St. Cyril’s Church is one of Kyiv’s oldest surviving churches, built in the 12th century. It’s one of the few places where you can still feel the world of Kyivan Rus: despite later restorations, many interior walls preserve genuine frescoes that are nearly a thousand years old. You’ll also find one of the earliest depictions of the Last Judgment in Old Rus’ art, along with fragments of historic graffiti carved by visitors across the centuries.
The church is tied to local legends as well. It stands above a network of ancient caves, said to resemble the underground passages of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra. The entrance has long been lost, but folklore claims these caves were once home to the mythical dragon Zmiiy Horynych.
St. Cyril’s Church is a short bus or tram ride from Pochaina or Dorohozhychi metro stations.
Entry is 100 UAH.
