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main >> kiev sights >> kievo-pecherskaya lavra

Address: Mazepa’s Street/Janvarskogo vosstania (January revolt), 25

Working hours: 9:30 - 19:00 daily

Tel.: +38(044) 28 046 27

How to get: go to metro station Arsenalnaya. Get out, turn on the left and go 10 min. Or pass any kind of transport to the stop the Museum of the Great Patriotic War or Kievo-Pechersky reservation

Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra

Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra is located on the right coast of Dnieper, at high Dnieper hills. First monks lodged in caves, here takes its name Kievo-Pecherskaja Lavra - Pechersky (ukr. pechera – a cave). Lavra is an honorary title, which was awarded only to large and considerable monasteries. Originated from first caves dug in 11 century, within 9 centuries Kievo-Pecherskaja Lavra expanded to a majestic complex of churches and monasteries, making very strong impression not only for believers but also for usual tourists.

History of Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra goes back to 1051, when monk Antony, who has come back from St. Athos mountain, lodged in a cave between two hills. This cave was dug out by father Ilarion, Yaroslav the Wise confessor, for himself. Shortly before Anthony’s returning, Ilarion left a cave, having accepted metropolis dignity. It is necessary to notice that Ilarion became the first metropolitan of Russian origin. Followers began coming to Antony. When the number of monks reached 12, Antony dug for himself a new cave at the next hill. Subsequently, first caves were named distant, and second – near. Gradually new caves appeared, they were connected with other labyrinths, containing new and new monks. Number of Antony’s followers grew, caves became too close for them, and Uspenskaya church and cells were built outside. According to Antony’s request, Prince Izyaslav presented to the monastery the territory with all hills over the caves. In 1062 the monastery was named Pechersky. After Antony’s death in 1073, he was buried in a cave, and after that other monks began to be buried in the same way. Caves remained a residing place only for the most ascetic monks. Prince Izyaslav, Yaroslav the Wise son, often visited the cave monastery. Kiev nobility also showed respect to the monastery.

In 1106-1108, with assistance of St. Alipiy and Greek architects and painters, a church over the front monastery entrance was constructed. It was named Nadbramna (over gate), or Troitsk Nadbramnaya church (Church of St. Trinity over brama). Despite last centuries, when the church endured destructive attacks and fires, it was saved till our times.

Monks and hermits of Kievo-Pecherskaya monastery differed with high moral qualities and self-sacrifice that was respected by educated and influential people of that time. Gradually, the monastery turns to original educational institution, academy of orthodox governors. Notable and educated people came here from all Russia. Since the establishment of the monastery in 13 century, 50 bishops finished it. The monastery’s glory spreaded far beyond Russia.

During the irruption of Batiy hordes in 1240, Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra was ruined and plundered. The majority of monks was killed, part of them managed to run. There is no authentic information about monastery from the irruption till the 14 century, when it was built up and became a tomb of princes and nobility. But at the end of the century it was plundered and burnt again by Crimean khan Mengli I Geray (Girey). In 16 century, the monastery resisted despite the obstacles arising in connection with Catholicism spreading through the part of Ukrainian lands. Even lost a part of its authority and glory, the monastery remained a spiritual and cultural-educational stronghold. The status of Lavra was given to the monastery in 1688.

In 1615 archimandrite Elisey Pletenetsky established a printing house at Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra that was the largest in Kiev for a long time. Icon painting workshop of Lavra was also very known. In 18 century earth mound and stone wall appeared round the monastery. Awful fire that enveloped Lavra in 1718 destroyed all wooden and some stone constructions at the monastery territory, archive and library of Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra also burnt down. In 1720 monastery restoration began. This time is considered Baroque style flourishing in Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra. Approximately then Great Lavra Belltower, 96.5 metres height, was built and till the middle of 20 century it was the highest building of Kiev. In 19 century Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra included 6 monasteries: Main (at Great church), Near Caves, Distant Caves, Hospital, Kitaevskaya heathland and Goloseevsky heathland.

After October revolution in 1917, hard times came for Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra as well as for many other Christian relics. In 1918 Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra metropolitan Vladimir was brutally killed. Lavra property was nationalized, its territory was used for museum, and in 1930 the monastery was liquidated.

Lavra also had the great losses during Great Patriotic War. In November, 1941 St. Uspensky cathedral was blown up, nobody knows why. In the same time, in 1941 the monastery restarted its activity. In 1961 the monastery was abolished again. Just in 1988, during the celebrating of the 1000th anniversary of baptism of Russia, according to decision of USSR Ministerial council, Distant caves territory with all lands, buildings and caves were passed to a community, and in 1990 Near caves were also returned to the monastery. In 1990 Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra was entered to the list of World heritage of UNESCO. In 2000 Uspensky Cathedral was restored and consecrated.

Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra

Legendary figures were connected with Lavra at various times: annals writer Nestor (the author of " Story of time years"), painter Alipiy, Agapit –Antony’s pupil, healer and educator Peter Mogila, who gave his name to an academy in Kiev, and others.

Athlete Chobitko hallows repose in Lavra. Chobitko became a monk in Lavra and took Christian name Ilya, he is considered to be a prototype of epic hero Ilia Muromets. In 1643 "Saint Ilya Muromets" was consecrated a saint and canonised. Peter Arkadevich Stolypin, killed in Kiev in 1911. was also buried at Lavra territory.

Excursions in Kiev:

Tour of Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra

Legends and myths:

There is a legend that, when archeologists wished to dig out the hallows of Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra founder Saint Antony, they were prevented by flame and sheaf of sparks, appeared suddenly.