Numerous architectural monuments in critical condition have been identified in the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra
This is reported by Kyiv24
More than twenty architectural heritage sites within the National Reserve “Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra” are currently in unsatisfactory or partially unsatisfactory condition. This information was released by the Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine following a comprehensive inspection.
Main Findings of the Lavra Inspection
According to the conducted analysis, out of 140 architectural monuments located within the reserve, 44 are of national significance, 96 are of local significance, and one monument has archaeological status. A total of 503 employees work in the reserve according to the staffing schedule.
“In total, 21 architectural monuments located within the reserve are in unsatisfactory or partially unsatisfactory condition. One is in emergency condition. Four more monuments are undergoing restoration; however, restoration work has been halted and has not been carried out during 2024-2025. Protective agreements have not been concluded for 23 cultural heritage monuments, putting them at risk of destruction and obliteration,” the ministry’s statement reads.
The ministry emphasized that protective agreements have still not been formalized for 23 cultural heritage sites. As a result, these monuments remain at risk of destruction or even complete obliteration. It was specifically noted that restoration has been halted for four sites, and no work has been conducted in 2024-2025.
Violations and Restoration Issues
The report also mentions numerous violations of legislation in the field of cultural heritage protection. In particular, one of the most significant problems is the improper restoration of the Trinity Gate Church, built in the 12th century. During restoration work, wooden stairs were replaced with stone ones, and the frescoes in the church were damaged during the process.
Furthermore, the cultural heritage sites located within the reserve are maintained in inadequate sanitary, fire safety, and technical conditions. This indicates ineffective use of state property and an insufficient level of implementation of measures to preserve historical and cultural heritage.
According to the report, last year over 17 million hryvnias were allocated from the state budget for restoration work in the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, but nearly 11 million of this amount remained unspent.