Kyiv Pechersk Lavra (Kiev Monastery of the Caves), Kiev (must see)

The Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, also known as the Kiev Monastery of the Caves, is one of the most revered and historically significant sites in Ukraine. Founded in 1051, it stands as a cornerstone of Eastern Orthodox Christianity and a masterpiece of medieval architecture. The monastery’s name comes from the words pechera, meaning “cave,” and lavra, a title reserved for major monastic centers in the Orthodox world.

Its origins trace back to Anthony, a monk from Mount Athos who returned to Kyivan Rus’ and settled in a cave overlooking the Dnipro River. There, he began a life of prayer and asceticism that soon attracted followers, forming the foundation of what would become the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra.

Over the centuries, the monastery grew into a sprawling complex that today dominates the right bank of the Dnipro. It became a vital center for spiritual life, education, and culture throughout Eastern Europe. Together with Saint Sophia Cathedral, it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Lavra’s status as a national historic-cultural preserve was officially granted on March 13, 1996, recognizing its unparalleled importance to Ukraine’s religious and cultural identity. Despite its status as a cultural landmark, the monastery remains an active spiritual community, home to more than one hundred monks who continue its thousand-year-old traditions of prayer and service.

The Kyiv Pechersk Lavra is renowned for its architectural splendor. The Great Lavra Bell Tower rises majestically above the complex, offering sweeping views of Kyiv, while the Dormition Cathedral—destroyed during World War II and later painstakingly rebuilt—serves as its spiritual heart.

Other notable structures include the Refectory Church, the Church of All Saints, the Church of the Saviour at Berestove, and the Church of the Trinity. Beneath the surface lie the famous Near and Far Caves, where generations of monks once lived and prayed, and where many remain entombed as saints.

The monastery grounds also feature fortification walls, peaceful gardens, and several museums, including the Kyiv Theological Academy and Seminary. Designated one of the Seven Wonders of Ukraine in 2007, the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra continues to stand as a living monument to faith, history, and resilience.