Church Nikitinskaya in Kozhan Gorodok

The St. Nicholas Church in Kozhan-Gorodok is an active and outstanding monument of Belarusian wooden architecture, located in the picturesque Stolin District. The church, consecrated in honor of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, still impresses visitors with its grandeur, multiple domes, and expressive woodcarving. It is a place where history and architecture intertwine in a unique Polesian atmosphere.

History

The St. Nicholas Church in Kozhan-Gorodok was built in 1818 on the site of an earlier temple that had existed since the 16th century but was destroyed by fire. Construction of the new church began in 1813. According to historical records, the initial builder was Alexander Malinovsky from David-Gorodok, and the work was later completed by Simon Konopatsky and Vasily Listapad, local craftsmen from nearby villages. The church was erected on a mound, following Polesian architectural traditions. A major reconstruction took place in 1876, during which the impressive three-tiered tented bell tower was added. In Soviet times, in 1956, an attempt was made to reinforce the church; however, faulty foundation work led to the removal of support piles, causing the domes to tilt. Today, none of the six domes point directly upward, which gives the building a distinctive and charming character.

Architecture

The church features a cruciform, multi-tiered composition made of five log structures and a prominent bell tower above the entrance. The central log structure is the largest and crowned with a spacious dome, while the other four are adorned with elegant small towers. The exterior is designed in traditional Polesian style: modest and minimal in decoration. Among the few adornments are gilded crosses and artistically crafted window frames. However, the church’s interior reveals true richness: a two-tiered gilded iconostasis carved in wood, and rare wooden sculptures — an unusual sight in Orthodox churches. Carved crucifixes and figures of saints create an atmosphere of solemnity and spiritual depth, emphasizing the exceptional craftsmanship of local artisans.

Excursions

Visiting the St. Nicholas Church is an important part of routes exploring the cultural and religious landmarks of the Polesia region. This church is often included in excursions across Belarus due to its historical and artistic value. You can book an excursion with a tour of the church either as part of a group or individually. A particularly popular option is a tour from Minsk to the southern areas, where discovering the Kozhan-Gorodok Church becomes a true highlight. It is a unique opportunity to see a rare example of wooden sacred architecture and to experience the spirit of Belarusian Polesia.