This orthodox monastery was founded in 1051 by monks Antoniy and Feodosiy in caves close to Kyiv.
In 11th century the monastery became a centre of expansion and consolidation of Christianity and chronicle writing in Kyiv Rus.
To the end of 12th century there were defensive walls built around Laura. These walls had been destroyed later by Batyy's hordes. In 1698 new walls with towers and loopholes paralleled them.
Laura is burial-place of several outstanding historical persons, namely Yuriy Dolgorukiy, founder of Moscow, and legendary Ilya Muromets.
The architectural complex consists on more than 80 buildings.