A modern seismic monitoring system has been installed at St. Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv with support from UNESCO

The installation of 28 high-precision seismic sensors has been completed at the “Sofia of Kyiv” National Reserve; these sensors will allow experts to monitor the condition of this historic architectural monument in real time. The project was implemented with financial and technical support from UNESCO, according to Life.pravda.com.ua.

According to a statement by the reserve’s director general, Neli Kukovalskaya, the new system is a logical extension of the comprehensive monitoring that has been conducted on the site for nearly 20 years. Previously, experts monitored groundwater levels, the microclimate, and the overall stability of the buildings; however, installing sensors to detect vibrations became a critical task following the start of the full-scale invasion.

The installed equipment includes 20 sensors on the grounds of St. Sophia Cathedral and 8 on the bell tower. In addition, the necessary software and computing equipment for data processing were purchased with UNESCO funding. The system is configured to detect a wide range of external factors, such as explosions, air defense operations, heavy vehicle traffic, and potential seismic activity.

Particular attention is being paid to predicting the impact of earthquakes from Romania’s Vrancea zone, which is expected to be active in the coming years. The data collected will enable scientists to identify the most vulnerable sections of the structures and carry out the necessary reinforcement work in a timely manner, ensuring the preservation of this World Heritage site for future generations.