Saint Sophia Cathedral
Saint Sophia Cathedral
4.5
About
The cathedral was built over nine centuries and is a great example of Byzantine and Ukrainian Baroque architecture. The interior contains mosaics and frescoes dating back to the 11th century.
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- Zoloti Vorota → Teatralna • 8 min walk
- Teatralna → Zoloti Vorota • 10 min walk
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,293 reviews
Excellent
1,584
Very good
557
Average
134
Poor
11
Terrible
7
dgjohansson
Ronneby, Sweden1,602 contributions
Nov 2021
This might be one of the more underwhelming world heritages. First, its worth mentioning that this cathedral is only one part of the world heritage listing. I seriously recommend you to also visit the Lavra area, which is much more interesting than this place. Secondly, this is a museum and not much more. The cathedral is filled with displays and interesting explanations about this old building and its history. It is interesting, but far from as interesting and grand as an important orthodox church usually is. AS for entrance fees, there are several packages you can buy. Everything from a ticket to the grounds only, to tickets which include the cathedral and some other museum buildings around, to the full ticket which includes the bell tower and more buildings on the ground.
Written November 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Neil K
Liverpool, UK619,734 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
Saint Sophia Cathedral is one of the most beautiful churches in Kiev,certainly one of it's most famous landmark features and day or night looks stunning.
My twin brother Stephen and I had never visited Kiev before and this was one of our must go destinations and our visit easily surpassed our expectations.
My twin brother Stephen and I were in Kiev in January ,and like most countries were the main church is Orthodox they celebrate Christmas on January 7th ( old Julian calendar) so we headed to one of the Christmas markets and as a stunning backdrop to the Christmas market was Saint Sophia Cathedral.
This beautiful cathedral looks amazing especially at night when illuminated, it's a large complex encompassing the cathedral, bell tower and House Of Metropolitan, beautiful illuminated and built in the Byzantine style of architecture that is so pleasing on the eye, the cathedral complex makes for some great photographic opportunities,this was Ukraine's first World Heritage Site, part of the Seven Wonders Of Ukraine and is easy to locate along Volodymyrska Vul.
Well worth checking out if your in the area.
My twin brother Stephen and I had never visited Kiev before and this was one of our must go destinations and our visit easily surpassed our expectations.
My twin brother Stephen and I were in Kiev in January ,and like most countries were the main church is Orthodox they celebrate Christmas on January 7th ( old Julian calendar) so we headed to one of the Christmas markets and as a stunning backdrop to the Christmas market was Saint Sophia Cathedral.
This beautiful cathedral looks amazing especially at night when illuminated, it's a large complex encompassing the cathedral, bell tower and House Of Metropolitan, beautiful illuminated and built in the Byzantine style of architecture that is so pleasing on the eye, the cathedral complex makes for some great photographic opportunities,this was Ukraine's first World Heritage Site, part of the Seven Wonders Of Ukraine and is easy to locate along Volodymyrska Vul.
Well worth checking out if your in the area.
Written February 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OlivierFromBrussels
Brussels, Belgium493 contributions
Sep 2019 • Solo
One of the many of chapels, churches and cathedrals in town, this cathedral is a highlight because of its history, beauty, location (very central on a grand square) and accessibility (you can just show up and buy a ticket, and it’s not expensive).
Take about two hours to visit the cathedral and also the adjacent buildings.
Going up the bell tower is a must, both because of the impressive construction and the views over the city on the top floor.
Take about two hours to visit the cathedral and also the adjacent buildings.
Going up the bell tower is a must, both because of the impressive construction and the views over the city on the top floor.
Written January 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Severn
World2,204 contributions
Jan 2021
A magnificent place, quiet, peaceful, ancient. It rightfully occupies a place in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. A spacious territory, besides the cathedral itself with golden frescoes, you can visit other objects - the refectory, the Zborovsky gate, climb the bell tower, from where excellent views of the city open. The complex works as a museum, services are not held. Ticket price from 25 hryvnia for admission to 180 with visits to other objects.
Written February 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
amyduffyyy
Bolsover, UK25 contributions
Mar 2020 • Solo
A beautiful cathedral.
Some work being carried out whilst I was there which ruined it a little.
Nothing was well sign posted when I was inside and it was hard to tell if buildings were open or not.
Great views from the bell tower!
I wouldn’t say it’s a ‘must see’
Some work being carried out whilst I was there which ruined it a little.
Nothing was well sign posted when I was inside and it was hard to tell if buildings were open or not.
Great views from the bell tower!
I wouldn’t say it’s a ‘must see’
Written March 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amy J
5 contributions
Mar 2020 • Solo
The cathedral was absolutely fabulous… I would stay here for ever, but they didn’t let me do it, they are closed in the evening. You can go upstairs to the bell tower for extra payment, it’s pretty cheap though… However, there was nothing to do there except watching around. I prefer outdoor activities more, especially military tours. I tried one last week and it was perfectly amazing! I drove the tank! I shot the Kalashnikov! And much more.. You should try it from Kyiv military agency for sure…
Written March 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Urius
Vilnius, Lithuania802 contributions
Jan 2020
The Belfry is perfect in every way, and could not possible be improved upon. The colors, the golden dome, the intricate detailed facade. The interior grounds and church are less impressive but still quite lovely and relaxing. Perfectly located, any tourist or local can easily see this place every day.
Written December 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Samantha J
11 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
The price is really low to visit the Saint Sophia Cathedral, it’s almost nothing for such a beauty! It’s great everyone can afford to visit so wonderful places here in Ukraine. There are also some things not for everybody, like special tours for tank riding or Klashnikov shooting… I took one from the Stay in Kiev travel agency. I was breathtaking military tour, however, the price is much higher than to visit the cathedral… but it’s reasonable!!! It was so much fun doing that for the most of the day!!!
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bratakus
vancouver7 contributions
Sep 2019
It was ok. It's claimed to be old. But I think everything is maximum around 100 years old. Still, it's worth seeing. Take a guide. You will miss a lot without a guide cause most stuff is just in Ukrainian.
Written January 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ana-Maria B
Cluj-Napoca, Romania1,251 contributions
Aug 2021
I missed it last time I visited, so I'm happy I finally got to see it. It's beautiful on the outside, but the paintings inside are amazing. It's unlike any other church I've seen. Definitely check out the tower as well - quite a bit to climb, but the view is worth it. And don't do like me, go see it as soon as you go to Kyiv!
Written September 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I met one artist in St.Sophia.
He said he draw the pictures exhibited in St.Sophia now!
I forgot to ask the name and I would like to know his name.
Please tell me if someone know his name!!
Maybe first name is Andrew,
But I'm not sure....
fireflies1
Derbyshire, UK129 contributions
What are the opening hours?
Keith H
5 contributions
Closed Thursday, open Friday through Tuesday 10am till 6pm, Wednesday 10am till 5pm
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Frequently Asked Questions about Saint Sophia Cathedral
- Hotels near Saint Sophia Cathedral:
- (0.09 mi) Bontiak Hotel
- (0.17 mi) Hyatt Regency Kyiv
- (0.12 mi) Sunday Apart Hotel
- (0.22 mi) Senator Maidan
- (0.11 mi) Downtown Kiev Apartments
- Restaurants near Saint Sophia Cathedral:
- (0.03 mi) Marketplaza
- (0.03 mi) Perfetto
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- (0.11 mi) Og Burger
- (0.11 mi) Espresso Window
- Attractions near Saint Sophia Cathedral:
- (0.00 mi) Sofiiskaya Belfry
- (0.12 mi) Sofiyskaya Square
- (0.10 mi) Volodymyrska Street
- (0.04 mi) Rukavichka
- (0.08 mi) Monument For Border Guards Of All Generations