The Golden Domes of Kyiv

Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, is a city with rich and diverse history and culture. I visited the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, a monastery that has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1990. The lavender-colored complex was founded in 1051 and houses a museum of Ukrainian micro-miniatures, with works that are so small they can only be viewed through microscopes. I also visited St. Sophia Cathedral, which dates back to the 11th century and is covered in golden domes. The interior is a masterpiece of Byzantine art with mosaics and frescoes that tell stories from the Bible and local history. The contrasting black and white exterior of the cathedral is equally beautiful and striking.