Pochayiv Lavra, Orthodox monastery in Pochaiv, Ternopil Oblast, Ukraine

Pochayiv Lavra is a terraced monastery complex built on a hillside in Pochaiv, with white-walled buildings rising toward the Dormition Cathedral. A tall white bell tower, built 1861–1869, rises in several tiers to a gilded onion dome and cross. To its left stands a lower white building with a gilded dome, and to its right a second domed church; a long row of multi-storey white buildings with rows of rectangular windows stretches across the right side. Further right, a gateway with an arched opening and a dark roof topped by small gilded cupolas and crosses marks an entrance, while dense trees fill the foreground below.

The monastery was first documented in the year 1527, though local tradition points to an even earlier origin in the 13th century. The complex underwent building expansion during the 17th and 18th centuries with the construction of new churches and fortifications.

The name comes from Pochaiv, a town whose history is deeply tied to Orthodox monasticism. Pilgrims today visit a spring whose water is considered healing, and participate by lighting candles and praying before icons.

Visitors should follow the dress code, as women must cover their shoulders and wear skirts, while men should wear long trousers. The complex is best accessed in the morning or late afternoon when visitor numbers are lower.

An imprint carved into stone is venerated as the footprint of the Mother of God and draws thousands of believers each year. Alongside it, the monastery preserves an icon considered miraculous since the 17th century and displayed in a dedicated chapel.