Gathering in Kyiv, it is necessary to schedule a visit to Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra (Laurel), which is considered a hallmark of the capital of Ukraine. No wonder there is a belief that, without seeing the laurels, you have not seen in Kiev.
Lavra - what is it?
Let's define what the term denotes a "Lavra". In Greek Laurel - a town, a village. Nowadays the so called convent with a particular order. Between IV to VI century Lavra was not an independent institution, but is part of a community, each member of which lived apart, drove his farm, but it is understood that it has neighbors that if anything will always help. That is not living in the monastery hermits and monks who sought solitude, but it co-existed in the community.
Lavra were particularly prevalent in the East. A lot of them were in Palestine. Over time Lavra became known ancient, rich and respected monastery, featuring a vast territory and a large number of monks.
In Ukraine, at the moment there are three laurels (Pochaevskaya, Svyatogorskaya and Kievo-Pecherskaya). All of them are subject to the Moscow Patriarchate.
Rules and restrictions
Today visit the shrines - Kiev-Pechersk Lavra can be anyone. The traveler can be a Christian and a man of another religion, but must adhere to certain rules of decency not to offend other believers. Naturally, shorts and short skirts are not welcome here. To visit the caves, where the relics of many saints, you must be dressed in shirts with long sleeves. Women also do not have to go under the arches of the caves with their heads uncovered. Scarves are sold immediately if the tourist does not care about it in advance.
On the territory of Lavra need to be quiet, to speak in a low voice, to express his delight with restraint. Do not forget that this is primarily a holy place, and then later the museum complex.
Photo sights of Kiev and the Kiev Region: Shady alley monastery garden
Shady avenues monastery garden View more images to the article
Ancient legends
Scientists know exactly how to create a laurel, and who was its founder. This is not often mentioned in the annals, which are considered quite reliable source. At the root of laurels stood holy St. Anthony, who arrived in Kiev in 1050 in search of a place for solitary prayer. He found a place in a cave on one of Kiev hills, where he remained in reverence to God and adhering to strict fasting. After some time, the cave stretched lay people who had heard about the holy man. The prince himself Izjaslav visited elder. In addition to the curious, there were those who were looking for a modest life. So, in a cave next door to Anthony settled young Theodosius, who became a disciple of the elder. Soon there were other hermits. Then Anthony founded a monastery with a very strict statutes. Prince Svyatoslav Yaroslavovich holy fathers gave the land on which the cave.
Among the monks of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra were very talented people, for example, known chroniclers who have told their offspring about the history of Russia. On the territory of the monastery were created "The Tale of Bygone Years" and "Kiev-Pechersk patericon." Around the same time created their miraculous icons Alypius and Gregory, treating diseases Agapetus laity.
Beautiful altar in one of the temples of Kiev-Pechersk Lavra
Initially built Upper Lavra, which then began to grow with the arrival of more and more monks. The first step was erected Cathedral of the Assumption. Since its construction involves a lot of different miracles. Architects came to the monastery of Constantinople itself. And they were told that they had come at the request of Anthony and Theodosius, which they have already paid for the construction of the temple, although the Fathers never once left the monastery. Several times painters invited to paint the cathedral, floated down the Dnieper in search of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, and the boat itself is stuck to the shore in the right place. It was in those days laurel and received his main treasure - the icon of the Assumption of the Mother of God, a gift of the monastery of the Virgin. Unfortunately, the fate of the icon are now unknown. She disappeared mysteriously in 1941, when the Assumption Cathedral was blown up. Who did it - is unknown so far. Historians argue themselves hoarse, defending their opinions. In Soviet times, it was believed that the Nazis destroyed the cathedral, Ukrainian historians believe that it blew a representative of the NKVD, who was plotting to kill some Nazi officials. Whatever it was, the icon in the Cathedral, rebuilt in 2000 and has not returned. Currently available one of its lists.
Photo sights of Kiev and Kiev region: Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the territory of Kiev-Pechersk Lavra
But back a few centuries ago. Laurel enjoys incredible respect, it is visited by all the rulers of Russia, which make rich offerings and applied to the miraculous icon.
With the advent of Soviet power Lavra Monastery loses status and becomes a historical and cultural reserve. The monks returned to the monastery only in 1988 when the whole country was celebrating the millennial anniversary of the founding of Rus.
Upper Lavra - the heart of the monastery, which is to build, strengthen and protect over a period of 8 centuries - from the XI to the XIX century. This part of the Monastery was founded on a hill over those caves where hermits originally settled.
Powerful fortifications designed not only to protect the treasures of laurels, but also provide privacy to its occupants, were built on the orders of Ivan Mazepa. The walls can still be seen today.
Great Lavra Belltower on which the observation deck was built in the XVIII century. Its silhouette is very recognizable: it is replicated on postcards, calendars, and is one of the symbols of Kiev. The bell tower is decorated with a clock that regularly work since 1903.
Trinity Gate Church towers over the main entrance of the Monastery - Holy Gate. It was built on the basis of an ancient temple, which has allocated funds for the Prince Svyatoslav, who ruled in Chernigov. And it happened in 1106-1108, respectively. Then the church was rebuilt in the Ukrainian Baroque style. When the renovations were saved valuable frescoes, executed in the XVIII century.
Photo sights of Kiev and Kiev region: the Refectory Church
Fun for the inspection and Refectory with the adjacent church of St. Anthony and Theodosius. These buildings were erected some of the most recent in the territory of Lavra (1893-1895 gg.). Church have long been used as the main temple of the monastery. The refectory was created in order to accommodate all the inhabitants of the laurels, and their by the time there were more than a thousand.
Turning the corner of the refectory, we can get to the observation deck, which offers a great view of the city and the Lower Lavra.
On the territory of Lavra are several museums. Kovnirsky housing formerly occupied local bakery and a bookstore, placed under the Jewelry Museum. It was here that the famous Scythian pectoral stored, made of gold and weighing more than one kilogram.
Photo sights of Kiev and Kiev region: Trinity Gate Church
Museum of book publishing, you will find in a former printing house of Laura. Here you can see the manuscript by the Kievan Rus, "The Apostle" Ivan Fedorov and other precious books. By the way, all the monks of the Lavra had read a lot. When Laura was conducted extensive work on rewriting and weaving folios.
In metropolitan chambers serving homes metropolitans and accept the Russian tsars, is located the Museum of Decorative Folk Art. Among its exhibits can mark products made by Ukrainian masters: eggs, Eggs, rugs, china, clay pots, embroidered towels and shirts. In the next room working exhibition of miniatures of Nicholas Syadristogo. They can be seen only under a microscope. Also in the monastery you can visit the Museum of Theatre, Music and Cinema.
Lower Lavra
Complex Lower Lavra, where you can go with the territory of Upper, interesting primarily for its caves. Witnesses said that after returning Lavra monks in 1988, some might, for example, St. Clement, resting deep under the ground, suddenly began to stream myrrh.
In Kiev Pechersk Lavra can visit Near and Far Caves. It is a maze of underground passages where you have to move around each other, holding a wax candle. Caves created monks who lived there first, but with the development of the monastery began to use them for burial.
Photo sights of Kiev and Kiev region: View Far Caves
And the Middle and Far Caves have three underground church where sometimes held worship. During the descent into the cave in the walls of underground corridors, you can see the small windows. They hide behind a cell, where devotees prayed before.
In the underground labyrinth of the relics of the chronicler Nestor, hero Ilya Muromets, healer Agapito, Prince Svyatoslav of Chernigov and many others. By itself, the tour of the caves will make a lasting impression on the pilgrims and tourists.
Info and pictures from
Lavra - what is it?
Let's define what the term denotes a "Lavra". In Greek Laurel - a town, a village. Nowadays the so called convent with a particular order. Between IV to VI century Lavra was not an independent institution, but is part of a community, each member of which lived apart, drove his farm, but it is understood that it has neighbors that if anything will always help. That is not living in the monastery hermits and monks who sought solitude, but it co-existed in the community.
Lavra were particularly prevalent in the East. A lot of them were in Palestine. Over time Lavra became known ancient, rich and respected monastery, featuring a vast territory and a large number of monks.
In Ukraine, at the moment there are three laurels (Pochaevskaya, Svyatogorskaya and Kievo-Pecherskaya). All of them are subject to the Moscow Patriarchate.
Rules and restrictions
Today visit the shrines - Kiev-Pechersk Lavra can be anyone. The traveler can be a Christian and a man of another religion, but must adhere to certain rules of decency not to offend other believers. Naturally, shorts and short skirts are not welcome here. To visit the caves, where the relics of many saints, you must be dressed in shirts with long sleeves. Women also do not have to go under the arches of the caves with their heads uncovered. Scarves are sold immediately if the tourist does not care about it in advance.
On the territory of Lavra need to be quiet, to speak in a low voice, to express his delight with restraint. Do not forget that this is primarily a holy place, and then later the museum complex.Photo sights of Kiev and the Kiev Region: Shady alley monastery garden
Shady avenues monastery garden View more images to the article
Ancient legends
Scientists know exactly how to create a laurel, and who was its founder. This is not often mentioned in the annals, which are considered quite reliable source. At the root of laurels stood holy St. Anthony, who arrived in Kiev in 1050 in search of a place for solitary prayer. He found a place in a cave on one of Kiev hills, where he remained in reverence to God and adhering to strict fasting. After some time, the cave stretched lay people who had heard about the holy man. The prince himself Izjaslav visited elder. In addition to the curious, there were those who were looking for a modest life. So, in a cave next door to Anthony settled young Theodosius, who became a disciple of the elder. Soon there were other hermits. Then Anthony founded a monastery with a very strict statutes. Prince Svyatoslav Yaroslavovich holy fathers gave the land on which the cave.
Among the monks of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra were very talented people, for example, known chroniclers who have told their offspring about the history of Russia. On the territory of the monastery were created "The Tale of Bygone Years" and "Kiev-Pechersk patericon." Around the same time created their miraculous icons Alypius and Gregory, treating diseases Agapetus laity.
Beautiful altar in one of the temples of Kiev-Pechersk Lavra
Initially built Upper Lavra, which then began to grow with the arrival of more and more monks. The first step was erected Cathedral of the Assumption. Since its construction involves a lot of different miracles. Architects came to the monastery of Constantinople itself. And they were told that they had come at the request of Anthony and Theodosius, which they have already paid for the construction of the temple, although the Fathers never once left the monastery. Several times painters invited to paint the cathedral, floated down the Dnieper in search of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, and the boat itself is stuck to the shore in the right place. It was in those days laurel and received his main treasure - the icon of the Assumption of the Mother of God, a gift of the monastery of the Virgin. Unfortunately, the fate of the icon are now unknown. She disappeared mysteriously in 1941, when the Assumption Cathedral was blown up. Who did it - is unknown so far. Historians argue themselves hoarse, defending their opinions. In Soviet times, it was believed that the Nazis destroyed the cathedral, Ukrainian historians believe that it blew a representative of the NKVD, who was plotting to kill some Nazi officials. Whatever it was, the icon in the Cathedral, rebuilt in 2000 and has not returned. Currently available one of its lists.
Photo sights of Kiev and Kiev region: Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the territory of Kiev-Pechersk Lavra
But back a few centuries ago. Laurel enjoys incredible respect, it is visited by all the rulers of Russia, which make rich offerings and applied to the miraculous icon.
With the advent of Soviet power Lavra Monastery loses status and becomes a historical and cultural reserve. The monks returned to the monastery only in 1988 when the whole country was celebrating the millennial anniversary of the founding of Rus.
Upper Lavra - the heart of the monastery, which is to build, strengthen and protect over a period of 8 centuries - from the XI to the XIX century. This part of the Monastery was founded on a hill over those caves where hermits originally settled.
Powerful fortifications designed not only to protect the treasures of laurels, but also provide privacy to its occupants, were built on the orders of Ivan Mazepa. The walls can still be seen today.
Great Lavra Belltower on which the observation deck was built in the XVIII century. Its silhouette is very recognizable: it is replicated on postcards, calendars, and is one of the symbols of Kiev. The bell tower is decorated with a clock that regularly work since 1903.
Trinity Gate Church towers over the main entrance of the Monastery - Holy Gate. It was built on the basis of an ancient temple, which has allocated funds for the Prince Svyatoslav, who ruled in Chernigov. And it happened in 1106-1108, respectively. Then the church was rebuilt in the Ukrainian Baroque style. When the renovations were saved valuable frescoes, executed in the XVIII century.
Photo sights of Kiev and Kiev region: the Refectory Church
Fun for the inspection and Refectory with the adjacent church of St. Anthony and Theodosius. These buildings were erected some of the most recent in the territory of Lavra (1893-1895 gg.). Church have long been used as the main temple of the monastery. The refectory was created in order to accommodate all the inhabitants of the laurels, and their by the time there were more than a thousand.
Turning the corner of the refectory, we can get to the observation deck, which offers a great view of the city and the Lower Lavra.
On the territory of Lavra are several museums. Kovnirsky housing formerly occupied local bakery and a bookstore, placed under the Jewelry Museum. It was here that the famous Scythian pectoral stored, made of gold and weighing more than one kilogram.
Photo sights of Kiev and Kiev region: Trinity Gate Church
Museum of book publishing, you will find in a former printing house of Laura. Here you can see the manuscript by the Kievan Rus, "The Apostle" Ivan Fedorov and other precious books. By the way, all the monks of the Lavra had read a lot. When Laura was conducted extensive work on rewriting and weaving folios.
In metropolitan chambers serving homes metropolitans and accept the Russian tsars, is located the Museum of Decorative Folk Art. Among its exhibits can mark products made by Ukrainian masters: eggs, Eggs, rugs, china, clay pots, embroidered towels and shirts. In the next room working exhibition of miniatures of Nicholas Syadristogo. They can be seen only under a microscope. Also in the monastery you can visit the Museum of Theatre, Music and Cinema.
Lower Lavra
Complex Lower Lavra, where you can go with the territory of Upper, interesting primarily for its caves. Witnesses said that after returning Lavra monks in 1988, some might, for example, St. Clement, resting deep under the ground, suddenly began to stream myrrh.
In Kiev Pechersk Lavra can visit Near and Far Caves. It is a maze of underground passages where you have to move around each other, holding a wax candle. Caves created monks who lived there first, but with the development of the monastery began to use them for burial.
Photo sights of Kiev and Kiev region: View Far Caves
And the Middle and Far Caves have three underground church where sometimes held worship. During the descent into the cave in the walls of underground corridors, you can see the small windows. They hide behind a cell, where devotees prayed before.
In the underground labyrinth of the relics of the chronicler Nestor, hero Ilya Muromets, healer Agapito, Prince Svyatoslav of Chernigov and many others. By itself, the tour of the caves will make a lasting impression on the pilgrims and tourists.
Info and pictures from
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