Churches, train stations, and historic villas of Ukraine: Where unique colorful stained glass still shines
Where in Ukraine unique stained glass artworks are located (photo: Getty Images)
Colored stained glass in Ukraine has been preserved in churches, train stations, and villas, where the glass transforms light into art. They adorn interiors, create a solemn atmosphere in public spaces, and preserve the spirit of the era in residential buildings.
RBC-Ukraine tells where in Ukraine you can find historic colored stained glass.
Meaning and technique of stained glass
Stained glass is a monumental decorative art that creates narrative compositions from colored glass, held together with metal (for example, lead) or plastic strips.
Colored glass that lets light through fills a space with a special atmosphere — mysterious, festive, and inspiring.
Churches – sacred light of faith
At the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century, classical figurative stained glass appeared in Greek Catholic churches of Western Ukraine, marking a "stained glass breakthrough" in the interiors of sacred architecture.
Church of the Holy Prophet Elijah (Ivano-Frankivsk)
This church stands out for its unique double-sided stained glass, created by contemporary artist Ihor Voloshyn. The glass fills the interior with festive light, creating an atmosphere of calm and inspiration.
For visitors, it is not just decoration, but a vivid showcase of contemporary Ukrainian art within a sacred space.
Church of the Holy Prophet Elijah (photo: Facebook page of the Parish of the Church of the Holy Prophet Elijah, Ivano-Frankivsk)
St. Nicholas Cathedral (Kyiv)
The stained glass of this cathedral was damaged during shelling, but is now being restored according to authentic blueprints. The restored compositions convey the unique atmosphere of the Catholic sanctuary, where colored glass evokes a spiritual sense of light. The cathedral is one of the capital’s buildings where contemporary restorers combine history and craftsmanship.
Stained glass in Kyiv (photo: Wikipedia)
St. John Chrysostom Church (Lviv)
This architectural landmark is known for its stained glass windows, created by the Mayer company between 1887 and 1889. The glass panels decorate the interior and emphasize the church’s Gothic style, adding grandeur and elegance. Every ray of sunlight passing through the stained glass creates the effect of a living painting, bringing the church walls to life.
St. John Chrysostom Church (photo: Wikipedia)
Public spaces: Train stations and more
Although stained glass windows are less common in Ukrainian train stations, they leave a strong impression when preserved.
Mykolaiv railway station
At this station, visitors can see the Mykolaiv Welcomes decorative stained glass installed in 1987. The colored glass creates an atmosphere of ceremony while reflecting the city’s local character. For passengers, it serves as a kind of artistic greeting upon entering the station.
Stained glass at the railway station (photo: Wikipedia)
Kyiv funicular
Monumental stained glass windows are located at both the upper and lower stations of the Kyiv funicular. They were created by Ivan-Valentyn Zadorozhny and Mykola Shkaraputa in 1984.
The stained glass creates an effect of "living light" within the stations’ interiors, and sunlight passing through them turns the ride into a small visual spectacle.
Monumental stained glass (photo: Inventory of Historical and Artistic Monuments)
Historic villas – Colorful private art
Residential building at 6 Hertsen Street (Lviv)
This Art Nouveau building hides a true treasure – a restored 11-meter-tall stained glass window in the entrance hall. Its vibrant colors and Baroque motifs enliven the space while preserving Lviv’s historical layer. For the building’s residents and visitors, it has become a genuine architectural and artistic landmark.
Stained glass in the building at 6 Hertsen Street (photo: Photos of Old Lviv)
Building at 26 Levytskoho Street (Lviv)
The stained glass in this building connects the ceiling and the floor, creating a unique artistic effect. Its preservation and restoration over the century allow viewers to enjoy the distinctive combination of color, light, and architectural form. This is one of the few residential properties where Art Nouveau art is integrated into everyday living space.
Stained glass serving as both ceiling and floor (photo: Photos of Old Lviv)
Preserving heritage
Scholarly research emphasizes the importance of preserving stained glass as a form of monumental art that combines technique, aesthetic sensibility, and cultural memory. In these challenging times for Ukraine, this heritage is not just about windows — it is also a memory that keeps the light alive.
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Sources: Zbruch, Village, Firtka, Photos of Old Lviv, Wikipedia.
