Lavra Reserve closed due to frost “to protect visitors’ health”

Kyiv Pechersk Lavra. Photo: open sources

On this topic Ministry of Culture hands two buildings in Lower Lavra over to OCU

On February 3, 2026, the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra National Reserve in Kyiv was temporarily closed to visitors because of deteriorating weather conditions and a sharp drop in temperature. The reserve’s administration reported this on its Facebook page.

The statement says the decision was made due to a critical decline in air temperature. Starting that day, public access to the territory of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra was temporarily restricted.

The administration explained that the closure is a forced measure and is connected, among other things, with concern for preserving cultural heritage sites. It separately emphasized that the measures were taken “to protect the health of guests and employees.”

At the same time, the statement notes that despite the frosty weather, the Lavra’s operations are not being halted, and staff will continue to ensure the complex functions under winter conditions. Visits are expected to resume once the weather improves.

The administration also urged people to follow updates to the operating schedule on the reserve’s official pages and to exercise caution.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the UOC responded to the transfer of buildings in the Lower Lavra to the OCU.

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