Sights

Kyivan Cave Monastery ( Kyievo-Pecherska Lavra)

An Orthodox monastery in Kyiv. It was founded by Saint Anthony of the Caves in the mid-11th century near the village of Berestove in a cave that the future metropolitan of Kyiv, Ilarion, had excavated and lived in until 1051. The first monks excavated more caves and built a church above them. The monastery's first hegumen was Varlaam (to 1057). He was succeeded by Saint Theodosius of the Caves (ca 1062–74), who introduced the strict Studite rule (see Studite fathers). The Kyivan princes and boyars generously supported the monastery, donating money, valuables, and land, and more..