St. Michael's Cathedral
Artikel auf Russisch (Übersetzung in Arbeit).
Together with St. Sophia, St. Michael's Cathedral gives you a unique portrait of ancient Kiev.
The building was built in 1113 by Prince Svyatopolk. Other buildings were added later to create the St. Michael's monastery complex. The cathedral was partially destroyed during the time of Tatar-Mongol rule, but it was reconstructed in the 17th century.
During that century, St.Michael's became one of the most important monasteries of Kiev Rus.The monastery complex itself was enlarged, a bell tower to the cathedral and gates built. The Ukrainian getman Skoropadskiy added wonderful icons to the cathedral during that time.It is hard to believe it now, but in 1934 the government of Soviet Ukraine decided to put the headquarters of the Central Committee of the Ukrainian Communist Party on the St. Michael's grounds. To make for that building, the government ordered the cathedral razed.
When Ukraine became independent in recent years, it decided to rectify the situation. It rebuilt the cathedral between 1997 and 2000. It even used copies of the frescos and mosaics of the 12th century to reconstruct those masterpieces.
Visitors enjoy the gloomy charm of the ancient Orthodox cathedral. It is always dark and cool inside. The only light comes from the candles of visitors. By candlelight, the icons glimmer and the religious paintings look very mysterious. Light a second candle and ask God to wipe away your sins.