Address
St. Sophia’s (Sofiivska) Square
The 3D model of St. Sophia Cathedral was opened in front of the cathedral in September 2020. St. Sophia Cathedral is the oldest religious building that has survived from the time of Kyivan Rus. It was built in early 11th century by Prince Yaroslav the Wise and was dedicated to St. Sophia, the Wisdom of God. Following the capture of Kyiv by Batu Khan in 1240, the cathedral had been in a neglected state for many years. It acquired its modern appearance in the 18th–19th centuries when it was reconstructed and rebuilt in the Baroque style. Mosaics and frescoes of the 11th century have been preserved in the interior. The image of the Orans is considered a masterpiece of mosaic art.
Rulers of Rus were crowned and buried in the cathedral; here, fateful decisions were approved, hetmans were proclaimed, church councils were held, and other acts were done.
National Sanctuary Sophia of Kyiv has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990.