Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra opens access to the Near Caves

The Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra National Reserve is reopening the Near Caves to visitors. This was announced by Tetyana Berezhna, Deputy Prime Minister for Humanitarian Policy and Minister of Culture of Ukraine.

According to her, this is truly a landmark event. During a national telethon, she noted that opening access to the Near Caves is a historic decision that underscores the power and significance of the Lavra as a cultural, spiritual, and educational foundation of the Ukrainian people and state.

This step was made possible thanks to the cooperation between the state and the Orthodox Church of Ukraine. Visitors will be able to see the Near Caves starting on 25 February.

On 29 March 2023, the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra National Reserve terminated its lease agreement with the Holy Dormition Monastery of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate). On the same day, the Kyiv Economic Court began considering a lawsuit filed by the monastery of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) regarding the alleged illegal termination of the agreement. At that time, representatives of the Moscow Patriarchate stated that they would not leave the territory of the Lavra until the proceedings were completed.

However, on 9 August, the court confirmed the legality of the decision to terminate the agreement.
Subsequently, on 11 August 2023, the reserve temporarily closed access to the Lower Lavra territory for all visitors. The resumption of visits to part of the caves can now be considered a new stage in the development of this historical and spiritual centre of Ukraine.

It should be noted that the Vydubychi Monastery is one of the oldest and most valuable cultural and spiritual monuments in Kyiv. Its history spans over a thousand years, and the complex itself is an important part of Ukraine’s cultural heritage.