Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv is a world-famous architectural and artistic monument of the first half of the 11th century. For nearly two centuries, the cathedral was the main church of Rus' and the burial place of the great princes of Kyiv. The Church of Saint Sophia of the Wisdom of God is the oldest surviving Kyiv church. Over a thousand years, it was looted, but it was never destroyed. As a result of major repair and restoration works during the era of Hetman Ivan Mazepa (turn of the XVII-XVIII centuries), the external appearance of the cathedral acquired the appearance that has preserved its main features to this day. The world's most complete ensemble of original mosaics (260 square meters) and frescoes (3000 square meters) of the first half of the 11th century and significant fragments of wall paintings of the 17th-18th centuries have been preserved inside.
General view from the southeast corner
Domes of Sophia Cathedral of Kyiv
Apses of the cathedral. Open ancient masonry
The cathedral was built in the Byzantine technique of mixed masonry from alternating rows of stone and plinth, laid on a pink lime-cementia solution
One of the possible variants of the original type of the temple
Interior of St. Sophia Cathedral. Main apse and iconostasis
The palette of mosaics of Sophia of Kyiv includes 177 shades: blue - 21, green - 34, red-pink - 19, gold - 25, etc. By the way, modern masters, using the methods of that time, are unable to produce such a variety of mosaic colors.
Our Lady of Oranta is a symbol of eternal Kyiv, a symbol of Sophia of Kyiv. Her image has always been considered patronizing and miraculous. Kyivans believe that while Oranta stands in Sofia, Kyiv will stand as well.
Christ the Almighty. Mosaic of the main dome
Iconostasis of Saint Sophia Cathedral. 18th century
Iconostasis. Fragment of the royal gate
Temple icon of Saint Sophia-Wisdom of God (celebration – September 21)
Mosaics. Apostle Mark
Mosaics. Archangel Gabriel. Part of the Annunciation icon
Mosaics. Mother of God. Part of the Annunciation icon
Church frescoes
Fresco of the altar of Saint Michael
Graffiti of Saint Sophia Cathedral. Information about the death of Yaroslav the Wise
Autograph of Princess Anne of Kyiv - daughter of Prince Yaroslav the Wise
Marble sarcophagus of Prince Yaroslav the Wise
