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Al Jazeera

Saint Sophia: Ukraine’s medieval marvel caught in Russia’s war

Al Jazeera · New
Al Jazeera
Al Jazeera
New

Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv, a UNESCO World Heritage site, faces new threats as Russia's war in Ukraine continues. The 11th-century masterpiece, built to rival Constantinople's Hagia Sofia, has already suffered damage from a Russian air strike.

Breakdown
  • Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv was built over a thousand years ago to rival Hagia Sophia in Constantinople. 3s
  • UNESCO recognizes Saint Sophia as a masterpiece and is concerned about its safety. 33s
  • A Russian airstrike damaged the cathedral's eastern facade, causing part of the main apse to fall off. 43s
  • UNESCO has placed Saint Sophia and two other Ukrainian sites on its World Heritage in Danger list. 1m 4s
  • Seismic sensors will be installed to monitor vibrations and potential future damage from attacks. 1m 9s
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