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St. Volodymyr's Cathedral
St. Volodymyr's Cathedral in Kyiv serves as the mother cathedral of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and is a masterpiece of Neo-Byzantine architecture. Construction began in 1862 to commemorate the 900th anniversary of the Christianization of Kievan Rus' and was completed in 1882. The cathedral's striking yellow exterior is topped with seven blue and gold domes, creating a landmark profile in the city center. It is world-renowned for its interior decoration, which features elaborate frescoes and mosaics by prominent artists like Viktor Vasnetsov and Mikhail Vrubel. These artworks depict both biblical narratives and key historical figures from Ukraine's past, blending religious devotion with national identity. During the Soviet era, the building was spared from destruction by housing a Museum of Atheism and Religion. Today, it holds the sacred relics of Saint Barbara and attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists who come to admire its spiritual and artistic grandeur.
- Location: Ukraine
- Top sights: St. Volodymyr's Cathedral · Shevchenko National Opera of Ukraina · Museum of Medicine
- Nearby: Vyshhorod (14 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's foundation stone was laid in 1862.
- It features seven distinctive domes in the Byzantine style.
- Viktor Vasnetsov painted over 2,000 square meters of frescoes inside.
- The building was officially consecrated on August 20, 1896.
- It houses the relics of Saint Barbara, brought from Constantinople.
- The central nave stands at a height of approximately 49 meters.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
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Sights in the town St. Volodymyr's Cathedral (4)
Museum of Medicine🏛 museum
Museum in Kyiv, Ukraine, dedicated to the history of medicine.
A.V. Fomin Botanical Garden
Botanical garden in Kyiv, Ukraine, with a large plant collection.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Which denomination uses St. Volodymyr's Cathedral?
What is unique about the interior paintings?
When was the cathedral completed?
Where is the cathedral located in Kyiv?
What color is the facade?
St. Volodymyr's Cathedral: where is it located?
St. Volodymyr's Cathedral: what is there to see?
St. Volodymyr's Cathedral: when is the best time to visit?
Nearby cities
