Kyievo-Pechers'ka Lavra

 

 

Lavra means monastery - It is the oldest Orthodox Cave monastery in Ukraine (founded in the 11th century) which attracts thousands of oilgrims and many monks.

The architectural ensamble attained completion in the mid-18th century. The majority of the structures is built in the Ukrainan Baroque style. Nowdays it is a UNESCO heritage with lots of tourists visiting.

 

Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra

 

Monastery is also famous because of its caves -small and narrow, stretching several hundred meters and up to 20 meters under ground.

 

Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra

 

Some of the monks dug into their caves and decided to stay there forever with just a small hole allowing food and water to be passed in. Once dead, they were left and burried there - you can see the embalmed bodies in glass coffins. The caves are a very holy place and you have to dress appropriatelly to get in, woman need to cover their head with a scarf.

 

Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra

 

Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra

 

 

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