On the banks of the Luga River, in the cozy park of “Slovyanskyi,” lies a sacred treasure – the Vasylivska Rotunda Church. It is undoubtedly mentioned in history and architecture textbooks. The Vasilivska Church, a creation of a brilliant but unknown architect. has no direct analogues in the world. The foundation of the church is shaped like a flower with eight petals. It is said that its twin sister was the Rotunda of Saint Vitus in Prague Castle, but it was destroyed, and instead, the world-renowned Saint Vitus Cathedral was built. Meanwhile, the Vasylivska Rotunda Church in Volodymyr remains a unique architectural masterpiece.

Once you enter the small churchyard, it’s hard not to notice the image of Saint Vasyl, which was depicted at the site of the former entrance to the temple.

According to one legend, the rotunda church, dedicated to Saint Vasyl – the name given to Prince Volodymyr the Great at his baptism – was built in one day by his warriors as they returned from a battle against the White Croats. As a token of gratitude to God for their victory, he ordered each warrior to bring a brick, and thus they built a small but elegant temple.

Certainly, considering the uniqueness of its architecture, the Vasyl Rotunda Church was undoubtedly built by an experienced architect, but neither his name nor the exact date of construction has been preserved by history. The current structure of the church, based on the brickwork and medieval documents, is dated to the 15th century. However, before World War I, a slate board with graffiti was embedded in the wall near the image of Saint Vasyl. The symbols on it were quite illegible, but it was possible to read “God help the prince…” and the year – 1194. This may indicate that the appearance of the Vasylivska Rotunda Church is closely linked to the building activities of Prince Roman Mstyslavovych.

Inside the church the walls are not painted; instead, they are adorned with a collection of valuable icons. Notably, a unique relic – the icon of the Mother of God “Odigitria,” which is over 500 years old. There are numerous accounts of its miraculous properties. The icon of the Nativity of Christ and the church’s iconostasis, created in the 18th century, are also of historical and artistic value. Art lovers of sacred paintings should definitely take time to admire them.