Russian attack on Kyiv: the damaged St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Cathedral will be restored to its 19th-century authenticity

Russian attack on Kyiv: the damaged St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Cathedral will be restored to its 19th-century authenticity

The restoration project of the St. Nicholas Church, which was damaged as a result of a missile attack by Russia on Kyiv on December 20, envisages returning the cultural heritage site to its 19th-century authenticity.

This was reported by the Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications.

As noted, preparatory work is currently underway, with restorers focusing on carrying out priority measures to preserve the cultural heritage site.

To prevent further deterioration of the building, temporary coverings are being installed, which will help maintain an optimal temperature regime inside the structure. These actions are aimed at protecting the facades and interior spaces from external influences while preparatory work continues for further restoration.

The Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications indicated that the production of new glass elements for the central stained glass composition, which was destroyed during the shelling, is planned. The restoration will be based on authentic drawings and entries in the object’s restoration passport. The stained glass will be made from modern materials that meet the challenges of today, revealing the authors’ design from 1899–1909.

"The restoration work conducted by the Soviet authorities in 1979–1981, which included the reconstruction of interior spaces, changed the building’s purpose, adapting it for concert activities. Consequently, constructive and decorative elements were replaced, and the glass of the central stained glass composition was substituted with an inferior version," noted the ministry.

It is emphasized that specialists are meticulously compiling reports and updating project documentation, which will form the basis for the further restoration program: "It will return the cultural heritage object to its 19th-century authenticity and historical grandeur."