This 1970 Soviet view postcard presents the architectural panorama of the Upper Territory of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra in Kyiv.
What is shown on the postcard
The foreground on the left shows the Refectory Chamber with the Church of Saints Anthony and Theodosius of the Caves, featuring its distinct green dome. In the center of the composition stands the Great Lavra Belltower. On the right, the preserved section of the Dormition Cathedral (the St. John the Evangelist chapel) and a fragment of the original brickwork of the ancient temple are visible.
Historical note
Founded in 1051 by the monks Anthony and Theodosius, the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra is one of the oldest monasteries of Rus. The main church of the monastery, the Dormition Cathedral, was blown up in November 1941 during the German occupation of Kyiv. For several postwar decades, the ruins of the cathedral remained conserved as a monument to the destruction of war, which is documented in this 1970 photograph.
Present day
Between 1998 and 2000, the Dormition Cathedral was fully reconstructed in the Ukrainian Baroque style and reconsecrated. Today, the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra holds the status of a National Preserve and is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, serving as one of the primary spiritual and tourist centers of Ukraine.
Location (map)
Address: 15 Lavrska St, Kyiv, Ukraine
Coordinates: 50.434800, 30.557300
(Google Maps)
Coordinate source: Coordinates of the square in front of the Dormition Cathedral of Kyiv Pechersk Lavra..
Questions and answers
- Which structures are visible on the postcard? The image shows the Refectory Church (left), the Great Lavra Belltower (center), the surviving St. John the Evangelist chapel, and the ruins of the Dormition Cathedral destroyed in 1941 (right).
- What was the state of the Dormition Cathedral in 1970? In 1970, the main cathedral of the Lavra lay in ruins following its destruction in 1941. The postcard captures a surviving side chapel and a fragment of the historical brick wall.
- Has this architectural ensemble been restored today? Yes, the destroyed Dormition Cathedral was completely rebuilt and restored between 1998 and 2000.
See also
The «Old Postcards» archive includes other views of Kyiv from 1970.
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