About This Site

Saint-Sophia Cathedral is an outstanding monument of architecture and monumental art of the early 11th century, built during the reign of Prince Yaroslav the Wise. The Cathedral preserves the largest preserved collection of mosaics and frescoes from the 11th century.

Saint-Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv is one of the most significant monuments of architecture and monumental art from Kievan Rus'. Built in 1037 by order of Grand Prince Yaroslav the Wise, the Cathedral became the main Christian church of the capital of Kievan Rus'. Its name 'Sophia,' meaning 'wisdom,' reflects its profound spiritual significance. The Cathedral's architecture is distinguished by supplementary naves added to the five-nave core and pyramidal spatial composition of the cross-dome church. The monumental decoration of the Cathedral composes an ensemble unique for its conceptual design that reflects the major theological ideas of the time. The huge pantheon of Christian saints depicted in the Cathedral has an unrivaled multiplicity among Byzantine monuments of that period. The Cathedral has preserved its ancient interiors, and the collection of mosaics and frescoes of the 11th century is unique for its integrity. Masterpieces include the Pantocrator, the Virgin Orans, the Communion of the Apostles, the Deisis and the Annunciation. In the 18th century, monastic buildings in the Ukrainian Baroque style were built around the Cathedral, including the bell tower, Metropolitan's house, the refectory, and the Zaborovsky gate. In 1990, Saint-Sophia Cathedral together with the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Historical Significance

The first written mentions of the Cathedral date to 1037, when Grand Prince Yaroslav the Wise laid the foundation in honor of victory over the Pechenegs. Construction was carried out with the participation of local builders and Byzantine masters. The Cathedral became the main church of Kievan Rus', where princes were crowned and important state ceremonies were held. Over the centuries, the Cathedral was repeatedly destroyed and restored. In 1240, during the Mongol invasion, the temple was looted, but it did not lose its significance. In the 17th-18th centuries, the Cathedral underwent significant reconstruction in the Ukrainian Baroque style under the leadership of Metropolitan Petro Mohyla. In 1934, the Cathedral was declared a historical-cultural preserve. Today it functions as a museum and is used for state events. In 1987, restoration works at Saint-Sophia received the 'European Gold Medal for the Protection of Historic Monuments'.

Highlights

• ✓Largest preserved collection of 11th century mosaics and frescoes
• ✓Virgin Orans - main mosaic in the apse
• ✓13 golden domes
• ✓Bell tower with panoramic observation deck
• ✓UNESCO World Heritage Site (1990)
• ✓Authentic 11th century Byzantine architecture
• ✓Unique secular frescoes in the towers

Photo Gallery