Last updated on December 20, 2023.

After exploring the Near Caves in Lower Lavra at Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, I made my way to the walled part of the monastery at Upper Lavra. 

At Upper Lavra, you have a choice of either visiting the grounds only, or the grounds, exhibits, and churches. There were several museums on the grounds but none of them really interested me.

 

Entering the Complex

I entered the complex near the iconography school and walked down a path next to the retaining wall with huge supports spanning overhead. At the end, I found myself at the back of the Uspenskij Cathedral.

Iconography school
Retaining wall at Kyiv Pechersk Lavra in Kyiv, Ukraine
Retaining wall
Uspenskij Cathedral at Kyiv Pechersk Lavra in Kyiv, Ukraine
Uspenskij Cathedral

 

Uspenskij Cathedral

The Uspenskij Cathedral was destroyed during the Mongol invasion of 1240 and later reconstructed. One side contained an exhibition while the other side was built around an older church.

Uspenskij Cathedral at Kyiv Pechersk Lavra in Kyiv, Ukraine
Uspenskij Cathedral
Uspenskij Cathedral at Kyiv Pechersk Lavra in Kyiv, Ukraine
Uspenskij Cathedral
Door
Uspenskij Cathedral

 

Refectory Church

Next door is the Refectory Church (Trapeznaya Church). It was built between 1893 and 1895 when there were over 1,000 monks living at Kyiv Pechersk Lavra.

Trapeznaya Church at Kyiv Pechersk Lavra in Kyiv, Ukraine
Refectory Church
Trapeznaya Church at Kyiv Pechersk Lavra in Kyiv, Ukraine
Inside the Refectory Church
Inside the Refectory Church

 

Bell Tower

In front of the cathedral and Refectory Church is the symbol of the monastery that can be seen from miles away, the Great Lavra Bell Tower. It was built in 1731 and stands 96.5m high. A bell that was once used in the tower is on display out in front.

Great Lavra Bell Tower at Kyiv Pechersk Lavra in Kyiv, Ukraine
Great Lavra Bell Tower
Great Lavra Bell Tower at Kyiv Pechersk Lavra in Kyiv, Ukraine
Great Lavra Bell Tower
Bell from the Great Lavra Bell Tower at Kyiv Pechersk Lavra in Kyiv, Ukraine
Bell

 

All Saints Church

Next, I took a walk to the All Saints Church, which also functions as a northern gate to the monastery. It was built in 1698 and is filled with beautiful frescoes. The wooden iconostasis was carved in the 17th century.

All Saints Church at Kyiv Pechersk Lavra in Kyiv, Ukraine
All Saints Church
All Saints Church at Kyiv Pechersk Lavra in Kyiv, Ukraine
Looking up at the dome
All Saints Church
All Saints Church

 

Church of the Saviour at Berestove

Next to the All Saints Church was the School of Culture, and on the other side of the gate is the Church of the Saviour at Berestove, which was built in 1113. It’s not part of the monastery complex but is included in the UNESCO listing.

School of Culture
Church of the Saviour at Berestove at Kyiv Pechersk Lavra in Kyiv, Ukraine
Church of the Saviour at Berestove
Church of the Saviour at Berestove at Kyiv Pechersk Lavra in Kyiv, Ukraine
Church of the Saviour at Berestove

 

The Grounds

Heading back into the complex, I decided to take a stroll through the peaceful grounds. I walked past some impressive buildings and past the Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker before I paid a visit to the Trinity Gate Church.

Upper Lavra at Kyiv Pechersk Lavra in Kyiv, Ukraine
Building at Upper Lavra
Upper Lavra
Upper Lavra
Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker at Kyiv Pechersk Lavra in Kyiv, Ukraine
Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker

 

Trinity Gate Church

The Trinity Gate Church was the absolute highlight of the monastery for me. It was originally built in 1108 as part of the fortification of the monastery and functioned as its main entrance. It’s since been remodeled several times and is a great example of Ukrainian Baroque architecture.

Trinity Gate Church at Kyiv Pechersk Lavra in Kyiv, Ukraine
Trinity Gate Church
Trinity Gate Church at Kyiv Pechersk Lavra in Kyiv, Ukraine
Trinity Gate Church
Frescoed wall outside the Trinity Gate Church
Trinity Gate Church

The interior of the church is beyond incredible. The detailed frescoes were painted in the 1730s and 1740s by artists from the monastery’s iconography school and depict biblical scenes.

Trinity Gate Church at Kyiv Pechersk Lavra in Kyiv, Ukraine
Fresco
Trinity Gate Church at Kyiv Pechersk Lavra in Kyiv, Ukraine
Fresco
Trinity Gate Church at Kyiv Pechersk Lavra in Kyiv, Ukraine
Detail of a fresco
Trinity Gate Church at Kyiv Pechersk Lavra in Kyiv, Ukraine
Detail of a fresco

The chandelier was installed in 1725, while the woodwork was carved and painted in the 18th century.

Trinity Gate Church at Kyiv Pechersk Lavra in Kyiv, Ukraine
Looking up at the dome
Trinity Gate Church at Kyiv Pechersk Lavra in Kyiv, Ukraine
Dome
Trinity Gate Church at Kyiv Pechersk Lavra in Kyiv, Ukraine
Trinity Gate Church
Trinity Gate Church
Iconostasis

After visiting the Trinity Gate Church, I left the monastery complex at Kyiv Pechersk Lavra to see the Motherland Monument before returning to check out the parts of Lower Lavra I had missed.

Author

Owner of Paisadventure. World traveler. Chicago sports lover. Living in Colombia.

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