Kiev Pechersk Lavra means Kiev Cave Monastery in Ukrainian and that is exactly how this holy complex began, when in 1051 Saint Anthony took up residence in one of the caves on this hilly outcrop. Over the centuries the Monastery took on increasing significance as a religious centre until it was considered Orthodox Christianity's equivalent of Rome or Jerusalem. Today tourists will want to pencil in a whole day for this amazing site, which spans a whopping 28 hectares. There's not only the famous near and far caves to be visited, with their mummified monks, but also the Dormition Cathedral, the Great Lavra Belltower, and several interesting museums such as the Museum of Folk Decorative Art.
| |
