Church of Saint Nicholas (Tserkov Svyatogo Nikolaya) is a very interesting and probably the most ancient relic. It’s placed on Bogdan Khmelnitsky st. Saint Nicholas Church existed from about 1292. Until the beginning of the 14th century it was used as the family church of Lvov Princes. Later the church belonged to artisans of the cobblers’ guild. Saint Nicholas large size and general structure however give the impression of a monumental public cathedral rather than an intimate family church. Church low entrance, small-sized loophole windows and thick walls of hewn stone are more characteristic of a fort. In case of assault this church could well hold out against the enemy and it was often used in this capacity. The simplicity of the church unadorned walls and austerity of form denoted the grandeur of that rigorous, heroic epoch. The Church of Saint Nicholas with its three apses and elliptical-shaped cupola belongs to the traditional cruciform Orthodox churches of which there were many throughout the southwestern part of Kiev Rus. These features of ancient Russian ecclesiastic architecture were incorporated by the builders in their church structures.
Besides the general ground plan only the foundation and the lower parts of the walls, discovered in 1924, remain of the initial building. The edifice proper was erected in the 17th and early 18th centuries. A vestry was remodeled in 1776, and a cupola in 1800, following the fire of 1788. The central apse was topped by a cupola of its own and the facade was supplemented by flat pilasters. The interior, decorated in the 18th century, is characteristic of rococo ornamentation (a style of 18th century French art and interior design).
The impressive simplicity and austerity of the basic units is reminiscent of the rugged force associated with a warrior in armour. Here the Byzantine building scheme was adapted to the local national style of building and ancient Russian architecture in general. There are also evident traits of the Romanesque which are easily accounted for by the lively cultural contacts maintained by the Galicia-Volhynian Principality with medieval Europe.
