozky and the glory of Ukrainian hetmans, the oppression of Ukrainians by the Muscovites, the Nazi occupation, and the dark Soviet era, and finally, the revival of Ukraine’s independence.
During the tour, you will:
- learn who built the cathedral, when, and why;
- discover the architectural features of the princely era
- experience the magnificence and beauty of Ukrainian Baroque
- witness the craftsmanship of modern artists
- hear stories about those whose efforts built the cathedral over the centuries and who are buried in its crypt.
The Assumption Cathedral is a symbol of our nation’s resilience and the continuity of Ukrainian history through the ages.
Route: Map on the main street — the main facade of the Assumption Cathedral — the exhibition “And it stood upon the hills…” — the eastern facade of the Assumption Cathedral — the northern facade of the Assumption Cathedral — interior: central section, St. Stephen’s Chapel, the Church of St. John the Baptist, the Chapel of St. John the Theologian, and the narthex.*
* The route may be subject to change during the tour