Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kiev (Sobor Sviatoyi Sofiyi, Собор Святої Софії in Ukrainian) is an outstanding architectural monument of Kievan Rus' and the principal cathedral of Kievan metropolitan.
The cathedral's name comes from the Hagia Sophia cathedral in Constantinople. The first foundations were laid in 1037 by prince Yaroslav I the Wise. The exterior was covered with plinths. Dimensions: 37×55 meters. The cathedral has 5 naves, 5 apses, and (quite surprisingly for a Byzantine structure) 13 cupolas (domes). It is surrounded by two-tier galleries from three sides.
The cathedral achieved its present Ukrainian baroque aspect after its reconstruction in the late 17th century, completed by 1707. On the inside, it has mosaics and frescos from the 11th century.
In 1934 the structure was confiscated by the Soviets and designated an architectural and historical museum/reserve, including the surrounding architectural ensemble of the 17th–18th century. The cathedral was the first Ukrainian patrimony to be inscribed in the World Heritage List.
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Last updated: 08-23-2005 22:25:16
