Il patrimonio spirituale dell'Ucraina: cosa dovresti sapere sulle chiese e i monasteri più antichi

L'architettura sacra in Ucraina non riguarda solo templi maestosi, ma anche una storia vivente, che combina fede, arte e cultura millenaria. Dai monasteri di montagna alle magnifiche cattedrali di Kyiv e Lviv, ogni santuario conserva un'atmosfera unica del suo tempo. Scopri di più sulle chiese e i monasteri più antichi che vale la pena visitare durante i tour di Visit Ukraine

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In Ukraine, every stone breathes history, and sacred sites preserve the spirit of generations. Here, among the endless steppes, picturesque mountains and ancient cities, temples and monasteries not only play a sacred role, but are also unique monuments of architecture and culture.

In this article, we will delve into the world of Ukraine's spiritual heritage — we will tell you about the oldest churches and monasteries that reveal a thousand years of history. These places are definitely worth seeing with your own eyes during themed tours from the Visit Ukraine portal.

Read more in the article below.

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Carpathian shrines: from Starunya to Manyava

The heart of the Carpathian region hides spiritual gems that impress not only with their architectural originality but also with their special atmosphere. Manyava Hermitage is one of the most famous monasteries in the Ukrainian Carpathians. Founded in the 17th century, it was a spiritual and cultural centre, and its austere beauty blends harmoniously with the surrounding mountains. Nearby is the Monastery of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Pohonia, considered one of the oldest Greek Catholic monasteries in Ukraine. It houses a miraculous icon, which attracts thousands of pilgrims every year. In the village of Starunya, tourists are welcomed by the Pilgrimage Centre of Blessed Simeon Lukach — a place of peace, prayer and strength.

By the way, all these shrines can be seen on the tour ‘Pilgrimage from Starunya to Pohonia and Manyava’ from the Visit Ukraine portal.

Important details about the tour:

– Tour duration: 1 day. For details and dates, please contact Visit Ukraine managers: WhatsApp/Telegram.

– Tour cost: 900 UAH (19 euros).

Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra: a thousand years of holiness

Among the numerous temples of the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra occupies a special place. Founded in 1051, it is one of the most important shrines in the Orthodox world. Its caves, which house the incorruptible relics of saints, are impressive not only for their spiritual depth but also for their archaeological and historical value. The above-ground part of the Lavra is a luxurious ensemble of churches, bell towers and monastery buildings from different eras. The majestic Assumption Church, the Trinity Gate Church and the Great Lavra Bell Tower create a unique spiritual space. This place is a must-see for anyone who wants to experience the true spirit of Kyiv.

As part of the ‘Pechersk Lavra’ tour from Visit Ukraine, you will be able to see all these shrines and learn much more about them.

Important details about the tour:

– Tour duration: 3 hours. For more details and dates, please contact Visit Ukraine managers: WhatsApp/Telegram.

– Tour cost: 2,500 UAH (52 euros).

St. Sophia, St. Michael's and St. Andrew's Cathedrals: temples of ancient Kyiv

Walking through the streets of Kyiv, it is impossible not to feel how the past echoes the present. St. Sophia Cathedral, founded in 1011, is a symbol of the spiritual greatness of Kyivan Rus. Its mosaics and frescoes are impressive in their elegance and preservation, and the bell tower offers breathtaking views of the city. St. Michael's Golden-Domed Cathedral, founded in 1108, is not only a religious shrine but also a symbol of the revival of national identity. St. Andrew's Church, a Baroque gem created by architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli, impresses with its elegant forms and panoramic views of the Kyiv hills. All this is complemented by the Golden Gate, Volodymyrska Hill, Starokyivska Hill with the remains of pagan temples and shrines, as well as the ancient Podil district with Kontraktova Square, Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, Samson Fountain and Petra Sahaidachny Street — the real ‘Latin Quarter’ of Kyiv.

You can visit these sacred places on the ‘Tour of Ancient Kyiv’ from Visit Ukraine — a real journey into the depths of centuries.

Important details about the tour:

– Tour duration: 3 hours. For details and dates, please contact Visit Ukraine managers: WhatsApp/Telegram.

– Tour cost: 2,800 UAH (58 euros).

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Lviv's shrines: a polyphony of confessions

Lviv is a city where cultures, religions and architectural styles intersect. Its shrines are history carved in stone. The Jesuit Church is the most spacious temple in Lviv, where the spirit of European Baroque can still be felt. The Latin Cathedral with the Boim Chapel is a Gothic gem that has retained its original appearance through the centuries. St. Andrew's Church and the Clarisse Church tell the stories of monastic orders, while the Armenian Cathedral immerses you in the Eastern exoticism and spiritual depth of Armenian culture. Walking among these shrines, it is impossible not to feel the atmosphere of centuries-old spirituality.

All these temples can be visited as part of an individual excursion ‘Temples of Lviv’ from Visit Ukraine — it is the perfect way to experience Lviv in a new way.

Important details about the tour:

– Tour duration: 3 hours. For details and dates, please contact Visit Ukraine managers: WhatsApp/Telegram.

– Tour cost: 4,500 UAH (93 euros).

Discover the oldest churches in Ukraine with tours from the Visit Ukraine portal — a unique opportunity to see sacred monuments with your own eyes, hear stories about saints, and touch architectural masterpieces that have survived for centuries.

The Visit Ukraine portal offers even more diverse tours: from pilgrimage routes to cultural and gastronomic journeys — choose your destination and set off for a truly memorable experience.

Remember! The history of Ukraine is not just facts, but a living memory that echoes in ancient cities, courtyards and underground passages. For foreign guests, these trips turn into exciting discoveries — from princely capitals to witnesses of the latest struggles. We tell you about the most interesting historical routes from Visit Ukraine here.

Photo: OCU

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