The Caves Monastery is Kiev’s premier tourist attraction and stands on a hill overlooking the Dnipro River. It’s divided into 2 areas:
Upper Lavra
Owned by the government the Upper Lavra contains a number of churches and museums. The admission fee gives access to most of the churches but some require additional payment.
Great Bell Tower
Measuring just over 96m the Great Bell Tower competes for dominance of Kiev’s skyline with nearby Rodina Mat. For a small fee it’s possible to climb the tower for an unequalled view of the monastery and Kiev.
Church of the Assumption
The Church of the Assumption was originally built at the end of the 11th century but was destroyed during the Second World War. It was rebuilt in 2000 and is also known as Dormition Cathedral or Uspensky Cathedral.
Museum of Historical Treasures
Situated at the rear of the Upper Lavra, this museum houses showcases historic items, precious stones, metalwork and jewelry. Most notable is its spectacular collection of Scythian gold.
Museum of Micro-miniatures
This museum displays the miniature creations of Russian artist Mykola Syadristy. The exhibits, viewed through microscopes, include a chess set on the head of a pin and the world’s smallest electric motor.
Lower Lavra
Beneath the Lower Lavra are hundreds narrow passages and caves where monks once lived and worshiped. Over 100 of them lie mummified in niches that line the subterranean streets.
Entrance to the caves is free, but most visitors purchase a candle at the entrance for a couple of hyrvnias. Women are asked to cover their heads and cameras are not allowed.
Map
Map showing location of Pechersk Lavra Kiev – Caves Monastery.
Click here for a detailed map showing all points of interest.
Details
Pechersk Lavra Kiev – Caves Monastery
Address
21 Sichnevoho Povstannya
Kiev
Kiev Oblast
Ukraine
Ukraine Travel Agent says
Thank you for interesting useful information.
FranB says
I’ve never seen such a remarkable cathedral in all my life. I’m not religious but found this whole place fascinating. The caves are one of the most interesting places here. You can wander round with a candle in your hand around the dead bodies. It sounds gruesome and scary but isn’t.
Carl says
Don’t miss the miniature museum. It’s tucked away on the upper level so keep your eyes open or try and ask somebody where it is. The miniatures are amazing. You need to look through a microscope to see them with your own eyes. I’m not sure how the artist managed to make them.
Pete says
This is a very large religious complex that will take you at least half a day to look around. If you want to appreciate it fully, I would suggest spending a full day there. The catacombs were interesting, even if a little creepy. There are certain rules you need to be aware of. Woman need to wear a scarf on their head (same with all churches in Kiev) and photography isn’t allowed in many of the buildings.
Stan P says
This was the highlight of my trip to Ukraine. It’s not just religious buildings. There are places like the Miniature Museum and a lot of nice gardens to relax in. Not much explanation in English though guides were offering their services.
Larry Warwaruk says
The Lavra plus the entire riverbank tell quite a story. On our tour in 2007 I asked our guide to ask a monk in the courtyard how long it has been since hermits no longer lived in the caves. The monk barked out an answer. I asked our guide why the monk spoke so harshly. She said it was because she had asked in Ukrainian, and not Russian. He said that after the 16th century hermits had quit coming because they had lost the Holy Spirit.
Nik says
The famous master of microminiatures Mykola Syadristy IS NOT RUSSIAN!!! He is UKRAINIAN!!!
Editor says
Thanks. We’ve changed the text.
Mary says
Please speak a little louder, we can’t hear you.
Annette says
It may be emphasis. I do not know where either of you are from. The eastern block countries suffered under the Soviets. I can competely understand why that may be tiresome and offensive. Mockery of that offense makes you look ignorant.
david says
Beautiful video of outside of monastery but only brief view of entrance to caves and no pictures of the caves.
Editor says
Cameras aren’t allowed inside the caves.