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St. Andrew's Church

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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St. Andrew's Church is a striking masterpiece of Ukrainian Baroque architecture, perched on a steep hill overlooking the historic Podil district in Kyiv. Built between 1747 and 1754, it was designed by the renowned imperial architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli, who also designed the Winter Palace in Saint Petersburg. The church is famous for its striking emerald-green facade, white columns, and five elegant domes topped with golden crosses. Due to its precarious position on a shifting hill, the structure lacks a deep foundation and instead rests on a two-story supporting stylobate. The interior is equally magnificent, featuring a unique three-tier red-and-gold iconostasis carved from linden wood and adorned with Baroque paintings. According to local legend, Apostle Andrew visited this hill and planted a cross, prophesying the rise of a great Christian city. Today, it is part of a national sanctuary and stands as one of Kyiv's most photographed landmarks along the Andrew's Descent.

Location: Ukraine
Top sights: Saint Andrew's Church · Galereia 36 · Academia
Nearby: Vyshhorod (12 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-6	-5	1	9	16	19	22	21	15	8	2	-4
Rain mm	43	42	42	41	67	73	65	50	48	50	45	50

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

St. Andrew's Church is a Kyiv landmark and is usually open to visitors both outside and inside. Access is via a long staircase that provides a splendid view over the city.

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Typical hours

The church is typically open daily from morning to evening, with breaks during services. On holidays access may be limited, while Sundays often allow morning visits.

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Photography

Photography is allowed indoors and outdoors, but without flash or tripod to protect the artworks. The Baroque interior provides many rewarding subjects.

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Time needed

Allow about 30 to 45 minutes to visit the church and its surroundings. If you climb the staircase and enjoy the view, you may spend up to an hour.

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Combine with

The church is in Kyiv's historic center, within walking distance of St. Michael's Monastery and St. Sophia Cathedral. A stroll through Andriyivskyi district with its art markets completes the visit.

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Getting there

The church is centrally located in Kyiv, easily reached by metro (Poshtova Ploshcha station) or bus. From the station, a short walk ascends the Andriyivskyi descent.

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Insider tip

Come early in the morning to avoid crowds and get the best light for photos. Pay attention to service times, as the church cannot be visited during liturgy.

Geography

Coordinates

50.45890, 30.51810

Facts

The church was completed in 1754 after seven years of building.
It uniquely lacks belfries or bells, following a specific architectural choice.
The supporting foundation (stylobate) reaches 14 meters in height.
The red iconostasis was created in Saint Petersburg and transported to Kyiv.
A major 11-year restoration was completed in 2020.
It is situated at the top of the famous Andrew's Descent (Andriyivskyy Descent).

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Monument to Bohdan Khmelnytsky<1 km · WExplore →

House with Chimaeras2 km · NWExplore →

St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Cathedral3 km · WExplore →

Kyiv Pechersk Lavra5 km · NWExplore →

St. Cyril's Church (Kyiv)6 km · SEExplore →

Kyiv Zoo6 km · SExplore →

Gryshko National Botanical Garden7 km · NWExplore →

Babi Yar Memorial Site8 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

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Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town St. Andrew's Church (6)

Saint Andrew's Church

Baroque church in Kyiv, Ukraine, located on Andriyivskyi descent, known for its ornate decoration.

🕒 Mo-Su 10:00-18:00

Galereia 36

Contemporary art gallery in Kyiv, showcasing works by Ukrainian artists.

Academia

Theatre in Kyiv, offering a diverse program of plays and performances.

Remains of Desiatynna Church

Archaeological site of a church in Kyiv, foundations of the first stone church of the Rus.

Pagan shrine

Archaeological site in Kyiv, remains of a pre-Christian sanctuary.

National Museum of History of Ukraine🏛 museum

Historical museum in Kyiv, Ukraine, with exhibits from antiquity to modern times.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Who designed St. Andrew's Church?

It was designed by the Italian architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli.

Does the church have bells?

No, it has no bells, as it was originally built as a private church for Empress Elizabeth.

What is the legend of the location?

Legend has it that Saint Andrew the Apostle erected a cross here and prophesied the founding of Kyiv.

Is there a fee to access the panoramic terrace?

Yes, a small fee is charged to enter the terrace surrounding the church.

In which neighborhood is the church located?

It is located at the top of the famous Saint Andrew's Descent (Andriivski Uzviz).

St. Andrew's Church: where is it located?

St. Andrew's Church is located in Ukraine.

St. Andrew's Church: what is there to see?

Highlights include Saint Andrew's Church, Galereia 36, Academia.

St. Andrew's Church: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

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