Treasures of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra

       The National Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Preserve, established on the grounds of the oldest Orthodox monastery of Eastern Christianity, has always been, and remains, a powerful cultural, intellectual and artistic centre. The Lavra has long attracted the national elite: Ukrainian hetmans, metropolitans, abbots and Cossack officers. They saw it as a symbol of statehood and spiritual strength, and spared no expense on building and adorning it. Today the Preserve safeguards a unique architectural complex and works of art that form the core of a museum collection of more than 73,000 objects, including sacred items of precious metals and textiles, icons, sculpture, early printed books and engravings.

       This virtual selection is only a small part of the riches held by the Preserve. Among the rarities presented are two chalices. One was made to order for Vasyl Kochubei, General Judge of the Hetmanate and one of the wealthiest magnates of the Cossack era. The other is a masterpiece by the renowned Kyiv goldsmith Matvii Narunovych. The true highlights of the collection are carved wooden crosses in gilded silver mounts, whose filigree carving represents a unique chapter of Ukrainian art of the Cossack era. The selection is complemented by a monument of Lavra printing, the “New Testament and Psalter”, which embodies a synthesis of spiritual learning, refined graphics and ornament. Particularly striking is a delicate mother-of-pearl icon, remarkable for its virtuoso carving.

       Thanks to comprehensive digital models created by the ARCHA III station, the objects can be examined in detail, including their donor inscriptions and the smallest ornamental elements. 3D digitization not only records the current state of preservation of these objects, but also helps safeguard the memory of national cultural heritage for future generations, especially in wartime.