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Virtual tour

National
Conservation Area
“St. Sophia of Kyiv”

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Created with the support of the Dzhurynskyi Family Charitable Foundation
© 2026 National Conservation Area “St. Sophia of Kyiv”
Developed by eMuseum
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Virtual tour National
Conservation Area
“St. Sophia of Kyiv”
About the reserve Instructions
Territory
St. Sophia Cathedral
St. Sophia’s Bell Tower
Metropolitan’s House
Zaborovsky Gate
Refectory
The use of photo materials without a direct link is prohibited. © eMuseum, 2026
© National Conservation Area “St. Sophia of Kyiv”, 2026
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Questions are hidden throughout the interior of Saint Sophia Cathedral. Explore the cathedral, find them, and uncover fascinating facts and secrets of this magnificent monument.

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Which of the following sites belonging to the National Conservation Area “Saint Sophia of Kyiv” is located outside Kyiv?

Golden Gate

St. Cyril’s Church

St. Andrew’s Church

Sudak Fortress

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Sudak Fortress.

That's right—even in Crimea there is a part of Saint Sophia’s heritage! The Sudak Fortress was part of the National Conservation Area “Saint Sophia of Kyiv,” although it is currently under temporary Russian occupation.

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According to modern research, when did the construction of Saint Sophia Cathedral begin?

1017

1037

1011

1090

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1011

That was when Volodymyr the Great decided it was time to build a cathedral worthy of the Instagram of the 11th century.

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How many domes crowned the original Saint Sophia Cathedral?

7

9

13

19

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13

The number is symbolic—Jesus Christ and His 12 disciples, and it also makes for beautiful symmetry in drone photography.

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Who was responsible for Saint Sophia Cathedral’s Baroque “attire”?

Halshka Hulevychivna

Ivan Mazepa

Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli

Kyrylo Rozumovskyi

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Ivan Mazepa.

They say Mazepa restored the grandeur of Saint Sophia—after that, the cathedral shone like a brand-new gold Tesla Model S (Plaid)

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During which period did these doors serve as the main entrance to the cathedral?

13th–14th centuries

15th–17th centuries

17th–19th centuries

20th century

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17th–19th centuries.

These doors saw so many visitors that they could probably write their own memoirs today.

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What is the height of the mosaic of the Virgin Orans?

3 m

6 m

9 m

12 m

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6 m

When viewed from below, it seems as if she is looking straight into your soul… and asking, “Do you need My help?”

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Who is depicted in the zenith of the main dome of Saint Sophia Cathedral?

Apostle Paul

Christ Pantocrator

Archangel Michael

Saint George

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Christ Pantocrator

Pantocrator — the One who keeps everything under control. Even when the Wi-Fi in the cathedral disappears again.

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What year in the modern calendar corresponds to "the year 6562," when Kyivan prince Yaroslav the Wise died?

1011

1054

1111

1200

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1054

Even a thousand years ago, people left "posts" — just not on Facebook, but with a sharp stylus on a wall.

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What material is Yaroslav the Wise's sarcophagus made of?

Granite

Sandstone

Marble

Pyrophyllite

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Marble

Choosing a noble stone — because even in death, one wants to be "on-trend with Byzantine fashion."

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Who reconstructed the sculptural portrait of Yaroslav the Wise?

Mikhail Gerasimov

Alexander Archipenko

Ivan Kavaleridze

Mikhail Vrubel

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Mikhail Gerasimov

An anthropologist who literally "put a face to history" — without Photoshop or any filters.

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How were the walls of Saint Sophia's Cathedral constructed?

From stone only, set in clay

From wooden logs and lime

From stone and plinthite set in opus signinum mortar

From concrete and reinforcement

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From stone and plinthite set in opus signinum mortar.

Ancient architects knew how to build more solidly than some modern developers.

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What was the center of "Yaroslav's City"?

The Church of the Tithes

Saint Sophia's Cathedral

The Golden Gate

The Podil Marketplace

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Saint Sophia's Cathedral.

Without a doubt — the heart of Kyiv then and now. And Google Maps will confirm it.

Мапа заповідника Софія Київська
  • National Conservation Area
    “St. Sophia of Kyiv”
  • 1. St. Sophia Cathedral
  • 2. St. Sophia’s Bell Tower
  • 3. Metropolitan’s House
  • 4. Refectory
  • 5. Bursa
  • 6. Zaborovsky Gate
  • 7. South entrance tower
  • 8. Fraternal Corps
  • 9. Bakery. Consistory