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St Sophias Cathedral

Kiev's oldest church was built in 1037 by Prince Yaroslav the Wise, Ukraine's powerful leader who was laid to rest inside. Thirteen golden cupolas sit atop the complex of white towers best viewed from the 76m (250ft) bell tower at the entrance. The cathedral dates back to 1037 when the foundations were laid under the orders of Prince Yaroslav the Wise. The impressive cathedral is characterised by its 13 domes (cupolas) that dominate the skyline and the ornate, gold-topped dome of the Saint Sophia Bell Tower.

Inside, much of the Byzantine interior is intact and the cathedral is famous for its 11th century mosaics and frescoes. There is now a museum on the site detailing the cathedral's spiritual and intellectual influence in the region and how it contributed the spread of the Orthodox faith across Russia from the 17th to the 19th century.

Saint-Sophia Cathedral and the related monastic buildings were declared as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1990.

Address: 
Sofiskaya Square,
Kiev,
Ukraine
Telephone: 
(044) 278 2083.
Admission fees: 

Yes

Disabled access: 
Yes
Unesco: 
Yes

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