Pechersk Lavra
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The first magnificent building of the complex, which you can see even before entering, is the Troitskaya (Nadvratnaya) Church, which towers above the main gates. The church was built in the 12th century, but most of it was reconstructed in 1718 after a disastrous fire.
The beautiful paintings that hang on the church's walls were also done in the 18th century. A medieval legend says: When you pass through the Saint gates under the Nadvratnaya Church, you get rid of 50 percent of your sins. So come on in. It certainly won't do you any harm, will it?
The centre of the complex and the main temple of the monastery is Uspenskiy Cathedral. The original structure was the first building in the complex, built in 1078. It was reconstructed in the 18th century in Ukrainian baroque style but destroyed during World War II. Happily, it was rebuilt in 2000.
Unless you are really fit, you shouldn't try to make your way to the top of the church's Bell Tower. At 96 meters high, the graceful, refined creature of the 18th century was the tallest building in the country at the time. If you can make it to the top, you will find an unbelievable view of Kiev downtown, the River Dniper, its bridges and the districts of the low left bank. The big clock on the tower's fourth floor has seven bells, which strike every 15 minutes.
The Lavra complex includes other wonderful churches as well as the two largest. The high, proud white buildings have dark-blue and green capes and gilded stars. Their marvellous interiors include paintings and carved gilded icons of Ukrainian and Russian artists of the 18th century.
The most mysterious and holy feature of the complex is the Lavra caves. Originally, the monks lived there. Later, the caves became a burial places for Lavra's saints. The caves have many branches, making them a labyrinth of underground corridors, niches and even small underground churches. So far about 600 meters of the caves have been discovered. Many people believe that much more has yet to be found.
The monastery grounds include unique exhibitions and museums. Visitors can see historical jewellery, ancient book printing, Ukrainian decorative art and other interesting artefacts.