Architecture-Ukraine

Ukrainian churches are heavily influenced by Byzantine architecture. During the past centuries, many Byzantine architects and artists visited the country in order to contribute to the creation of Christian structures. St. Sophia Cathedral, Holy Wisdom of God Cathedral, in Kyiv is an outstanding example of these artworks. It was created in the 11^th century and is the most ancient Christian church that is fully preserved in the East Slavic area having the biggest preserved collection of mosaics and frescoes of that period. The Cathedral’s architecture is distinguished by supplementary naves added to the five-nave core and pyramidal spatial composition of the cross dome church. Its decoration composes an ensemble unique for its conceptual design that reflects the major theological ideas of the time and the huge Pantheon of Christian Saints depicted in the Cathedral has an unrivalled multiplicity among Byzantine monuments of that time. Furthermore, St Sophia and Related Monastic Buildings, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, are inscribed on the List of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.

You can enjoy a virtual tour of St Sophia Cathedral, here: https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=XxDnKGZfXJG

Sources: https://st-sophia.org.ua/en/museums-en/st-sophia-museum/st-sophia-museum/,  https://st-sophia.org.ua/en/museums-en/st-sophia-museum/architecture-of-the-cathedral/, https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/527/

Moreover, Chernihiv is a historic city in northern Ukraine, which is known for its monuments. Its beautiful churches are outstanding examples of the Byzantine architecture. Chernihiv construction was characterized by layered brickwork, extensive use of local plinth and ceramic details, improvement of building structures, the use of stone carved architectural details and colored plinth.

You can find more information, here: https://oldchernihiv.com/vystavky/arhitektura-ta-remeslo-chernigova-xi-xiii-st/

Photos taken from: https://st-sophia.org.ua/en/home/, https://st-sophia.org.ua/en/museums-en/st-sophia-museum/baroque-masterpieces/ and https://oldchernihiv.com/vystavky/arhitektura-ta-remeslo-chernigova-xi-xiii-st/

Picture 1: St Sophia Cathedral

Picture 2:  ‘’The first Ecumenical Council’’. Oil painting of the 18^th century, St Sophia Cathedral.

Picture 3:  ‘’The Grand Prince’s portrait’’, southern part. Fresco of the 11^th century, St Sophia Cathedral.

Picture 4: Borisoglebsk Cathedral, Chernihiv

Picture 5: Catherine’s Church, Chernihiv

Picture 6: Friday Church, Chernihiv

Courtesy of the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine

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