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Apr 20, 2012

Kiev Pechersk Lavra - architectural masterpiece

   Kiev called the city of domes. In fact, the church architecture of Kiev captivates and luresNone of the pilgrims or just a tourist will not remain indifferent to its beauty and grandeur. 
   A special place among ecclesiastical architecture takes the Kiev Pechersk Lavra.
   The wonderful ensemble of the monastery, crowned with almost hundred-meter bell tower - it is an integral and significant part of the skyline of the city,that witnessed many generations.

   Kiev Pechersk Lavra is one of the first monasteries in Kiev Rus. Founded in 1051and to this day is a testament to the talent and effort of many people. The monastery became the center of Slavic Christianity, and a place of pilgrimage. 

    Today it has an area of ​​28 hectares, where are located 122 monuments of architecture XI-XVIII centuries. Kiev-Pechersk Lavra is listed as a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO.

   Kiev Pechersk Lavra is also one of the greatest museums. The exposition consists of the Upper Lavra (National Historical Park under the Ministry of Culture) and Lower Lavra territories( Near Caves and Far Caves). Here you can find many relicts of the past: things from precious metal, portraits, prints, photographs.



 The Kiev Pechersk Lavra has a lot of architectural monuments. The most attractive are Great Lavra Belltower and Dormition Cathedral, that was destroyed during World War II and fully reconstructed. 

   The churches and cathedrals of the Lavra include: 
the Church of All Saints, 
the Refectory Church, 
the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin
the Church of the Exaltation of Cross,  
the Church of the Saviour at Berestove, 
the Church of the Trinity, 
the Church of the Life-Giving Spring 
the Church of the Conception of St. Anne.

  There are also other buildings:the Kiev Theological Academy and Seminary, the St. Nicholas Monastery,  and the Debosquette Wall. 

  The Kiev Pechersk Lavra caverns are a very complex system of narrow underground corridors with numerous living quarters and underground chapels. In 1051, the monk Anthony had settled in an old cave in one of the hills surrounding the Kiev Pechersk Lavra. This cave had grown, adding corridors and a church, now is known as the Far Caves. In 1057, Anthony moved to a cave near the Upper Lavra, now called the Near Caves.

   In the Caves Monastery lived and worked in prominent ancient Russian doctors Agapit, Damian, Armenia, Peter Syrian, chronicles James, Nikon, and John Nestor, author of the famous "Tale of Bygone Years" writers Simon and Polycarp, formed the "Kiev Pechersk Patericon", which was an important source for studying the history of ancient Russia.
   
   If you would like to visit Kiev Pechersk Lavra please contact us for excursion details and more information.


  
  






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