St. Michael's Cathedral

Together with St. Sophia of Kyiv, St. Michael's Cathedral gives you a unique portrait of ancient Kyiv.

The cathedral was built in 1108-1113 by Prince Sviatopolk Iziaslavych. Other buildings were added later to create the St. Michael's monastery complex. The cathedral was partially destroyed during the time of Mongol-Tatar rule, but it was reconstructed in the 17th century.

During that century, St. Michael's Monastery became one of the most important monasteries of Kyivan Rus'. The monastery complex itself was enlarged, a bell tower to the cathedral and gates built. In the early 18th century Hetman Ivan Skoropadsky added wonderful icons to the cathedral.

It is hard to believe it now, but in 1934 the government of Soviet Ukraine decided to place a building for the Central Committee of the CP(b)U on the grounds of St. Michael's Monastery. To make room for that building, the government ordered the cathedral razed.

When Ukraine gained independence, it decided to rectify the situation. The cathedral was rebuilt in 1997-2000. Copies of the frescos and mosaics of the 12th century were even used to reconstruct those masterpieces.

Visitors enjoy the gloomy charm of the ancient Orthodox cathedral. It is always dark and cool inside. The only light comes from the candles of visitors. By candlelight, the icons glimmer and the religious paintings look very mysterious. Light a second candle and ask God to wipe away your sins.