Chapel of the Ascension of the Holy Cross

Exaltation of the Cross Chapel in the village of Duboe is a small Baroque chapel from the mid-18th century, located deep within a historic landscape park that once belonged to the Kuzhenetsky noble family. This chapel in Duboe is listed among the historical and cultural heritage sites of Belarus and is a rare example of the transition from Baroque to Classicism in religious architecture.

History

The chapel was built in the mid-18th to early 19th century on the site of a wooden Jesuit church founded in 1635. The new stone structure was erected with donations from parishioners, including members of noble families such as the Radziwills, Naruszewiczs, and others. During the Soviet era, the chapel in Duboe was converted into a communications center and later closed. In 2018, it was transferred to the Pinsk Diocese of the Roman Catholic Church, after which restoration work began.

Architecture

The chapel has an octagonal shape with a square apse and a vestibule. It is topped with a helmet-shaped roof and a faceted lantern. The architectural décor includes corner pilasters, friezes, and a profiled cornice. The interior features rich fresco paintings, stucco decorations, and stained-glass windows. This expressive structure combines Baroque and early Classicist elements.

Cultural and Architectural Significance

The Exaltation of the Cross Chapel in Duboe was part of the estate of the Kuzhenetsky family and served as their family mausoleum. Its artistic value is confirmed by its depiction in Józef Pankiewicz’s painting “Park in Duboe” (1897), now held at the National Museum in Warsaw. Due to its unique architecture and spiritual heritage, the chapel in Duboe is recognized as a significant landmark in the Belarusian cultural landscape.

Excursions and Visiting

The chapel is included in architectural tour routes through Polesia and excursions across the Brest Region. It can be visited as part of trips from Minsk, Pinsk, and other cities. The tour program includes viewing the chapel itself, learning about the history of the estate, and walking through the landscape park. You can book an individual or corporate guided tour with a visit to the Exaltation of the Cross Chapel in the village of Duboe, as well as other landmarks of Catholic architecture in Polesia.