Church of St. Mary in Lipsk

St. Mary's Church, located in the village of Lipsk, is an outstanding example of early 20th-century religious architecture and one of the few Catholic churches in the region that has been carefully restored in modern times. The building is included in the State List of Historical and Cultural Values of the Republic of Belarus and holds a second-category status. This church has become a significant spiritual symbol for the local Catholic community and continues to attract both pilgrims and tourists.

History

The parish of Lipsk dates back to the mid-16th century, while the construction of the current stone church was completed in 1908. The church was built with the support of Count Konstanty Potocki and through the efforts of priest K. Vankovich on the site of an earlier wooden temple. In the early 20th century, St. Mary’s Church served as a filial church of the Darevo parish and counted around 400 parishioners.

The church suffered greatly during World War I — the building was damaged and the bell tower destroyed. In the interwar period, when Western Belarus was part of Poland, the church was restored but served only the residents of Lipsk. After World War II, the church was abandoned. It was not until 2006 that restoration works began, breathing new life into this sacred site.

Architecture

The architectural style of St. Mary's Church is a harmonious blend of Baroque, Rococo, and Classicism. Built in the form of a basilica with a rectangular layout and side sacristies, the church features an expressive main façade. It was once crowned with an impressive four-sided Neo-Baroque bell tower with a dome, spire, and balustrade — sadly lost during the war.

Special attention was paid to decorative elements: the façade displays a cartouche with the Potocki family coat of arms "Piliawa", a pediment above the cornice, ornate panels, and rusticated pilasters. During the 21st-century restoration, a stepped decorative wall — an attic — was added to the main façade, enhancing the church's monumental appearance.

Excursions

A trip to St. Mary's Church in Lipsk is more than just a visit to an architectural monument — it's an encounter with the living history of the region. This unique site can be discovered during an individual excursion from Minsk to St. Mary's Church in Lipsk. The tour offers a chance not only to admire a rare example of sacred architecture but also to experience the atmosphere of Belarusian villages where traditions and spirituality are still deeply cherished.