UNESCO inspects Lavra's condition and construction near Sofia after shelling

UNESCO representatives near St. Sophia's Cathedral in Kyiv. Photo: life.kyiv

A UNESCO/ICOMOS monitoring mission has arrived in Kyiv to assess the condition of World Heritage sites, including the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. Experts are examining damage inflicted in January 2026, when shelling damaged monastery buildings, including the entrance to the Far Caves and the Annunciation Church. This is reported by life.kyiv website.

The mission is also assessing the overall state of preservation of the complex, analyzing emergency risks, and checking compliance with conservation standards. Special attention is being paid to preparing an action plan to protect the holy sites in case of new threats.

In addition to the Lavra, experts examined Saint Sophia's Cathedral and its buffer zone. The commission is checking the condition of the cathedral, monastic buildings, and development in the historic center of the capital, including sites on Sofiivska, Volodymyrska, Honchara, and Velyka Zhytomyrska streets.

During the visit to Kyiv, UNESCO representatives held a series of working meetings together with the Ministry of Culture and city authorities.

The decision to send the mission was made by the World Heritage Committee following damage to Kyiv's holy sites. Based on the inspection results, experts must provide an assessment of the damage and recommendations for further protection of sites included in the World Heritage List.

The delegation includes specialists in architectural conservation and restoration from France, Poland, and Italy.

As the UOJ reported, Ukraine's cultural sites, including 6 UOC temples, entered a UNESCO heritage list.

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