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St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Cathedral
St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Cathedral in Kyiv is a prominent Gothic Revival structure built between 1899 and 1909. While originally designed by Stanisław Wołowski, the project was extensively modified and overseen by the famous architect Władysław Horodecki, often called the 'Gaudi of Kyiv.' The cathedral is distinguished by its two 60-meter-tall spires and intricate facade decorations made from reinforced concrete, a pioneering technique at the time. After its closure by Soviet authorities in 1938, the building was used for storage and later as a radio jamming station. In 1980, it was converted into the National House of Organ and Chamber Music, featuring a custom-built organ with nearly 4,000 pipes. Despite a significant fire in 2021 that damaged the organ and interior, the cathedral remains a vital landmark and a center for the city's Catholic community.
- Location: Ukraine
- Top sights: St. Nicholas Cathedral · Organ Hall · Contemporary Art Center M17
- Nearby: Vyshhorod (15 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
Geography
Facts
- The cathedral was consecrated on December 6, 1909.
- Its twin spires stand at a height of 60 meters (197 feet).
- It was the second Roman Catholic cathedral built in Kyiv.
- The 1980 organ installation included a total of 3,945 pipes.
- Soviet authorities used the building as a warehouse after 1938.
- A 2021 fire caused by an electrical short circuit damaged the interior.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Cathedral (7)
Kyiv Operetta
Theatre in Kyiv, Ukraine, staging operettas and musicals.
Kaponir 2 (kaminna zala)
Room in the Kyiv fortress, former casemate building.
Kaponir 1
Part of the Kyiv fortress, a former defensive structure.
Kyiv fortress🏰 castle
Complex of fortifications in Kyiv, historic fortress.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Which denomination does St. Nicholas Cathedral belong to?
In what architectural style was it built?
Who was the architect?
Are organ concerts held there?
Was there a recent fire in the church?
St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Cathedral: where is it located?
St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Cathedral: what is there to see?
St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Cathedral: when is the best time to visit?


















