About This Site

St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery is one of the oldest and most prominent monasteries in Ukraine, located in the center of Kyiv on St. Michael's Square. Founded in 1108–1113, the monastery is renowned for its gleaming golden domes and unique 12th-century mosaics.

St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery is one of Ukraine's most important spiritual centers. Founded by Grand Prince Sviatopolk II Iziaslavych of Kyiv in 1108–1113, the monastery was dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel — the patron of warriors and protector of Ukraine. The monastic complex includes St. Michael's Golden-Domed Cathedral, the Refectory Church of St. John the Theologian (1713), the bell tower (1716–1719), and the Economic Gate (1760). The exterior of the buildings was remodeled in Ukrainian Baroque style in the 18th century, while the interior retained its original Byzantine mosaics and frescoes. In the 1930s, the Bolsheviks demolished much of the monastery, including the main cathedral. However, after Ukraine gained independence in 1991, the complex was completely rebuilt, and in 1999 the cathedral reopened its doors to worshippers. Since December 2018, the monastery has been the headquarters of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine. The monastery is famous for its unique 12th-century mosaics, which were saved after Soviet destruction and are now preserved in the cathedral. The golden domes of the monastery have become a symbol of Kyiv and can be seen from many points in the city.

Historical Significance

The history of the monastery dates back to 1108, when Grand Prince Sviatopolk II Iziaslavych founded a stone church in Kyiv. By tradition, the relics of Saint Barbara were transferred here during his reign. The cathedral became the first in Kievan Rus' to have its dome gilded, hence the name 'Golden-Domed'. During the Middle Ages, the cathedral became the burial place of members of the ruling Iziaslavych dynasty. The monastery was damaged during the Mongol invasion of 1240 but survived the invasion and subsequent political violence. In 1620, the monastery's hegumen Job Boretsky made the cathedral the seat of the re-established Metropolis of Kyiv. During the Soviet period, in the 1930s, the Bolsheviks demolished the cathedral and plundered the monastery. Many valuable 12th-century mosaics and frescoes were saved and transferred to museums. In 1998, reconstruction of the monastery began, which was completed in 1999 with the opening of the cathedral.

Highlights

• ✓Golden domes — symbol of Kyiv
• ✓Unique 12th-century Byzantine mosaics
• ✓Headquarters of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine
• ✓Ukrainian Baroque architectural style
• ✓Refectory Church of St. John the Theologian (1713)
• ✓18th-century bell tower
• ✓Holy relics and artifacts

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