Did you know that three sets of plans for the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Near and Far Caves were made during the 17^th century?

The first set of plans of the Lavra Caves was published in 1638 for “Teraturgima…”, the work of Athanasius Kalnofoisky. They were engraved by the master with “LT” initials.

The next set appeared in the engravings attached to “Pateryk Pechersky” (1661). The plans were made by the Lavra’s master by the name Illya.

The last set of plans of the Caves was drawn for the book “Religiosæ Kijovienses cryptæ” written by Pastor Johann Herbinij. It was published in the German city of Jena in 1675. The plans of the Caves in the book repeated those made by Illya, Lavra’s engraver.

Captions to the illustrations:

1. Plans of the Near and Far Caves for the book “Teraturgima…” written by Athanasius Kalnofoisky (1638).

2. Plans of the Near and Far Caves for “Paterik Pechersky” story-book (1661).

3. Plans of the Near and Far Caves for “Religiosæ Kijovienses cryptæ…”, the book written by Johann Herbinij (1675).

Yaroslav Litvinenko