For the first time in 50 years, a large-scale restoration of the domes is underway at St. Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv

Large-scale emergency repair and restoration work has begun on the southeast dome of the cathedral at the “Sofia of Kyiv” National Reserve. This is the first renovation of this part of the architectural monument since the 1970s.

To ensure the continuity of the process, specialists have already erected scaffolding and installed a protective canopy, allowing work to proceed in any weather. The main phase of reconstruction at this site is expected to be completed before the onset of winter. Previously, similar measures were successfully carried out on the northeast dome, where craftsmen reinforced the structure, replaced worn-out elements, and restored the copper cladding and decorative finish.

Nelya Kukovalskaya, the reserve’s director general, emphasized that preserving historical heritage is of particular importance today for safeguarding Ukraine’s identity and culture. The project is being carried out in phases: following the restoration of the domes, the entire roof of the cathedral is scheduled for renovation.

Funding for the work is provided by the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine as part of a program to develop institutions of national significance, as well as with the support of patrons. According to the approved plan, the restoration of the roof and the gilding of the domes is scheduled for completion by the end of 2028. It is worth noting that St. Sophia Cathedral was the first site in Ukraine to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1990.

It is worth noting that the Assumption Cathedral of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, which was damaged as a result of the shelling of Kyiv by Russian forces, is being prepared for large-scale conservation and subsequent restoration work. According to estimates by the reserve’s administration, the full restoration of the historic site will take about two years, after which the cathedral will once again be open to worshippers and visitors.