The article examines Kyivan Rus architecture from the late 10th to the first half of the 11th century, with the aim of identifying elements that can be considered the foundation for the development of the unique Kyivan Rus architectural tradition of pre-Mongol period, represented by arch-gabled and pillar-shaped churches. The relevance of the topic lies in the need to conceptualize the development of Kyivan Rus architecture as an independent phenomenon, since even in contemporary researches, it is still commonly viewed as a prehistory of later local traditions. In the context of the issue, the initial stage in the development of Kyivan Rus stone architecture (late 10th – first half of the 11th century) is of particular importance.
The analysis of the architecture of the Transfiguration Cathedral in Chernihiv, St. Sophia of Kyiv, and St. Sophia of Novgorod made it possible to identify elements that formed the basis for the development of the arch-gabled and pillar-shaped churches. For the development of the arch-gabled church, it was important to decorate the facade bays with large niches, which can be considered a kind of arched gables, inscribed in the bays with horizontal cornices, as well as the subsequent emergence of constructive and decorative arched gables at the small bay completions.
Pillar-shaped churches are characterised by their vertical orientation and stepped composition, quarter-circular forms, which are integral elements of trefoil facade wall completions, and figurine-shaped lesenes. All of these features can be seen in preserved churches dating of the first half of the 11th century.
The identified elements provide grounds to assert that the formation of a unique tradition of Kyivan Rus architecture began at the early stage of its development.
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