Saint Andrew's Church, Orthodox church on Andriyivsky Descent, Kyiv, Ukraine.
Saint Andrew's Church is an Orthodox church building on Andriyivsky Descent in Kyiv, Ukraine, featuring white facades with golden details and five blue domes. The brick structure spans 30 meters in length, 23 meters in width, and rises 46 meters high, with columns and curved lines reflecting the baroque style.
Empress Elizabeth I of Russia commissioned Italian architect Francesco Rastrelli to design the church, which was built between 1747 and 1754. The structure emerged as a sign of Russian presence in Ukraine and was placed on a hill overlooking the Dnipro River.
The church takes its name from Apostle Andrew, who according to legend preached on the hills above the Dnipro River. Today the building functions as a museum, drawing visitors who come to see the richly decorated interior and religious artworks.
Visitors reach the church through Andriyivsky Descent, a cobblestone street linking the historic Podil district with downtown Kyiv. The steep climb requires sturdy footwear, and guests should allow extra time for the walk back.
The building holds no bells because a local legend claims their sound would cause the Dnipro River to flood the left bank. This feature sets the church apart from other Orthodox places of worship in the region, which typically use bells for their liturgy.
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