Holy Dormition Cathedral, Kiev (must see)

The Holy Dormition Cathedral is one of the most significant and historic churches within the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra complex, a site that has been a spiritual center of Eastern Orthodox Christianity for nearly a millennium.

Its construction began between 1073 and 1078 under the guidance of Abbot Theodosius, a key figure in the development of monastic life in Kyivan Rus’. From the outset, the cathedral served not only as a place of worship but also as a cultural and religious hub, drawing pilgrims from across Eastern Europe and playing a central role in the spiritual life of the monastery.

Dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, a theme of deep significance in Orthodox tradition, the cathedral also functioned as a burial site for prominent religious figures, reinforcing its role as the heart of the Lavra’s monastic and devotional life.

Architecturally, the cathedral combined the Byzantine-inspired cross-in-square plan with local building techniques, featuring a large central dome, vaulted ceilings, and originally, walls adorned with vivid frescoes and icons depicting biblical scenes and saints. Over the centuries, it endured multiple reconstructions due to fires, invasions, and natural decay, each period leaving traces of historical and cultural significance.

Tragically, on November 3, 1941, the cathedral was almost completely destroyed—not by invading German forces as Soviet propaganda later claimed, but by retreating Soviet troops. Following their scorched-earth strategy, the Soviets planted remotely-controlled explosives throughout Kyiv, targeting cultural and religious landmarks.

Reconstruction of the cathedral began in the late 20th century, and it was fully restored and re-consecrated in 2000.