Kytaiv (Kyiv)

 church, monastery, invisible

Kytaevo (Kitaevo, Kytayiv) is a historical area in Kiev suburbs. The name perhaps come form a Turk word “kytai” – a shelter, fortress. The rest of a 10th century village and caves can be still found there. In the 14th century, a cave monastery, the so-called Kytaevo Hermitage, was founded there, since the 17th century it obeys Kiev-Pechersk lavra.

In 1763-68 architect Stepan Kovnir built there Troiitska (Saint Trinity) church. A bit later monks‘ cells and a bell-tower were erected, but they did not survive until today.

In 1857 Kytaevo caves were first discovered and explored. In 1910-12 under the management of archeologist Ertel, few underground galleries were opened, similar to those, one can find in Kiev-Pechersk lavra. In Kytaevo caves, the rests of two fires and everyday objects were found. The walls still contain texts in old Slavic language.

www.oldkyiv.org.ua/data/kitaevo.php?lang=en