The Church of Saint John the Baptist (Kamai)

About the Church

Built of brick between 1603 and 1606, this beautiful catholicchurch became an integral part of the cultural landscape of the region.

During the Northern War with the Swedes from 1700 to 1721, the church was shelled, leaving traces of projectiles in its walls. Despite this, today it continues to attract tourists with its beauty and ancient atmosphere.

The Kamai catholic Church is a true historical landmark, a monument of defensive architecture with elements of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque. Its construction was funded by Jan Rudamina-Dusatsky, and since then, it has played an important role in the life of the local community. This church is one of the few in our country where services have never ceased, even during wars or calamities.

Over the centuries, the catholic church has been repeatedly attacked, serving as a fortress. It has survived fires, destruction, and looting, but each time it has been restored thanks to the efforts of the religious people and admirers of its historical significance.

By the time Belarus gained independence, the catholic church was in a dilapidated state: its walls were heavily damaged, the crypt was partially destroyed and looted, and human bones and skulls lay in open niches. In 1994, the church  of St. John the Baptist was robbed, and the icon of the Mother of God, located on the main altar, was stolen. After a lengthy restoration, the icon was recovered, and in the process revealed the original image of the saints.

Today, the Kamai Church is undergoing reconstruction after the destructive hurricane of 2007. This iconic catholic church is not only a place of pilgrimage for the faithful but also an attractive destination for tourists seeking to immerse themselves in the rich history and atmosphere of ancient times.

Inside the Church of Sanit John the Baptist, there is a work by Alfred Izydor Romer "Jesus and the Orphan".