The Chernihiv Collegium is a baroque building with a bell tower on the Val, next to the St. Boris and Gleb Cathedral. In 1700, one of the oldest educational institutions in Ukraine—the first higher-level school on the Left Bank—began its work here. Along with the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy and the Kharkiv Collegium, it was one of the main education hubs of the 18th century.
How it all began
The idea belonged to Archbishop Lazar Baranovych: due to the decline of the Kyiv school, he wanted to have his own educational institution attached to the bishop's residence in Chernihiv. The plan was implemented by his successor, Archbishop Ioan Maksymovych—a church figure, educator, and writer. In 1700, he reorganized the school along the lines of the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy at the Cathedral Monastery of St. Boris and Gleb. The construction was funded by Hetman Ivan Mazepa.
The building was erected in 1700–1702 and was later expanded on several occasions. A bell tower rose above the western part: the lower tier hung bells, while the upper tier housed the Church of St. John the Theologian. On the plaque of the bell tower was Mazepa's coat of arms and a record of his donation.
What was taught here
The collegium taught Latin, Greek, and Polish, Church Slavonic, history, geography, mathematics, and philosophy. Teaching was conducted in Latin, using the same textbook by Emanuel Alvarez as in Kyiv. To enter, one already had to be able to read and write in their native language. The students were predominantly sons of priests, Cossack starshyna, and wealthy townspeople of the Left Bank.
Initially, in 1700–1705, four classes were opened—three grammar classes and poetics. In 1776, the collegium was transformed into a theological seminary, which operated until 1917.
The Collegium today
The building belongs to the "Ancient Chernihiv" reserve, and exhibitions are held inside it. Around it is the oldest part of the city: the Transfiguration Cathedral, the St. Boris and Gleb Cathedral, the cannons on the edge of the Val, and the Tarnovskyi Historical Museum.
How to get there
The collegium stands at 1 Preobrazhenska Street, in the Val park in the center of Chernihiv. It is convenient to explore during the "Along the Val and Tretiak" walk. A general overview of the city can be found in the article "Chernihiv — Ukrainian Ravenna on the Desna."
