Today we were supposed to be doing a day trip to a medieval theme park an hour outside Kiev. The weather was colder with steady drizzle. We figured give it a miss as with questionable directions on how to get there it will be a miserable day walking in the mud and many of the outdoor costume acts may be cancelled. 

Instead my friend wanted to goto St Sophia Cathedral. I hadnt paid to go in on my walking day as all the other churches were free. They had confusing ticket options but we went for the 80 UH ($4) option which did not include the Bell Tower as I wasnt one for climbing with all my daily walking. 

 
 

Entering the complex there is a smaller building to one side which is the museum. This had many church exhibits and some of the history of St Sophia. 

 
 

There were interesting murals telling the story of the arrival of Christianity. 

 
 

There was another building in the complex that was not part of our ticket. It looked very interesting inside with period furnishing. Entrance was an additional 40 UH ($2). 

 
 

This was the Metropolitan Residence and the old ladies were very excited to show as around as its an extra ticket so most probably just goto the church and miss out. 

 
 

They showed us the tiles of the furnace to heat the place and the thick wooden money cabinet. My friend thinks they pocketed the cash which is why they were so excited and never gave us a ticket!

 
 

Next was the main cathedral of St Sophia. This was unlike any other church and certainly worth the extra ticket. Unfortunately no pictures are allowed but I got a couple. There is a second floor with a better view of the artwork. This was probably the best church in Kiev.

 
     
 


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