The Kiev Pechersk Lavra is one of the main and ancient shrines of Kievan Rus, and now the calling card of Kiev, a cultural value included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. I will not go into details of the history of the Kiev Pechersk Lavra and talk about this shrine from the point of view of believers; I will tell it from the perspective of an ordinary tourist who visits the church mainly for excursion purposes. In this article you will find practical information on visiting the Kiev Pechersk Lavra and its caves: a brief description, cost of visiting, opening hours, how to get there.
Kiev-Pechersk Lavra - the visiting card of Kyiv
Kiev-Pechersk Lavra: museum reserve and monastery
Let me start with the fact that the Kiev Pechersk Lavra is divided into two parts: a museum reserve and a functioning monastery with caves.
On the left is the museum-reserve, on the right is a functioning monastery with caves
The Lavra began its history in 1051 under Yaroslav the Wise. The monastery was founded by monk Anthony. At the moment, on the territory of the Lavra there are several operating Orthodox churches, museums, and a monastery.
The upper part of the Lavra is a museum-reserve. There are museums and exhibitions here, many of which have nothing to do with the Kiev Pechersk Lavra (for example, the museum of micro miniatures), as well as the main temple of the Pechersk Lavra - the Assumption Cathedral, and next to it a high bell tower.
The lower part of the Lavra is occupied by a functioning monastery and caves.
Assumption Cathedral of the Kiev Pechersk Lavra. I still remember those times when there was only a foundation on the site of the cathedral. The cathedral was restored not so long ago, in 2000
The bell tower next to the Cathedral. Now you can climb it and admire Kiev from above
Kiev-Pechersk Lavra: cost of visiting
The cost of visiting the lower part of the Kiev Pechersk Lavra, the monastery, temples on its territory and caves is free.
Visit to the upper part of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, i.e. museum-reserve paid – 20 UAH. The cost is the same for both adults and children.
Entrance to the territory of the reserve museum and independent visits to temporary exhibitions - 40 UAH for adults and 20 UAH for children.
Ascent to the bell tower of the Assumption Cathedral – 40 UAH.
Visiting the exhibition of micro miniatures – 40 UAH for adults and 20 UAH for children.
You can also buy a tour of the Kiev Pechersk Lavra on the spot, the duration of the tour is 3 hours.
The cost of an excursion in Ukrainian in a group is 80 UAH per person.
The cost of an excursion in a foreign language in a group is 100 UAH per person.
Important: on major religious holidays, entry to the territory of the upper Lavra is free.
Cost of visiting the Kiev Pechersk Lavra
Cost of visiting the Kiev Pechersk Lavra
Visiting rules, dress code
On the territory of the Kiev Pechersk Lavra monastery, one should wear clothing appropriate for such occasions: women should wear skirts or dresses that cover their knees and cover their heads. Scarves and skirts can be picked up near the entrance to the caves.
In the Kiev Pechersk Lavra Museum-Reserve there is no dress code - you can wear any clothes. When entering the Cathedral, it is advisable to throw a scarf over your head.
In the lower part of the Lavra, where there are caves and an active monastery, a dress code is established
On an excursion to the caves, it is better to wear a long skirt or dress and take your scarf on your head
In the photo on the right near the entrance you can take a scarf and/or skirt
Underground Nativity Church
From the entrance, north of the main street, there is a corridor to another ancient church - the Nativity of Christ, founded between 1058 and 1062. When the number of brethren of the ancient cave monastery increased and the monks began to settle on the hill above the caves, a fraternal service was held in this church, located closer to the entrance. At the same time, the deeper part of the caves with the Annunciation Church became the burial place for the dead. A chased copper iconostasis in the late Baroque style (late 19th century) has been preserved to this day in the Church of the Nativity of Christ.
In 1988, next to the Nativity Church, the cell of St. Theodosius of Pechersk was discovered, dug by him no later than 1058. Indicated on the plan of Kalnofoysky in 1638, it was later completely filled up and walled up.
Opposite the entrance to the temple, on the other side of the corridor, there is a deep niche where the myrrh-streaming heads are kept (see).
Kiev-Pechersk Lavra. Caves
The caves are located on the territory of the monastery in the lower part of the Lavra. When it comes to caves, many people (including myself) imagine something so grandiose, like the largest caves in Vietnam or at least caves like those in Thailand
