Ukraine Host City for Euro 2012 Soccer Tournament

I'm not really into soccer, but thought that this was absolutely a beautiful site.

The Assumption Cathedral of the 1,000-year-old Monastery of Caves is seen at sunset in the Ukrainian capital Kiev. Kiev is one of Ukraine's four host cities for the Euro 2012 soccer tournament.

Cathedral of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra - one of the oldest churches of Kievan Rus, a unique monument of architecture, as well as the tomb of many prominent personalities. For many centuries it was one of the most revered shrines of the Orthodox Church

During its long history of the church was repeatedly destroyed.

In 1722 - 1729 years the cathedral was rebuilt and re-decorated. Cathedral walls were plastered and painted.

After restoring the Cathedral of the Assumption in 1729 the architecture remained essentially unchanged until 1941 during the occupation of Kiev. Nazis looted the Assumption Cathedral, and on Nov. 3, 1941, it was blown up by the Red Army. During the war, shipped to Germany were a lot of material and artistic treasures, including the Silver King's Gate, 120 silver vestments, precious glasses that adorned the altar and the altar, 3 silver and a few tombs of the Gospels in salaries. Only a small fraction of these unique works of art were returned.

The destruction of the cathedral has caused irreparable damage not only to the architectural ensemble of the Reserve, but the historical appearance of Kiev. According to Presidential Decree of 9 November 1995 the Assumption Cathedral was built in 1999-2000.

Rebuilt Uspensky cathedral was consecrated by the Primate of the Orthodox Church, Metropolitan of Kiev and All Ukraine Vladimir in Ukraine Independence Day August 24, 2000.

Gorgeous at night. Wow.