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Trip Planner: Europe / Ukraine / Kyiv / St. Sophia's Cathedral

St. Sophia's Cathedral, Kyiv

4.7

Must see · World heritage site · Religious Site · Architectural Building

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Boasting an array of cupolas and a richly decorated interior, St. Sophia's Cathedral stands as Kiev's premier and oldest church, as well as a famous symbol of the city. Visit the cathedral, begun in the year 1037 as a tribute to a military victory, and marvel at its 13 Orthodox-style cupolas, the highest of which stands at 29 m (94 ft). Take time to enter the building and admire its complement of intricate frescoes, paintings, and decorations, many dating back to its earliest days and of great importance in Kiev's religious life. You'll find, among others, ornate portraits of founding fathers of the church, angels, and St. Sophia herself within, accented with shimmering gold paint and tiles. Don't miss seeing the tomb of Yaroslavl the Wise, the man who first commissioned the building's construction. Plan to visit St. Sophia's Cathedral and other customer-reviewed, writer-recommended Kyiv attractions using our Kyiv online holiday planner.

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Tours to St. Sophia's Cathedral

FROM $80 BOOK WITH VIATOR Kiev Private 6-Hour Tour - Best Sights Kiev Private 6-Hour Tour - Best Sights

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Duration: 6 hours

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FROM $86 BOOK WITH VIATOR Kiev One Day 6-Hour Tour Kiev One Day 6-Hour Tour

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FROM $54 BOOK WITH VIATOR Private Kyiv City Tour by Car with Local Guide Private Kyiv City Tour by Car with Local Guide

5.0

Duration: 3 hours

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FROM $81 BOOK WITH VIATOR Private Full Day Tour Of Kyiv with Hotel Pickup Walking or By Car Private Full Day Tour Of Kyiv with Hotel Pickup Walking or By Car

5.0

Duration: 6 hours

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FROM $54 BOOK WITH VIATOR Kyiv by Night Kyiv by Night

4.9

Duration: 2 hours

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FROM $170 BOOK WITH VIATOR 3-Hour Private Sightseeing Tour of Kiev 3-Hour Private Sightseeing Tour of Kiev

4.6

Duration: 3 hours

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FROM $34 BOOK WITH VIATOR Small-Group Sightseeing Driving Tour of Kyiv - Best Introduction to the City Small-Group Sightseeing Driving Tour of Kyiv - Best Introduction to the City

4.9

Duration: 3 hours

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FROM $62 BOOK WITH VIATOR Private driving tour around the must-see places in Kyiv Private driving tour around the must-see places in Kyiv

5.0

Duration: 3 to 4 hours

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FROM $120 BOOK WITH VIATOR Private 3-Hour Kiev Walking Tour Private 3-Hour Kiev Walking Tour

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Duration: 3 hours

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FROM $35 BOOK WITH VIATOR Sightseeing City Tour Sightseeing City Tour

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FROM $94 BOOK WITH VIATOR Kyiv Combo: Private Sightseeing Tour and Visit of Kyiv Pechersk Lavra Kyiv Combo: Private Sightseeing Tour and Visit of Kyiv Pechersk Lavra

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Duration: 5 hours

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St. Sophia's Cathedral reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating

2,292 reviews

Google

4.8

By dgjohansson

This might be one of the more underwhelming world heritages. First, its worth mentioning that this cathedral is only one part of the world heritage listing. I seriously recommend you to also visit...

This might be one of the more underwhelming world heritages. First, its worth mentioning that this cathedral is only one part of the world heritage listing. I seriously recommend you to also visit... more »
By David W

Love the Bell Tower, and the great views of the city. Self guided tour, relaxing and interesting. If you like history and architecture it is a rewarding place to visit.

Love the Bell Tower, and the great views of the city. Self guided tour, relaxing and interesting. If you like history and architecture it is a rewarding place to visit. more »
By 548michaelc

and one of the main attractions not to be missed. Beautiful architecture although much of the church has been restorated.

and one of the main attractions not to be missed. Beautiful architecture although much of the church has been restorated. more »

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By Anastasiia Borysiuk

Big complex of churches and museums with a panoramic view on a square. Highly recommend to visit the Bell tower (75m high), which is right on the main enter. It’ll cost 60 UAH and it’ll definitely worth it

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By Ivonig Corfmat

The visit of the cathedral was a nice experience. We were a but disappointed by the side buildings / museum which didn't add too much value to the day (but are very cheap to access) but entering the main cathedrale Sainte-Sophia and going on top of the entrance tower was a wonderful experience. The inside of cathedrale is very rich in decoration and the view from the bell is astonishing.

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By HISTRO zhang

Most valuable part is the bell tower, when u on top could really enjoy the view. Also the main church is worth to visit. And others just so so.

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By Daniel Bar

Come here to experience Byzantine Architecture and some history. Note that you are looking at a mishmash of time periods and styles in one “frame”. The faded and stylish drawings are the originals, the simpler style ones are much more recent renovation efforts. The QR codes directing to an online guide are helpful. Go upstairs to see an original, vivid old-style mosaic taken from another church before it was demolished. Visit the balcony and gaze down on the first floor, as the royals did at this very spot some 1000 years ago.

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By Moni Patkos

All Kiev itself speaks for the people of this country - you can see their devotion and love for their God and religion. Architecture is their primary language, a beautiful one indeed! To see this thousand year old church and to learn about their millennial city organizing skills makes us, 21st century mortals wonder, how we will be present in the life of those people in a short 100 year from now? The Cathedral and the surroundings are beautiful, worth to immerse yourself to the atmosphere even for a short time!

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