Saint Michael's Golden-Domed Cathedral is a Ukrainian Orthodox church located in Kyiv, Ukraine. It was originally built in the 12th century and has undergone many reconstructions over the centuries, including major renovations in the 17th and 18th centuries. The cathedral's striking golden domes were added during the reconstruction of the 18th century.
The cathedral is considered one of the most important religious sites in Ukraine and is particularly significant to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. It is dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel, who is considered the patron saint of Kyiv.
During the Soviet era, the cathedral was closed and used for various purposes, including as a museum of atheism. However, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the cathedral was returned to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and underwent extensive restoration work. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction and a center for Orthodox worship.
The interior of the cathedral is decorated with beautiful frescoes and mosaics, including a stunning iconostasis made of white marble and decorated with gold leaf. The cathedral also houses several important relics, including the relics of Saint Barbara and Saint Paraskeva, which are believed to have miraculous powers. Visitors to the cathedral can also enjoy breathtaking views of Kyiv from the top of its bell tower.