Mosaics of Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv, Byzantine mosaics in Saint Sophia Cathedral, Ukraine
The interior walls of Saint Sophia Cathedral contain 260 square meters of mosaics made from tesserae in 18 hues and 143 tonal variations.
The mosaics were created between 1017 and 1031 during the cathedral construction to mark Prince Yaroslav's victory over the Pechenegs tribes.
The central apse features a 6-meter-high Virgin Orans mosaic that represents the earthly church's intercession for humanity in Orthodox tradition.
The cathedral remains a secular museum with guided tours available to view the mosaics, which represent the largest collection of 11th-century Byzantine art.
Two secular group portraits in mosaic form show Prince Yaroslav and his family on the sides of the central nave.
Location: Kyiv
GPS coordinates: 50.45278,30.51444
Latest update: October 16, 2025 14:43
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