The Church of Virgin Mary, Braslav

Architecture

Initially built of rubble stone and brick, by the late 19th century, the church underwent reconstruction and expansion. Its architectural style is distinguished by the use of local construction technique known as "Braslav mosaic," combining large stones and small pebbles.

The interior of the church impresses with its beauty and preservation of ancient elements, such as images of a sun and vases with flowers on the eastern wall, as well as the antique organ. Of special note is the miraculous icon of the Mother of God "Queen of the Lakes," which was crowned in 2009, becoming the seventh icon in Belarus and the first in the Vitebsk region to receive such an honor.

About the Church

The church served as a witness to historical events, including the Second World War, during which the priest of the church was executed by the Nazis for helping Jews. After the war, the church was temporarily closed and used as a grain storage, but in 1967, it reopened for parishioners.

In 2000, the church became a sanctuary – a place of pilgrimage. Today, the Church of Virgin Mary is not only a place of religious worship but also a center of cultural and social life in Braslav. For over 80 years, a monastery of sisters has operated alongside the church, actively participating in public and charitable events, assisting those in need, and caring for the preservation of historical heritage.