Church of Yurij in Polonechka

St. George’s Church in the village of Polonechka, Brest Region, is an outstanding example of Neo-Gothic wooden architecture, built in 1899. Located in the center of the village near the former Radziwill palace, the church attracts attention with its unique architecture and rich history.

History of the church in Polonechka

The first church in Polonechka was built in 1437 under Grand Duke Zygimont Kęstutaitis. In 1751, it was reconstructed on the initiative of Bishop Antoni Żółkowski. Over the centuries, the church was regularly maintained and restored thanks to the patronage of the Radziwill family.

In 1899, a new wooden Neo-Gothic church was erected on the site of the previous one, designed by Warsaw architect Konstanty Wojciechowski. This building has survived to this day and is now the architectural centerpiece of the village.

During the Soviet era, like many religious buildings, the church was closed and used for secular purposes. Nevertheless, it escaped destruction, and its architectural appearance remained largely intact. Some interior elements, including the 19th-century altar and a pipe organ crafted by F. Ostromęcki, also survived.

In the late 1980s, the church was returned to the Catholic community. Since then, services have resumed, and the church has become not only a religious center but also an important attraction in the region, associated with Ignacy Domeyko and the Radziwills.

Architecture

The church is a wooden structure with two four-sided towers topped with tall tented roofs. The façade features a triangular pediment with a rose window, pointed arch windows, and decorative stepped buttresses. Inside, it contains a carved wooden altar with seven icons from the 18th–19th centuries and Corinthian columns. The pipe organ, made by Vilnius master F. Ostromęcki in 1897, is located on the gallery opposite the altar.

Cultural and religious significance

St. George’s Church holds important cultural and spiritual significance for the region. In the early 19th century, it was the site of the baptism of Ignacy Domeyko — a renowned scientist and national hero of Chile. In the altar area are two cast-iron memorial plaques from 1829 and 1836, dedicated to the Radziwill family.

Tours to St. George’s Church in Polonechka

Visiting St. George’s Church in Polonechka is included in various tour itineraries across Brest Region. You can visit this site as part of our individual or group excursions.

During the tour, you will learn about the history of this late 19th-century wooden church, hear fascinating stories about its connection to the Radziwills, and discover the legacy of Ignacy Domeyko — one of Polonechka’s most famous natives. The Neo-Gothic architecture of the church, with its towers and historic organ, is sure to captivate both art lovers and admirers of spiritual heritage.

Book your trip to St. George’s Church in Polonechka on the Ekskursii.by website — and discover a unique corner of Belarusian spiritual and historical heritage.