Cathedral of Saint Sophia
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The Cathedral of Saint Sophia in Kyiv, Ukraine, is a significant example of Byzantine architecture, built in the 11th century. It was constructed by Byzantine craftsmen and served as a central religious and cultural site for Kievan Rus' after its conversion to Christianity in 988. The cathedral's original form featured a Greek cross plan with five aisles, 13 cupolas symbolizing Christ and his Apostles, and was supported by 12 pillars. While it has undergone reconstructions and additions, notably at the end of the 17th century, the interior retains elements of its original 11th-century structure. The cathedral's architecture influenced later Russian ecclesiastical buildings, emphasizing the physical splendor of edifices and the design of domes.12
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Western architectureKievan Rus and RussiaThe cathedral of St. Sophia is the only structure of this period that still stands and retains, at least in the interior, something of its original form. The central part of the cathedral was in the form of a Greek cross. The nave and four aislesā¦
Read MoreThe cathedral of St. Sophia is the only structure of this period that still stands and retains, at least in the interior, something of its original form. The central part of the cathedral was in the form of a Greek cross. The nave and four aislesā¦
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UkraineVisual artsā¦churches of Kyiv, notably the cathedral of St. Sophia (11thā12th century), and the icons of the more distinctively Ukrainian school in Galicia (15thā16th century) are particularly noteworthy. A number of outstanding churches of this period, notably the cathedral of St. Michaelās Golden-Domed Monastery (early 12th century), were demolished by theā¦
Read Moreā¦churches of Kyiv, notably the cathedral of St. Sophia (11thā12th century), and the icons of the more distinctively Ukrainian school in Galicia (15thā16th century) are particularly noteworthy. A number of outstanding churches of this period, notably the cathedral of St. Michaelās Golden-Domed Monastery (early 12th century), were demolished by theā¦
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