Cathedral a church of the Assumption of Blessed Virgin of Maria in Pinsk

The Pinsk Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is one of the most important Catholic shrines in Belarus and a true gem of Baroque architecture. This majestic church, located in the very heart of Pinsk, is part of the former Franciscan monastery and is rightfully considered a spiritual, historical, and architectural symbol of the city. Surrounded by a picturesque panorama that opens from the Pina River, the cathedral attracts pilgrims, art lovers, and tourists from all over the world.

History

The history of the church dates back to the 14th century, when in 1396, at the initiative of Prince Sigismund Kęstutaitis and through the efforts of the Franciscan order, the first wooden church was built. Later, in 1510, it was replaced with a stone building. After being damaged during the uprising of Bohdan Khmelnytsky in the mid-17th century, the church was rebuilt in the Baroque style between 1712 and 1730. In 1817, a monumental bell tower was added, which became a noticeable part of the city skyline.
The fate of the church is closely intertwined with the Catholic history of Belarus: it once hosted a parish school and a college, and in the 20th century, it became the cathedral of the newly established Pinsk diocese. A prominent figure in its history is Cardinal Kazimierz Świątek, who served here for more than 50 years after surviving Stalin’s camps. Today, two distinguished Catholic figures are buried in the crypt: the first Bishop of Pinsk, Zygmunt Łoziński, and Cardinal Świątek.

Architecture

The Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is a fine example of Mature Baroque with elements of Late Gothic. It is a three-nave basilica with cylindrical vaults, where the central nave is significantly wider than the side aisles. The main façade features two slender towers and an elegant shaped gable. The interior is richly decorated with carved altars, gilded sculptures, early 20th-century frescoes, and the famous "Pinsk Madonna" by Alfred Römer.
A special place in the church’s decoration is occupied by the pipe organ, built in 1837 by master A. Grodnitsky. It is the oldest functioning organ in Belarus, known for its unique sound and rich acoustics. It is often used during festive liturgies and spiritual music concerts.

Excursions

The Pinsk Cathedral is one of the key landmarks in cultural and religious tours across southern Belarus. It is included in tailor-made routes and pilgrimage programs that allow visitors not only to explore the church’s architecture and history but also to experience its living spiritual traditions. Among the most popular options are excursions from Minsk with a visit to the cathedral, as well as combined tours to Brest, Kamyanyets, and Belovezhskaya Pushcha.