St. Nicholas Church

Monument of national significance

Historical references:

Built between 1899 and 1909 to the design of architect Vladyslav Horodetskyi, is a masterpiece of Neo-Gothic architecture with twin spires and intricate stone carvings. Today, it stands as one of Kyiv’s most recognisable landmarks and a symbol of the city’s historic grandeur.

Damage:

A major fire in September 2021 and a missile strike in December 2023 caused extensive damage to St. Nicholas Church in Kyiv:

The fire, likely caused by a short circuit in the organ’s wiring, completely destroyed the organ and severely damaged the church interior
The National House of Music lost both one of Ukraine’s finest instruments and its permanent concert venue
The missile blast damaged the façade, central Gothic stained-glass window (“rose”), concrete frame, and internal and external glazing
Window frames in staircases leading to the North and South spires (“Cross-Flowers”) were also destroyed

Photographer:

Lesia Padalka

Restoration Progress:

The fire at St. Nicholas Church united caring members of the business community and philanthropists who sought to save the church and the organ hall.

Within a month after the fire, 25 million hryvnias in charitable donations were raised.

During the winter of 2021–2022, emergency restoration work was carried out in St. Nicholas Church using donated funds, and the building was prepared for comprehensive restoration.