Near Caves, Underground monastery in Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, Ukraine
The Near Caves extend for 383 meters beneath Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, containing three underground churches and 79 burial chambers at depths between 5 and 20 meters.
Saint Varlaam established the Near Caves in 1057, where Saint Anthony of Kyiv excavated the initial underground cell that formed the foundation of this religious complex.
The caves preserve the remains of notable figures including Nestor the Chronicler and the epic hero Ilya Muromets, representing centuries of Orthodox Christian heritage.
Visitors access the caves through the Church of the Exaltation of the Cross, constructed between 1700 and 1704 in Ukrainian Baroque style above the underground complex.
The cave system includes ancient water wells attributed to Saint Anthony and his disciple Theodosius, discovered during recent archaeological investigations.
Location: Kyiv
Inception: 11 century
Part of: Kyiv Pechersk Lavra
GPS coordinates: 50.43400,30.56140
Latest update: October 1, 2025 21:00
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