The UNESCO World Heritage Committee stated in its announcement on Friday that these sites are not only at risk of direct attack but also vulnerable to the shockwaves caused by the bombing in the two cities.
St. Sophia’s Cathedral, dating back to the 11th century, was designed to rival Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia. It is one of the few surviving buildings from that time, surrounded by monastic buildings constructed in the 17th and 18th centuries. The cathedral houses nearly 1,000-year-old mosaics and frescoes.
UNESCO has recognized the cathedral as a major monument representing the architectural and monumental art of the early 11th century, boasting the largest collection of mosaics and frescoes from that era.
The inclusion of these sites on the “World Heritage in Danger” list aims to remind U.N. member states of their responsibility to contribute to their protection and provide more financial aid and emergency measures if needed.
While the danger list, which includes over 56 locations, helps mobilize international support for conservation efforts, it does not have the power to enforce protective measures.
The Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra in Kyiv is a vast complex built between the 11th and 19th centuries, featuring underground churches connected by a network of caves spanning almost 2,000 feet. As a center of Orthodox Christianity, it holds great meaning for Ukrainian and Russian Orthodox Christians.
With relics of saints buried in its catacombs, the monastery has been one of the world’s most significant Christian pilgrimage centers for centuries.
The monastery has faced raids as part of the Kremlin’s campaign against the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which has historical ties to Moscow.
Lviv, located in central Ukraine, is home to a 5th-century castle and a well-preserved medieval urban landscape. The city was a religious, commercial, and cultural center during the 13th to 17th centuries, featuring a diverse array of religious buildings and landmarks.
Despite being farther from the front lines, Lviv has still played a role in providing refuge to Ukrainians fleeing conflict and has served as a transit hub for those seeking safety or attempting to cross into neighboring countries.
In addition to these recent designations, the historic center of Odessa, a port city in southern Ukraine, was also added to the “in danger” list earlier this year.
Odessa, known as Ukraine’s “pearl of the Black Sea,” has a rich history dating back to its days as a prominent city in Imperial Russia. The city has also been a target of Russian attacks during the conflict. The Museum of Fine Arts, which is over a century old, suffered damage last summer.
Amid the possibility of a Russian assault, Ukrainian forces and volunteers have taken measures to protect the city’s buildings, including the iconic opera and ballet theater.
Efforts have also been made to remove symbols of Russian influence in Ukraine, such as the statue of Catherine the Great that was taken down in Odessa last year.
Rick Noack contributed to this report.
