The Exaltation of the Cross Monastery Poltava

  • Address: Poltava 2-a, Sverdlova Str.

Overview

Built in 1650 on the hill near Vorskla River, the Exaltation of the Cross Monastery is considered to be one of the best samples of Ukrainian baroque architecture and one of Poltava's most interesting sights. However, it's not just a valuable architectural monument - many important historical events are connected with the cloister.

In the 18th century, the Monastery became one of the most important cultural centers not only of Poltava and of the whole Left-bank Ukraine: in particular, region's biggest library with rare ancient publications was situated here.

At the same time the monastery acquired its main gem - the marvelous Exaltation of the Cross Church, built in pretentious baroque style. Its uniqueness is that it's one of the few seven-domed churches that survived on the territory of Ukraine until now. The Cathedral's special decoration is three layers of windows with intricate cases. Besides that the Exaltation of the Cross Church was notable for its unusually beautiful interior - its main riches were amazing iconostases that were unfortunately destroyed during Soviet times and didn't survive until now.

The Exaltation of the Cross Monastery was always famous for incredibly beautiful church utensils, created mainly in the 18th-19th centuries. Richly decorated crosses, lamps and leading clergymen's clothes embroidered with gold and silver stroke at most. Unfortunately, due to Monastery's complicated history, the majority of objects didn't survive.

 

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