St. Sophia Cathedral & Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra

First and foremost, St. Sophia Cathedral is the most beautiful historical site in Ukraine. It dates from the eleventh century, and houses one of the world's largest collections of unique mosaics and frescoes from the first quarter of that century. Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra is an Orthodox monastery near Kyiv built-in 1051 by monks Anthony and Theodosius. It is an exceptional landmark of Ukrainian and international culture. The monastery became the seat of Christianity in Kievan Rus in the eleventh century.

St. Sophia's Cathedral is Kyiv's flagship and oldest church, as well as a famous icon of the city, with an array of cupolas and a highly painted interior. Admire the cathedral's 13 Orthodox-style cupolas, the tallest of which towers at 29 meters, which was built in 1037 as a commemoration of a war victory (94 ft). Take some time to visit the building and observe the elaborate frescoes, paintings, and decorations, many of which date back to the structure's early days and are significant in Kyiv's religious life. Within, you'll see magnificent pictures of church founding fathers, angels, and St. Sophia herself, all of which are enhanced with gleaming gold paint and tiles. Don't miss seeing the tomb of Yaroslavl the Wise, the man who first commissioned the building's construction.