6 Ukrainian Cultural Sites at Risk from War

At Large February 25, 2022 Anna Claire Mauney

Courtesy Wikimedia Commons. Photo by Elena Kurylo.

St. George's Church, Drohobych, Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.

On February 18, President Biden stated that, should Putin commit to an invasion of Ukraine, Russia “will be responsible for a catastrophic and needless war of choice.” Since then, the invasion has begun and the world’s anxious focus on Ukraine has, understandably, reached new heights.

The country is home to more than 44 million people and seven UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Virgin Beech Forests of the Carpathians, a string of scientific monuments, and five stunning feats of architecture. Based on recent maps of reported explosions and Russian troop movements, it seems all of Ukraine is in imminent danger.

Courtesy Wikimedia Commons. Photo by Rbrechko.

St. Sophia Cathedral and Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra

Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv, Ukraine.

Although listed as one UNESCO Site, the St. Sophia Cathedral and the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra (or Kiev Monastery of the Caves) could each fill an individual slide. Named for the iconic sixth-century Hagia Sophia, this eleventh-century structure has had multiple close encounters with destruction. In the 1920s, it was even slated for demolition by the Soviets, who planned to replace it with a 'Heroes of Perekop' park.

Courtesy Wikimedia Commons. Photo by Lestat (Jan Mehlich).

L'viv Historic Centre Ensemble

Church of the Assumption in L'viv, Ukraine.

This site is comprised of the entire historic center of L'viv city. Founded in 1254, the city has never changed its name. It is also home to the most architectural monuments in Ukraine. The particular complex pictured here is dominated by a 400-year-old Korniakt Tower.

Courtesy Wikimedia Commons. Photo by Volodymyr D-k.

Struve Geodetic Arc

One of four commemorative points of the Struve Geodetic Arc in Ukraine. This one is in Felshtyn.

The Struve Geodetic Arc consists of survey points—from a chain of triangulations—that run through ten countries, including Ukraine and Russia. Conducted between 1816 and 1855, the aim of this survey was to accurately measure a long segment of the meridian and better understand the earth’s shape and size. The UNESCO site features various monuments to mark 34 of the 265 station points on the original chain.

Courtesy Wikimedia Commons. Photo by Сергій Криниця (Haidamac).

Residence of Bukovinian and Dalmatian Metropolitans

The Monastery Wing of the Residence of Bukovinian and Dalmatian Metropolitans.

Although this ensemble of buildings was constructed between 1864 and 1882, some say it resembles a medieval castle. Originally made to be an episcopal residence, the buildings were damaged and looted in WWII and eventually removed from theological dominion when the region came under Soviet control. Today, it serves as the Chernivtsi University campus.

Courtesy Wikimedia Commons. Photo by Сергій Криниця (Haidamac).

Wooden Tserkvas of the Carpathian Region

The Holy Trinity Church of Zhovkva, Ukraine.

This UNESCO Site title refers to sixteen wooden Tserkvas (or churches), eight in Poland and eight in Ukraine. This particular church was built in 1720 and holds treasures created in the intervening centuries including a fifty-piece iconostasis.

Courtesy Wikimedia Commons. Photo by Dmitry A. Mottl.

Ancient City of Tauric Chersonese and its Chora

The 1935 Basilica.

This protected archeological park is located in modern-day southwest Crimea and holds the ruins of the ancient city-state Chersonese Tavria. Founded between 422 and 421 BC, this historic site was shaped by the people of Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, Byzantium, and Kyivan Rus. Named for the year in which it was excavated, the basilica pictured above inspires such cultural pride, it was featured on the Hryvnia Ukrainian banknote in 1995.

About the Author

Anna Claire Mauney

Anna Claire Mauney is the former managing editor for Art & Object. A writer and artist living in North Carolina, she is interested in illustration, the 18th-century, and viceregal South America. She is also the co-host of An Obsessive Nature, a podcast about writing and pop culture.