Univ Lavra, Greek Catholic lavra in Univ, Ukraine

Univ Lavra is the only lavra of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, home to the Studite Brethren. Its main church, dedicated to the Assumption of Mary, was built after a Tatar raid in 1548 and resembles a small fortress. Parts of the 15th-century walls and a two-storey bell tower from the 1630s survive.

The monastery was founded in the late 14th century by Prince Fyodor Liubartovych and first appears in royal documents from 1395. Over the centuries it developed into an important religious and cultural center for the region.

The monastery follows the Studite Rule, brought to Ukraine in the 11th century by Saints Anthony and Theodosius of the Caves. Its printing press operated from 1648 to 1770, producing early printed books with engravings by Illia and Zubrytsky. Today monks run a workshop making candles, communion bread and incense charcoal, and a museum of old icons is on site.

The complex is best explored on foot, walking around the towers and walls to see the entire layout. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and be aware this is an active religious site where respectful behavior is expected.

The monastery's printing press, active from 1648 to 1770, produced early printed books with engravings by Illia, M. Zubrytsky and Yevstakhii Zavadovsky. In 1606 Ivan Vyshensky wrote his "Epistle to the Nun Domnikia" here. The 1731 iconostasis was destroyed under Soviet rule.