Thus appeared the first in Ukraine higher educational establishment – the Kyiv-Mohyla College (since 1701 Academy) which became an outstanding centre of culture and enlightenment in all Eastern Europe. The Metropolitan Petro Mohyla of Kyiv and Halych did his best for supporting that institution which hence bears his name.
In 1690-1693, on the territory of the Brotherhood Monastery, a five-domed Theophany Cathedral was built for the money of Hetman I.Mazepa. This masterpiece of Ukrainian Baroque was ruined in the Soviet 1930s. Among the structures that have remained are the monastery kitchen that was built allegedly back in the 16th century and belonged to Galszka Hulevichivna; the superior’s building; and the Holy Spirit Refectory-Church, with the Eye of the Omniscience in the pediment of its west facade.
In 1703-1704, in the corner of Kontraktova Square and H.Skovoroda Street, a one-storeyed building for the Academy was erected for Mazepa’s money. Later was added another storey with a tower and academy’s Annunciation Church (arch. J.-G.Schaedel, 1732-1740), all in baroque, with pilasters and unique decorative framing of the windows.
In 1817 the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy was closed, and in 1819 the Kyiv Theological Academy started functioning in its building. So a new edifice was built for the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy in the corner of Ilyinska Street in 1822-1825. During the Soviet rule the Academy was broken up. Only in 1992 it was opened again to continue the Ukrainian enlightenment traditions.
Dmitry