Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra

Have you ever dreamed about travelling back in time? If you'd like to know what it was like in Kyivan Rus of the 11th to 18th centuries, then visit the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. The remarkable complex was founded in the 11th century by Anthony of the Caves, and it is still an active monastery. When you visit it, you can see that the atmosphere is still like it was in medieval times.

The first magnificent building of the complex, which you can see even before entering, is the Holy Trinity Gate Church, which towers above the main gate. The church was built in the early 12th century, and most of it was reconstructed after a disastrous fire in 1718.

The beautiful murals on the church's walls were also done in the 18th century. A medieval legend says: When you pass through the Holy Gate under the Holy Trinity Gate Church, you get rid of 50 percent of your sins. So come on in. It certainly won't do you any harm, will it?

The centre of the complex and the main temple of the monastery is Dormition Cathedral. The original structure was the first stone building in the complex, built in 1073-1078. It was reconstructed in the 18th century in Ukrainian baroque style but destroyed during World War II. Happily, it was rebuilt in 2000.

Unless you are really fit, you shouldn't try to make your way to the top of the Great Lavra Bell Tower. At 96 meters high, the graceful, refined structure of the 18th century was the tallest building in the country at the time. If you can make it to the top, you will find an unbelievable view of downtown Kyiv, the Dnipro, its bridges and the districts of the low left bank. The big clock on the tower's fourth tier has seven bells, which strike every 15 minutes.

The Lavra complex includes other wonderful churches, including the two largest churches. The high, proud white buildings have dark-blue and green domes and gilded stars. Their marvellous interiors include paintings and carved gilded icons of Ukrainian and Russian artists of the 18th century.

The most mysterious and holy feature of the complex is the Near and Far Caves. Originally, the monks lived there. Later, the caves became burial places for Lavra's saints. The caves have many branches, making them a labyrinth of underground corridors, niches and even small underground churches. So far about 600 meters of the cave passages have been explored. Many people believe that much more has yet to be found.

The monastery grounds include unique exhibitions and museums. Visitors can see historical jewellery, ancient book printing, Ukrainian decorative art and other interesting artefacts.