 KIEV - PECHERSK LAVRA
The history of Saint –Uspensk Kiev – Pechersk Lavra goes ages back and begins with Far and Near Caves and it is closely connected with them. There are several opinions on the date, when Saint Antoniy was leaving in one of Varyazhskaya Caves, which is the part of modern Far Caves, but the majority of scientists agree that this event took place in 1051. So this date is considered to be the date of foundation of Kiev- Pechersk Monastery.
With the introduction of Christianity on the territory of Rus began to appear churches and monasteries. Starting 11 century women's and men's monasteries appeared on the territory of Kiev Rus.Kiev –Pechesk Lavra was founded by the monks in caves (1051) and became the center of education and writing. First monks lived in caves and after the foundations of Uspensk Cathedral caves served as a place for baring the monks; one can see their mummies even today. The caves are surrounded by the great amount of mysteries. Those who wish to visit the Caves need to bye a candle neat the entrance to light the way.
There are more then 80 buildings of different styles and epochs on the territory of Lavra. During the excursion guests visit Troistaya Church (1106), former cells of monks, which were built in the 18 century. There are also some museums here, including Ukrainian Museum of Icon Painting (17-19 century). The architectural dominant of Lavra is Big Church Tower (1744). It is 96,5 m high and it is the highest church tower in Ukraine. You can visit Uspensk Cathedral (1073-1078), which was burnt in 1718, restored and destroyed again in 1941 as a result of explosion, and reconstructed again in 2002 .You will also see Trapeznaya , former printing –house, in the building of which Ukrainian Museum of Jewels is situated. There, among the others you can see golden things (Skif's gold including).You can also visit Vsehsvyatskaya Church (1698) – the great example of Ukrainian baroque.
SOPHIEVSKIY CATHEDRAL
The part of researchers presumes that the foundation of the cathedral took place in 1017; the others claimed that the year of foundation is 1037.
Architectural ensemble of Sophievsiy Cathedral ,which embodied the most progressive features of ancient Russian architecture according to artistic character and high level of building art, is outstanding monument not only of old Russian but also world culture. Having inherited ancient art of wooden architecture Kiev builders created complicated volumetric space composition. The composition of the cathedral, its architectural forms are noticeable by its harmony, complitness and innovation.
Here, in Sophievsiy Cathedral the kings were crowned, their graves are situated here as well; official and religious ceremonies took place in the cathedral.Here Knyaz Yaroslav the Wise has founded the first library on the territory of Rus, the first school for boys and girls.
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The cathedral was the first residence of Kiev Metropolit. Cathedral's interior has been preserved from 11 century and has not been changed greatly. The great volume have frescos and mosaic (11 century) they were produced according to the unique technique and describe Biblical scenes, the portraits of Fathers of the Church, Apostols, worriers.
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