St Ekateryna Church

In the ancient city of Chernihiv you can find a unique masterpiece of Ukrainian architecture of the late 17th - early 18th centuries – St Catherine Church. If you go to Chernihiv on Kyiv Highway, by the entrance to the city your attention will be attracted by this majestic temple, located on a hill near Chernihiv Rampart. An unusual structure of the church impresses tourists, because it is a rare example of Cossack baroque architecture of Ukrainian Renaissance.

St Catherine Church was built in 1715 by brothers James and Simeon Lyzogub in honour of the famous battle of Chernihiv Cossack army. Under the command of Hetman Yakov Lyzogub in 1696, the Cossacks stormed the enemy's fortress of Azov. Now the five-domed Church in snow-white colours reminds us of the great feats and heroism of Chernihiv warriors.

St Catherine Church was built on the ruins of an ancient building, which used to be there from the time of Kyivan Rus’ C12th-13th. By its structure, it is similar to traditional wooden churches. Due to the lack of horizontal lines on the façade, St Catherine Church seems higher. Five golden domes are arranged in the form of a cross. The central head is at the intersection of two lines, carried out by the side domes. All the windows in the church are in the shape of crosses. Later, some of the windows were enlarged. Three entrances of St Catherine Church look to the East, North and South.

The church has rich and eventful history. One of the most interesting periods dates back to the times of the Cossacks, when this church was used as a fortification, which used to be a defence for the main stronghold of the city. Next years St Catherine Church was often destroyed – it survived two fires and the Second World War. And every time the church was rebuilt, as a result it gained some asymmetrical shape. However, the defect of the temple is well hidden by the successful reconstruction of 2004-2005.

For the present day the church belongs to the Architecture Reserve "Ancient Chernihiv." It is located on 6-A, Heroiv Alley. Visit this church and you will see amazing icons and images of saints. You will also have an opportunity to visit exhibitions of decorative and folk art, which are held in the church.