Recognisable by its deep green domes and cupolas, St Cyril’s is a medieval monastery containing a 12th century church and architectural elements from the 17th and 19th century. It is located north of the city centre on the edge of Kyrylivsky Hai, a large, wooded park.
The monastery was named after Cyril of Alexandria, who was the Patriarch from 412-444 AD and the church within its grounds was the burial place for the Olgovichi family, the founders of the complex. The monastery was rebuilt following fire damage in 1734 and extra monastic buildings, a belfry, and gate were added. Unfortunately, the belfry was demolished in 1937.
By the late 18th century the monastery was closed and converted into a hospital. A mudflow during the 1960s caused new damage but fortunately most of the church survived in its original form. Inside are enormous 12th century frescoes painted by Mikhail Vrubel, a 19th century Russian artist, and several unknown Ukrainian artists.
Designated a state museum in 1929, the church was saved from destruction at a time when many other sacred monuments were being torn down.
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