Kiev-Pecherskaya Lavra

Kiev-Pecherskaya Lavra is one of the most ancient monasteries of historical and cultural significance in Kievan Rus. The Monastery was found in 1051 in the epoch of Jaroslav the Wise. The first on his saying was the cave in Berestove village (summer residence of Kievan Princes), which was made by a local priest (later metropolitan)Illarion for sole prayer and became a refuge of the first ascetic in Kiev Rus, Antony.

Caves (in ancient russan “pechory”) in Berestovyi Hill originally served as cells and churches, but in the same 11th century the first wooden and later stone Assumption Cathedral decorated with frescos and mosaics was erected. With widening of the territory habitants started to use caves mostly like cemeteries and reliquaries, which attract a lot pilgrims (the most revered saints are considered to be Antoniy and Feodosiy Pecherskyi). In 12th century to avoid hostile attackes the monastery was surrounded by defensive walls, which, in fact, didn’t save it in the year of Kiev invasion of Khan Batyy (1240). Nevertheless, life in monastery renewed soon. Having become the Lavra in 1598, in the 16th and 17th century the monastery was the centre of confrontation between the Catholic union and Orthodox church. The largest baroque building started at the end of the 17th century-the first half of the 18th century and mostly the monastery has the present appearence due to it.Later further constructions in classicism style were made.

The complex of Kiev-Pecherskaya Lavra Monastery includes Nearby and Far-off caves , the Church of the Savior on Berestove, Holy Trinity Gate Church, St Nicholas’ Church and the Great Lavra Belfry, the highest in Ukraine (96,6), fully reconstructed Assumption Cathedral. The majority of the structures is built in the Ukrainian Baroque style. The ensemble is organically linked to the relief and forms a beautiful and majestic silhouette of Kiev from the Dnipro river side.

Closed in 1929 the monastery worked in 1942-1961. The Monastery-natural park before reconstruction, in the year of Rus baptism(1988) gradually returned to Russian Orthodox Churth and became the centre of religious (Kiev ecclesiastical academy opened in 1992 adain) and pilgrim life.

St. Sophia’s Cathedral.

St. Sophia’s Cathedral (1037) is the most vivid example of the Old Rus architecture and monumental art for this place, was built and decorated when the state of Kyiv Rus was living through the peak of its prosperity. Here grand princes were crowned and buried, formal ceremonies and receptions of envoys were help, the first known library in ancient Rus and the first school for boys and girls were founded by Yaroslav the Wise. The Cathedral was known as a seat of Kiev Metropolitan. The interior has survived from the 11th century and there have been practically no alterations.

The museum of Folk Arcitecture and life “Pirogovo”

A national museum, which preserved the culture of Ukrainian people, is located in the suburbs of town Pirogivo. Three hundred ancient rural huts, collected from all over Ukraine can be seen in Pirogovo. The majority of them were moved to the museum and then reconstructed. Huts, wooden churches, water and wind mills, also clothes, kitchen utensils dating back to the period of 17th beginning of the 20th century give to every visitor a realistic impression of the travel in time.

The museum of the Second World War

The museum was found in 1973. The complex combines the Museum building and the Motherland statue (62 meters high), gallery of sculpture expositions, commemorating the heroes of the battlefields and rear front, the Glory Cup (16 m diameter), and the exhibition of the arms from the World War II time. The main display is located in the area of 5.000 m and counts more than 12.000 relics.
Numerous exhibits of documents of military commanders, participants of the war, collection of orders, medals and letters, documentary evidences of the war witnesses, unique things of the occupation and the liberation attract visitors’ attention.

Ostrich Farm

Have you ever seen small ostrichs? Besides of male adult ostriches here you can see from newborns to grown specimen. In the farm there are more than one hundred ostriches.

The tour includes a visit to the local zoo where you can observe closely pheasants, ducks, goats life.

Detailed information on the cost of excursions on request from manager