Church of St. Anthony of Padua in Postavy

The Church of Saint Anthony of Padua in Pastavy is an outstanding example of Neo-Gothic architecture. Built between 1898 and 1904 based on the design by architect Artur Goibel, the church is one of the city’s main landmarks and is included in the State List of Historical and Cultural Values of the Republic of Belarus.

History

The Catholic parish in Pastavy was founded in 1516 with the construction of a wooden Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In 1640, royal secretary Stanislaw Beganski initiated the creation of a Franciscan monastery with a stone church, which was destroyed by fire in 1760. In 1784, a new wooden church with two towers was built on the same site, but after the 1830 uprising, the monastery was closed and the church dismantled. The present-day Church of Saint Anthony of Padua was built on the site of the former monastic church in 1898–1904 according to a design by Artur Goibel. During World War I, the church was heavily damaged but restored in the 1920s. After World War II, the building was used as a warehouse and workshop of an industrial enterprise. In 1988, the church was returned to the Catholic community and, following restoration, reopened for worship.

Architecture

The church is a three-nave basilica in Neo-Gothic style with a pentagonal apse, transept, and two side sacristies. It is built of red unplastered brick, giving it a striking appearance. The main façade is decorated with a four-sided bell tower topped with a faceted spire, serving as the architectural dominant of the structure. The façades feature pointed arch windows, buttresses, and arcading that emphasize the Neo-Gothic style of the building.

Cultural and Religious Significance

The Church of Saint Anthony of Padua in Pastavy serves not only as a religious center but also as an important cultural monument reflecting the region’s rich history and architectural heritage. Included in the State List of Historical and Cultural Values of the Republic of Belarus, the church attracts visitors with its design and historical legacy.

Excursions to the Church of Saint Anthony of Padua in Pastavy

Visiting the Church of Saint Anthony of Padua in Pastavy is part of the tour route “Pastavy — Budslau — Kamai”. This tour introduces travelers to the rich spiritual and architectural heritage of the Vitebsk Region. During the excursion, you will visit iconic sites, including the Church of Saint Anthony of Padua, and hear historical and architectural insights from a professional guide.

You can also book an individual or corporate tour to Pastavy with a guaranteed visit to the Church of Saint Anthony of Padua.