The Cathedral of the Assumption in Volodymyr, or Mstyslav's Church, is one of the oldest churches in Ukraine and an architectural monument of national significance. Together with the 1494 episcopal residence and the walls with a 17th-century gate, it forms a single complex in the city center.
Mstyslav's Church
The cathedral was built by the Volynian prince Mstyslav II Iziaslavych, the great-grandson of Volodymyr Monomakh, who ruled in Volodymyr and later became the Grand Prince of Kyiv. Construction began in 1156, and the church was consecrated in 1160 after it was painted with frescoes. The cathedral became a cathedrals, continuing the history of the Diocese of Volyn, founded here in 992. The walls are articulated by arches on half-columns, and there were frescoes inside.
Necropolis of Princes
Beneath the cathedral lie the tombs of six grand princes, two bishops, and many noble figures. The builder himself, Prince Mstyslav II, is buried here. The church was destroyed by the troops of Batu Khan, devastated in the first half of the 15th century, and rebuilt through the efforts of Bishop Vasian at the end of that same century. In 1596, when the bishop of Volodymyr, Ipatii Potii, accepted the Union, the cathedral became Uniate.
Ruin and Rebirth
The fire of 1683 devastated the city, and the cathedral was restored only in 1753. In 1772, it fell into decay and became a government warehouse, and by 1829 it was a complete ruin: the vaults and dome had collapsed. The church was saved by the Saint Volodymyr Brotherhood, founded in 1887. In 1896–1900, the cathedral was rebuilt according to the design of architects Adrian Prakhov and Hryhorii Kotov in the Pseudo-Byzantine style, so today it looks different than it did in the 12th century. The consecration of the renewed church became a national celebration. In 1992, a cross was erected near the cathedral in honor of the 1000th anniversary of the Diocese of Volyn.
What to See
It is best to start with an exterior view: the monumental cubic building with a high drum and dome, and the arches on half-columns that have survived from the 12th century. Nearby is the episcopal house with a bell tower from 1494, one of the oldest residential buildings in Volyn, and the walls with a 17th-century gate surrounding the cathedral square. Inside, there are late 19th-century paintings and memorial plaques to the princes buried here.
The cathedral is active, so it is best to visit outside of worship services and in modest attire. Combine your visit with a walk along the earthen ramparts of the ancient castle, which begin right nearby.
How to Find
The cathedral is in the center of Volodymyr, next to the ramparts of the ancient castle.
