This monastery was begun in the 11th century by St Anthony who started it off by living in a cave on the hilly banks of the Dneiper river. He was soon joined by other monks who burrowed a complex of tunnels above which became the site of the fully blown monastery.

The spectacular and colourful architecture (Ukrainian Baroque) now make it a pilgrimage for tourists as well as Orthodox worshippers who can also see Saint Anthony and his chums in remarkably well-preserved mummified form, still lying in their beloved caves whose atmosphere is said to be responsible for their lack of decomposition. It is known in English, somewhat unsurprisingly, as the Caves Monastery and also affords excellent views of the river.

Pechersk district

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