St. Vladimir's Cathedral was built in 1826 -1886. The cathedral design was done by architects Strom, Sparro, Beretti, Nikolaev.

The main role in the decoration of the temple belongs to painter Viktor Vasnetsov. Before starting to work the artist has signed a contract that required him and his assistants in good faith to complete the task within two years. However the entire amount of work it took about eleven years.

V.Vasnetsov was inspired by his mission he firmly believed in the successful outcome of the work because everything was done for the benefit of the people and God. Over the entire period of work he painted more than two thousands square meters.

Primarily the brainchild of V.Vasnetsov became the image of the God Mother and Child in the central part of the altar. When a visitor comes in St. Vladimir's Cathedral in Kiev in the eye catches the image of God Mother illuminated by the warm rays. The artist managed to convey the great divinity and sanctity of the face. In the words of V.Vasnetsov his main task was to combine harmoniously in the image of God Mother divine and human virtue.

There is a legend that when one morning V.Vasnetsov and A.Prakhov entered the temple on the wall were clearly visible outlines of the image of God Mother and Child. The artist rushed headlong to trace the paint this image. Upon completion of all work V.Vasnetsov said his famous phrase: "I put a candle to God."

You could visit Kiev Sights - St. Vladimir's Cathedral with Tour "Kiev Sights"