Address:
Vitebsk region, Braslav District, Vidzy, Kirova street, 1
On the way from Minsk to the Braslav Lakes, you can encounter one of Belarus's tallest churches — the Catholic Church of the Holy Trinity in Vidzy. It is known by different names, such as the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary or the Church of the Holy Trinity.
About the Church
This Catholic Church stands as a testament to neo-Gothic architecture. Built between 1909 and 1914, the church is the cultural heritage of Belarus.
The Church of the Holy Trinity
Architecturally, it is a three-nave basilica with two towers, a transept, and a faceted apse. The towers reach a height of 59 meters, making the Church of the Holy Trinity one of the tallest Catholic churches in Belarus.
History
nitially, a Catholic church was built on this site in 1481, and in the 18th century, there were a church and a Jesuit school, but they were destroyed in 1867. The new church, constructed in the early 20th century, was damaged during World War I and later restored. In memory of the events of the First World War, shells were embedded in the walls of the church.
After the Second World War, the church building was used for various purposes: it housed a warehouse, a grain storage facility, and later, a sports hall. However, in 1989, it was returned to the faithful.
The Church of the Holy Trinity Today
Today, the catholic church, restored to the faithful, impresses with its magnificent stained glass windows, intricate carved patterns on the windows, sharp towers, and pointed arches.
The Church of the Holy Trinity Inside
The interior of the church is restrained; the church is currently undergoing restoration. Nevertheless, it remains a truly impressive place where every detail embodies the grandeur and beauty of Christian architecture.