St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Cathedral | Kyiv’s Architecture: History And Myth

The elaborate towers and pinnacles, the majestic rose window above the central entrance. These elements of the Gothic architectural style were added by the 19th-20th century Kyiv architect Horodetsky. Saints and gargoyles guard the house of God. All of them were created by famed Italian-born Ukrainian sculptor Emilio Sala, according to Horodetsky’s sketches. Instead of stone, they were poured from concrete. The head of the Museum of Kyiv History Lyudmila Moroz says this was unusual for that time.

Horodetsky and the church he built occupy a special place in the museum of Kyiv history for their originality and innovation.

When the Bolsheviks came to power in Kyiv, the church was shuttered. In the 1930ies, it was used as a storage facility. Just a few years later, it was damaged by artillery shelling during World War II, but survived. In the 1970’s the church was transformed again – this time, into a concert hall for organ and chamber music.

Despite the renovations, the original appearance of the church facade has been retained. Inside, however, the alter is gone. In its place stands a pipe organ. It’s a point of pride for the musicians who use it.

Church services of the Roman Catholic community were resumed in the church at the beginning of the 1990’ies. In 2001, Pope John Paul II visited the temple during his visit to Kyiv.

Since its very beginnings as an architectural masterpiece, St. Nicolas Church has been uniting faith and art. In the afternoon here, the spirit is stirred by God’s word, and in the evenings – by masterpieces of organ music.