St. Andrew’s Church | Kyiv

St. Andrew’s Church – Detailed Overview

Overview

St. Andrew’s Church (Андріївська церква) is one of Kyiv’s most iconic landmarks, sitting atop the historic Andriyivskyy Descent in the city’s Upper Town. A prime example of Baroque architecture, the church serves as both a religious site and a museum, symbolizing Kyiv’s cultural and spiritual heritage.

Architect: Bartolomeo Rastrelli (also known for the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg)

Construction Period: 1747–1762

Location: 23 Andriyivskyy Descent, Kyiv, Ukraine

Status: Monument of national importance and UNESCO Tentative List site

Religious Affiliation: Under the jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople (since 2018)

Historical Background

Foundation Legend

According to the "Primary Chronicle" (Tale of Bygone Years), Apostle Andrew visited the hills of what is now Kyiv and, foreseeing the rise of a great Christian city, erected a cross on the site. The church was later constructed to honor this event, reinforcing Kyiv’s reputation as a cradle of Christianity in Eastern Europe.

Imperial Patronage

Empress Elizabeth Petrovna, daughter of Peter the Great, ordered the church to be built. Although she intended it as a summer residence chapel, she never visited. Her initials are still visible on the church façade.

Architectural Design

Exterior

Baroque style with Ukrainian and Russian influences

Built on a 15-meter-high stylobate (substructure foundation) due to the steep slope of the hill

The church is cross-shaped, with a central green dome and five ornate spires

Cast-iron details: Nearly 100 tons of cast iron were used for decorative railings, balconies, and supports—a technological innovation for the time

Interior

Lavish iconostasis designed by Rastrelli, with 39 icons painted by Ivan Vyshnyakov and others

Dominant red and gold color palette

Frescoes and decorative elements include floral motifs, cherubs, and religious scenes

The altar area features the painting "The Sermon of the Apostle Andrew" by Platon Boryspilets

Restoration and Preservation

Due to its position on a shifting hilltop and unstable soils, the church has required frequent maintenance:

19th and 20th centuries: Minor repairs due to landslides and structural cracking

2008–2020: A major comprehensive restoration effort involved reinforcing the foundation, restoring the façade, and refurbishing the interior artwork

2022: Received a European Heritage Award / Europa Nostra Award for its exemplary restoration and conservation work

Current Role

Museum Function: Managed by the National Sanctuary "Sophia of Kyiv", the church operates as a museum most days of the week

Religious Function: On Sundays and Orthodox feast days, divine liturgies are held

Observation Deck: Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Dnipro River, Podil, and Kyiv’s historic skyline from the church’s terrace

Visitor Information

Opening Hours

Typically open from 10:00 to 18:00, but hours may vary seasonally or during religious services

Closed on certain public holidays or for maintenance

Tickets

General Admission: ~150–200 UAH

Reduced Rate (students, pensioners): ~100 UAH

Free admission for children under a certain age and on specific cultural days

Guided Tours

Available in Ukrainian, English, and other languages by request

Include historical insight, architectural analysis, and access to exclusive viewing platforms

Accessibility

Access requires walking up steep stairs (cast-iron staircase)

The observation area may be challenging for individuals with mobility issues

The interior is compact but navigable

Getting There

Metro: Closest station is "Kontraktova Ploshcha", followed by a 15-minute uphill walk

On Foot: Best accessed from Andriyivskyy Descent, a popular historic street filled with galleries, souvenir shops, and art markets

By Taxi/Car: Limited parking in the area; pedestrian access is often preferred

Nearby Attractions

Andriyivskyy Descent: Kyiv’s most artistic and historic street

Mikhail Bulgakov Museum: Literary museum dedicated to the famous writer

Castle of Richard the Lionheart: Neo-Gothic structure nearby

Podil District: A lively neighborhood with cafes, theaters, and cultural sites

Quick Facts

Construction began: 1747

Completed: 1762

Architect: Bartolomeo Rastrelli

Style: Baroque

Height of stylobate: 15 meters

UNESCO Status: Tentative list since 2005