Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra (Kyivan Cave Monastery)

It was founded in 1051 by monks Antoniy and Feodosiy. A cave is "pechera" in Ukrainian, hence the name of the monastery. Monks worshipped and lived in the caves of the monastery which became a site of pilgrimage for Orthodox Christians throughout Europe. In the 11th century, it became the center of the development and consolidation of Christianity in Kyivan Rus'.

The Bell Tower (1731-1745)

The Bell Tower of Kiev-Pechersk Lavra was completed in 1745. Being 315 feet high and of perfect proportions it surpassed all the bell towers in the country and was known as the tallest structure in Russian Empire up to the moment when St. Isaac's Cathedral was built in St. Petersburg.

Many architects proposed their designs of a bell tower in Kiev and the design by J.G.Schedel, was approved. The architect was lucky to have a number of prominent craftsmen to help him. Among them was Stephan Kovnir - a well-known Lavra mason. The tower was so high that monks were afraid it would collapse and refused to pay the architect for his work, so Schedel had to sue the Monastery. He was proud of this building and declared that it will last forever.

It were tower bells that day by day summoned monks to their duties. Formerly 10 bells were installed on the second level. In 1744 the tower-clock was installed under the cupola, in 1903 it was replaced with a new one. It is wound once a week. A charming carillon strikes every quarter of an hour and the bell tolls every hour. The chimes were made by the same master who created the Kremlin Clock.

During the World War II the Tower has been damaged. The clock was broken and some bells were stolen. After the War, the Tower has been restored. The last restoration took place in 1979-1980.

Uspensky Cathedral (ruins)(1073-78)

The first stone structure of the monastery; the main monastery church. During its lengthy history the cathedral was damaged, rebuilt, and enlarged several times. In November 1941 the church was destroyed by mines laid by Soviet forces retreating from the German advance.