Peculiarities of the Ensemble Construction’s Formation of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra (the 2nd half XVII–XVIII Centuries)

Abstract

The aim of the study is to find out the peculiarities of the formation of the ensemble construction’s formation of the Кyiv-Pechersk Lavra in the 2nd half XVIII–XVIII centuries. The methodology is based on the use of general and special methods, including the historical method in a systematic approach, when the ensemble of monuments as an object of study is considered in development, as well as a comparative method, analysis and synthesis. The scientific novelty of the study is that the development of the stone building of the Кyiv-Pechersk Lavra ensemble has been comprehensively analyzed, and its patterns and features have been identified. The findings and conclusions of the study . For the period of the 2nd floor. XVII–XVIII centuries a characteristic method was the completion of temples and monastery ensembles of the upper edges of the high riverbanks. This variant of interaction between architecture, natural terrain and water bodies was the most effective, because such components of the natural landscape were the most expressive. In cases where the riverbank was high, the monastery complex could develop on several levels, terraced.The church buildings were located at different levels along the slope of the steep bank. At the same time, the most significant objects – such as the Assumption Cathedral, the Great Bell Tower of the Lavra stood on the highest plane, surrounded by not so high and not so lavishly decorated churches and buildings, and other temples and buildings were located below. This provided a certain Orthodox hierarchy: the Assumption Cathedral – the Mother of God House is a unique temple and of significance for all the Eastern Orthodoxy and for Ukraine, both in history and architecture, so anyone who came to Кyiv from the side of the inclined left bank, immediately understood which temple in the Lavra was the main one: it was accentuated and located next to the baroque multi-tiered bell tower, which for centuries was the highest building in Кyiv.