"Lavra" in translation from Greek is a street, according to another version - a city, or city street. Some who have been here call the presence in this place "a spiritual holiday."
History of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra
This is the oldest historical monument, a functioning monastery with a whole complex of museum exhibits and sanctuaries, a real world attraction.
As was the case with Sergius of Radonezh and Seraphim of Sarov, the history of the shrine began with one person - the monk Anthony, who lived in these places in a cave on the side of a mountain. The same hermits came to him, dug caves for themselves, and later began to build houses and other necessary buildings.
Gradually, the territory of the hermit stay expanded, the place took on the appearance of a real monastery, and it became clear that there would be a holy place here - they prayed here for so many and a long time.
From the 11th century, construction began here: the Assumption Cathedral, the Trinity Church and the Refectory. By that time, it was already a large monastery, and it received the status of a Lavra.
There were also troubles on the territory of the monastery: in 1718 there was a fire that destroyed many buildings. But the new ones were built in the Baroque style, and stone walls were erected around the territory. By the middle of the 18th century, the Lavra was already the largest monastery in Russia, moreover, a unique architectural ensemble, which has survived almost in its former form to our time.
This is probably why many great and famous people have been here, including all Russian tsars considered it their duty to visit the Lavra, bring gifts and receive a blessing from the abbot. Writers, artists, scientists worked here, and it was here in about 1113 that the chronicler Nestor composed his "Tale of Bygone Years". Ilya Muromets, a Russian hero, the defender of his land, is buried here.
On the territory there are the relics of 120 saints who bring grace, healing or awareness to those who visit them.
Modernity of the Lavra
Now it is the center of Kiev, and the territory of the Lavra occupies almost 20 hectares with hundreds of various structures, including underground temples. The upper part is the museum complex, the lower part is the monastery itself.
Schedule of excursions: excursions to the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra run from 9.30 am to 6 pm (Moscow time). The price of a child ticket is UAH 8, for an adult ticket - UAH 16. There are additionally paid excursions:
- Great Lavra Bell Tower
- Exhibition of miniatures
- Museums
Please note that women's clothing must comply with the monastery rules: a scarf, a long skirt (not trousers), it is advisable to cover your hands. Apparently, this is the origin of the saying “They don’t go to someone else’s monastery with their own charter.” The monastery is a special place, like the entire Lavra, therefore, compliance with the requirements for clothing will be a sign of respect for everyone who prayed here not for themselves, but for the whole of Mother Russia.
Exact address: Lavrskaya st., 15
