Church of Heart of Jesus in Ilia

Church of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus is a remarkable monument of Belarusian history and culture, located in the village of Ilya. It is an excellent example of Neo-Romanesque architectural style, which still welcomes both worshippers and tourists today.

History of Creation

The Church of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus was built in the village of Ilya, Vileyka District, in 1909, following an order by Emperor Nicholas II. During World War II, the church survived intact, but in the post-war years, it was closed. For a long time, the building was used for economic purposes — a dairy plant operated here. Only in the early 1990s, with the revival of religious life in Belarus, was the church returned to the Catholic community. After restoration, it once again became an active place of worship and a spiritual center for local residents. Today, regular services are held here, and the church has become a site of pilgrimage.

The Church of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus is included in many tours around Belarus, thanks to its architectural beauty and fascinating history.

Architecture and Spiritual Life

The Church of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus was built in the Neo-Romanesque style typical of the early 20th century. The church building has a rectangular layout. The main facade is adorned with projecting buttresses, dividing it into three sections. At the center is the main entrance with an arched opening framed by decorative brickwork. The upper part of the facade is topped with a triangular gable featuring niches and round windows combined into a single arched composition.
The church walls are about a meter thick, with alternating arched windows and buttresses. All decorative elements, including cornices and openings, are made of brick. Inside, the church once had a vaulted ceiling, which, unfortunately, has not survived.

Excursions Featuring the Church

The Church of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus is an integral part of excursion routes around the Vileyka District, including tours from Minsk. Anyone can book a tour to visit the church and personally connect with the history and spiritual heritage of this part of Belarus.