Chernihiv, one of the oldest cities in Europe, was first mentioned in 907 AD. One of its oldest attractions is the Antony Caves in the Boldy Hills, which represent an underground Christian monastery founded in 1069 by monk Anthony of Pechersk. Initially, several cells and niches were dug in the Boldy Hills, serving as storage spaces. Over time, the caves became a pilgrimage site where many took monastic vows and chose to live. Later, the Ilyinsky Church was built at the entrance to the catacombs, becoming the first in the large monastery complex. Active construction of the underground continued until 1239, after which Chernihiv was devastated by the Mongol-Tatars and fell into disrepair.

The period of decline lasted almost until the 17th century when restoration of the monastery began. The cave complex now consists of two levels. On the first level, an abandoned church measuring 12 meters in length was later discovered. In the 18th century, an additional gallery was dug for new churches. The underground decoration is the Temple of Theodosius of Totem, designed in the Baroque style with cornices, arches, and semi-circular niches. The height of the temple reaches 8.5 meters, which is a record for the underground. On the lower level, researchers believe there was an Orthodox necropolis.

Archaeologists suggest that the ancient catacombs could have had four levels; however, many of them are filled with earth and debris, making archaeological work at such depths challenging. The total length of the gallery is 350 meters, and the depth of the caves at the lowest point reaches 12 meters (for comparison, the height of a five-story building is on average 15 meters). Like many similar places, the caves are surrounded by mystical legends. It is said that the spirit of an old monk wanders through the underground, described by impressionable tourists as a man in a black robe.