St. Sophia Cathedral in Kiev

St. Sophia Cathedral in Kiev (St. Sophia Cathedral)

St. Sophia Cathedral in Kiev is one of the main symbols of Kiev. The cathedral was built in 1017-1031 in honor of the victory of Prince Yaroslav the Wise over the nomadic tribe of Pechenegs, but in the following centuries the cathedral was rebuilt many times. The cathedral was named after the Cathedral of Aya Sofia in Constantinople. The modern interior dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries, when Baroque changes were made that concealed the original structure of the temple.

General information

St. Sophia Cathedral has 13 domes, 5 naves and 5 apses, and in the interior – two-tiered galleries, frescoes and mosaics of the XI, XVII-XVIII centuries. Especially interesting are the mosaics of the cathedral. At their laying 177 different shades on a golden background were used. The most beautiful example of mosaics is Our Lady of Oranta. The 21 shades of blue color in her garment masterfully conveys the arrangement of folds and fluidity of the fabric. The height of this mosaic is 6 meters.

To the south of the cathedral are the former refectory, the small baroque church of Little Sophia, the residence of the Metropolitan, the theological seminary and the stunning bell tower – four-tiered, blue with white. Richly decorated with reliefs, the bell tower rises to a height of 76 m.