Saints Borys and Hlib Cathedral, Eastern Orthodox cathedral in Chernihiv, Ukraine
Saints Borys and Hlib Cathedral is a church with a cross-shaped layout featuring three naves and three apses. The stone facades are decorated with ceramic details, while the interior displays light-colored frescoes throughout its spaces.
The cathedral was built between 1120 and 1123 during the early medieval period of Kievan Rus. It functioned as a burial place for local princes and remained a central religious site for the surrounding community.
The cathedral is dedicated to two 11th-century holy brothers whose veneration runs deep in this region. Inside, silver Royal Gates from the 17th century show how skilled craftspeople played a vital role in Orthodox artistic traditions.
The building continues to serve as an active place of worship, so visiting hours may be limited by religious services. It is best to check ahead for available tours and wear comfortable shoes since there is much to see inside.
Archaeological work near the cathedral uncovered a stone carving of Simarhlo, a deity from pre-Christian times depicted as a dog-bird creature. This discovery shows how earlier belief systems and Christian traditions coexisted in the region.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
