Saint Michael's Golden-Domed Cathedral and Monastery, Kiev (must see)

Saint Michael’s Golden-Domed Cathedral and Monastery is one of the capital's most striking and symbolically powerful landmarks, embodying the resilience of both the city and its faith. Founded in the 12th century by Prince Sviatopolk II Iziaslavych, the cathedral was dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel, the celestial protector of Kyiv. In medieval times, its shimmering golden domes—among the first in Kyivan Rus’—and richly painted frescoes made it a masterpiece of Eastern Orthodox architecture, drawing pilgrims and travelers from across the region.

Standing on a bluff overlooking the Dnipro River, the cathedral once formed part of a thriving monastic complex, serving as both a place of worship and a center of learning. Its mosaics and frescoes, crafted by Byzantine and local artists, reflected a fusion of artistic traditions that shaped early Ukrainian religious art.

Tragically, in the 1930s, during the height of Soviet anti-religious campaigns, the cathedral was demolished, and its sacred grounds were turned into a sports and administrative area. Some priceless mosaics and fresco fragments were salvaged and sent to museums in Moscow and Saint Petersburg, though many were lost forever.

In the years following Ukraine’s independence, Saint Michael’s became a powerful symbol of national and spiritual revival. Reconstruction began in 1997, guided by historical records, photographs, and artistic reconstructions. By 2000, the golden domes once again crowned the Kyiv skyline, restored to their original Byzantine brilliance.

Inside, visitors find a dazzling iconostasis, hand-painted murals, and mosaics that reflect both ancient techniques and modern craftsmanship. The monastery complex around the cathedral remains active, housing clergy and supporting community and charitable initiatives. Since December 2018, it has also served as the headquarters of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine.