Major emergency stabilisation and restoration work has begun on the south-eastern dome of St Sophia Cathedral.
The elements of this part of the monument were last renewed in the 1970s, the St Sophia of Kyiv National Reserve reported.
Builders have already installed scaffolding and erected a protective canopy, allowing craftsmen to work in any weather. Specialists plan to complete the main work on this dome before winter sets in.
Similar work has already been successfully carried out on the cathedral’s north-eastern dome. There, craftsmen reinforced and partially replaced structural elements, treated wooden parts with fire and biological protection, restored the copper covering, and renewed the decorative finish.
Nelia Kukovalska, Director General of the St Sophia of Kyiv National Reserve, assured that the dome restorations are being carried out in compliance with all requirements and with the utmost respect for the historical heritage.
Overall, the project предусматривает a phased renewal of all the domes, and later the entire cathedral roof. Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture is funding the work from a special fund under the programme “Development Fund for Institutions of National Importance”. In 2026, 15 million hryvnias were allocated for this. Keeping to the optimal schedule ahead of the cold weather has been possible thanks to support from the reserve’s patrons.
Researchers prepared the design documentation back in 2022 under the “Large-Scale Restoration” programme. Provided funding remains stable, the full renewal of the roof, structures and the domes’ gilding is planned to be completed at the end of 2028.
- St Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv, together with the monastic buildings, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List on 12 December 1990, becoming the first Ukrainian site on the list.