Tour ASKOLD'S DRAINAGE SYSTEM

This is one of the most intricate and extensive underground systems in Kyiv. The total length of its corridors is more than 10 kilometers. The difference in elevation, deep wells, and mines make Askold’s system quite extreme, yet incredibly captivating when traversing this man-made cave. It spans several underground levels, from the mystical site of the Provalye, where the legendary Green Theater is located, to the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra and the Museum of Ukraine’s History in World War II. The purpose of this underground is similar to all other drainage-tunnel systems in Kyiv. Their primary function is to collect excess groundwater from city hills to combat landslides and the subsequent infrastructure damage. Then, the water from these galleries drains into the Dnipro River through a complex system of chambers. There are about 100 drainage tunnels of various lengths in Kyiv.

This system got its name because it runs underground near the famous Askold’s grave. According to legends and indirect confirmations in chronicles, Prince Askold, Kyiv’s first ruler who converted to Christianity, was treacherously killed there. Later, a larger cemetery was established here, mainly for the nobility. However, it’s worth noting that the underground system in question was constructed much later and has no relation to the ancient necropolis located here. According to archaeological excavations, there were caves here dating back to the times of Kievan Rus. Hermits lived in them, spending their time in seclusion, constantly praying to the Creator. However, these caves haven’t survived to the present day.

The first galleries of Askold’s drainage system in the area of the eponymous park and Dnipro descent were built in the mid-19th century. Back then, a road leading to the Chain Bridge – the city’s first major bridge over the Dnipro – was being constructed. The main construction of the underground corridors in Askold’s took place in the 1960s-70s. And its expansion continues even today. For example, several kilometers of additional galleries were built between 2007-2008. They were constructed to reinforce the slopes near a high-rise residential building located at Glory Square and the National Museum “Holodomor Victims Memorial.”

During the development of new sections, a massive shaft was also dug. This construction was directly overseen by Metrostroy. Now you can see firsthand what metro ventilation shafts look like, which are usually off-limits to the general public. Using the metro, passengers often notice branches in the tunnels. However, since the train moves at a fairly high speed, it’s challenging to see anything in the dark. This gives rise to numerous legends about secret undergrounds. In reality, most of these passages lead to ventilation channels and other technical tunnels. Askold’s system provides unrestricted access to experience the atmosphere of these closed metro tunnels.

It’s worth noting that this underground is somewhat more challenging to traverse than other similar places where tours are conducted. So if you’ve never been to Kyiv’s caves before, it might be better to start with something simpler, like the Nikolayev drainage system. If you’ve decided to explore Askold’s directly, be prepared to often move in a crouched position, climb through wells, and overcome various obstacles. Yet, it will be an unforgettable trip! An ideal activity for psychological rebooting, with a decent dose of adrenaline.

In Askold’s, you can see entire plantations of various underground fungi and even real stalagmites growing from the floor. Quirky salt and mineral deposits intertwine in such a pattern, as if an invisible underground architect is sculpting with an unseen hand, creating sculptures that only a few will ever appreciate. The total time spent underground will be about two hours. During this, the group will cover a third of the entire underground length, which, as a reminder, is about 10 kilometers. In the future, it may be possible to traverse more corridors by booking an individual tour.