Last updated on December 20, 2023.

Chernihiv is famous for it’s three monasteries: Eletsky Monastery, St. Elias Monastery, and Trinity Monastery. The monasteries are south of the city center. Eletsky is about a 10 minute walk while Trinity and St. Elias are a good 25 minutes away. All three monasteries are part of the Ancient Chernihiv National Architecture and Historical Reserve.

 

Eletsky Monastery

Eletsky Monastery is one of the most historic in the Ukraine. It was founded in the mid-11th century by Sviatoslav II Yaroslavich of Kyiv. The monastery was raided by the Mongols and Tatars in 1239 and lay in ruins until the 16th century when it was reconstructed and fortified. The Poles destroyed it in the 17th century and it had to be rebuilt again. Once the Soviets took over, it was shut down and didn’t reopen until Ukraine gained independence.

Bell tower at Eletsky Monastery in Chernihiv, Ukraine
Bell tower at Eletsky Monastery

I tried to go inside the Assumption Cathedral and the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, but neither were open. The monastery also has a set of caves which are said to be older than the ones at Kyiv Pechersk Lavra.

Assumption Cathedral at Eletsky Monastery in Chernihiv, Ukraine
Assumption Cathedral
Church of Saints Peter and Paul at Eletsky Monastery in Chernihiv, Ukraine
Church of Saints Peter and Paul

 

St. Elias Monastery

St. Elias Monastery was next. It was founded in 1069 by St. Anthony of Kyiv, who was also a founder of Kyiv Pechersk Lavra. The Church of St. Elias was built at the entrance to the caves in the 12th century. The complex was destroyed in 1239 and merged with Trinity Monastery during its reconstruction (see below).

St. Elias Monastery in Chernihiv, Ukraine
St. Elias Monastery
Wood carving at St. Elias Monastery in Chernihiv, Ukraine
Wood carving

Inside, I visited the Caves of St. Anthony. They’re unique because all of the rooms are located on four levels, one above the other. The caves contain the cells of the monks, chapels, burial places, and churches. Admission is ₴50 (as of November 2023).

Caves of St. Anthony at St. Elias Monastery in Chernihiv, Ukraine
Caves of St. Anthony
Caves of St. Anthony at St. Elias Monastery in Chernihiv, Ukraine
Caves of St. Anthony

I made the mistake of paying for a photo pass. There wasn’t much to see inside the caves and people were taking pictures without buying the pass in the first place. Although I was glad I went into the caves, they weren’t nearly as interesting as Kyiv Pechersk Lavra. If you’ve seen Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, you can skip these caves.

Caves of St. Anthony at St. Elias Monastery in Chernihiv, Ukraine
Caves of St. Anthony
Caves of St. Anthony at St. Elias Monastery in Chernihiv, Ukraine
Caves of St. Anthony

 

Trinity Monastery

Next, I walked uphill through a beautiful forested park to Trinity Monastery. It was the nicest and busiest of the complexes in Chernihiv. Founded in the 11th century by St. Anthony of Kyiv, it was destroyed along with the other monasteries in 1239 and rebuilt in 1649 by Ukrainian architect Lazar Baranovych. The monastery housed a very important printing press and library with more than 11,000 books.

Gates of Trinity Monastery in Chernihiv, Ukraine
Gates of Trinity Monastery
Gates of Trinity Monastery in Chernihiv, Ukraine
Gates of Trinity Monastery

Holy Trinity Cathedral is the biggest building in the complex. It was built in 1679 and has seven cupolas. Inside are the relics of St. Theodosius of Chernihiv and St. Laurentius the Elder.

Holy Trinity Cathedral at Trinity Monastery in Chernihiv, Ukraine
Holy Trinity Cathedral
Holy Trinity Cathedral at Trinity Monastery in Chernihiv, Ukraine
Holy Trinity Cathedral
Fresco on Holy Trinity Cathedral at Trinity Monastery in Chernihiv, Ukraine
Fresco on Holy Trinity Cathedral

Other buildings in the complex include Vedenskaya Church and the Stephanovic Chapel-Tomb.

Vedenskaya Church at Trinity Monastery in Chernihiv, Ukraine
Vedenskaya Church
Stephanovic Chapel-Tomb at Trinity Monastery in Chernihiv, Ukraine
Stephanovic Chapel-Tomb

While the cathedral was interesting, climbing up the bell tower was the highlight of my visit. It gave me a great view of the cathedral, the city, and the surrounding area. Admission is ₴5 (as of November 2021).

Bell tower at Trinity Monastery in Chernihiv, Ukraine
Bell tower
Bell tower at Trinity Monastery in Chernihiv, Ukraine
Bell tower
Holy Trinity Cathedral from the bell tower at Trinity Monastery in Chernihiv, Ukraine
Holy Trinity Cathedral
View from the bell tower at Trinity Monastery in Chernihiv, Ukraine
View from the bell tower

 

Memorial to the Soldiers and Liberators of the Ukraine

On my long walk back into town, I stopped by the Memorial to the Soldiers and Liberators of the Ukraine. It’s a huge monument with statues of Ukrainian heroes on the lower level.

Memorial to the Soldiers and Liberators of the Ukraine in Chernihiv, Ukraine
Memorial to the Soldiers and Liberators of the Ukraine
Memorial to the Soldiers and Liberators of the Ukraine in Chernihiv, Ukraine
Memorial to the Soldiers and Liberators of the Ukraine
Statues on the memorial

Climbing the stairs to the upper level leads to an obelisk and an eternal flame.

Memorial to the Soldiers and Liberators of the Ukraine in Chernihiv, Ukraine
Memorial to the Soldiers and Liberators of the Ukraine
Eternal flame
Eternal flame on the Memorial to the Soldiers and Liberators of the Ukraine in Chernihiv, Ukraine
Eternal flame
Author

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

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