Church of st. John the Baptist in Opsa

The Church of St. John the Baptist is a unique Catholic church in the agro-town of Opsa, Vitebsk Region. This Neo-Gothic architectural monument was built in 1877 and is now included in the State List of Historical and Cultural Values of the Republic of Belarus. The church belongs to the Braslav Deanery of the Vitebsk Diocese and is an important landmark of the region.

Construction History: From an Ancient Church to a Neo-Gothic Temple

The first church dedicated to St. John the Baptist in Opsa was built around 1500 but did not survive. In 1768, a new church was constructed, but in 1886, it was completely destroyed by fire. Shortly after the fire, construction began on a new brick church in the Neo-Gothic style. At that time, Opsa was owned by the Plater family, who were the main patrons of the construction.

Trials by Fire: Fires and Restoration

In 1928, the church suffered another fire that destroyed its roof and tower. Restoration work was carried out with the participation of engineers from Vilnius and Warsaw, but the reconstruction was completed by the Polish-Belarusian engineer Jan Adamovich Petkevich. Thanks to his efforts, not only was the church’s architecture restored, but also its damaged organ. Until 1949, the church remained active, supported by local parishioners.

Closure and Return to Worship

In 1949, the last priest, Kazimir Tomkovich, was arrested, and the church was closed and repurposed as a warehouse. It remained in this state until 1989 when the building was transferred to the Braslav Department of Culture and converted into a concert and exhibition hall.

Revival and Restoration

In 1990, the Church of St. John the Baptist was returned to the faithful. On September 21 of the same year, it was re-consecrated. A long and meticulous restoration returned the church to its original appearance, making it one of the most beautiful Catholic shrines in Belarus.

Architectural Features of the Church

The Church of St. John the Baptist is a majestic single-nave structure with a pentagonal apse and symmetrical sacristies. The building is covered with a gable roof, while its main facade is adorned with a small rose window and a double arched window. The bell tower, located in the center of the main facade, has a square base and is topped with a pointed spire. This church is an outstanding example of Neo-Gothic architecture and attracts tourists traveling through Belarus.