The Architecture of the Cathedral of Saint Sophia in Kyiv: Uniqueness and Universality in Historical Cultural Spaces

The Cathedral of Saint Sophia in Kyiv stands as a monumental fusion of Byzantine, local pagan, and European Baroque architectural traditions, embodying both uniqueness and universality. This study reveals its enduring cultural significance by analyzing its planning, construction, three-dimensional composition, artistic-aesthetic features, and acoustic properties, which remain relevant in modern temple design. The research introduces an innovative framework for understanding the cathedral's archetypal semantic models across different geographical and religious contexts, highlighting its role as a foundational element in Ukrainian architectural evolution—from medieval wooden churches to Renaissance and Baroque styles. By synthesizing historical influences and cultural mutual exchanges, this work underscores Saint Sophia's pivotal position in the development of both Ukrainian and global architecture.

Shevtsova, G., Gorbyk, O., Mezhenna, N., Chobitko, O., Kozak, Y., & Andropova, O. (2020). The Architecture of the Cathedral of Saint Sophia in Kyiv: Uniqueness and Universality in Historical Cultural Spaces. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 960(2), 22105. https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899x/960/2/022105