Church of the Holy Trinity in Plyusy

Church of the Holy Trinity is a majestic stone Catholic church located in the agro-town of Plyusy, Braslav District, Vitebsk Region, on the picturesque eastern outskirts of the settlement. It is one of the most fascinating sites for excursions around Belarus, combining spiritual depth and architectural expressiveness. Built at the beginning of the 20th century from brick and rubble stone, the church became the spiritual center of the local Catholic community and a prominent architectural landmark of the area.

History

The history of the Catholic shrine in Plyusy dates back to the 18th century, when a small filial church of the Braslav parish was established here. It had existed since 1770 and underwent major renovation in the 1860s. According to eyewitnesses, the building was already made of stone at that time. A new church was constructed in the early 20th century, during a period of active parish development. Among its priests were Father Piotr Vaiciakunas, Father Yan Zhuk, Father Franciszek Bilsha, and others who left a significant mark on the region’s spiritual life.
During World War II, the church was damaged by a direct shell hit — one of the towers was destroyed. After the war, the shrine was closed and repurposed as a school, later a store, and eventually a grain warehouse. The church's revival began in the 1990s thanks to parishioners, priest Józef Trubovich, and Father Franciszek Opechonok. Restoration was led by local resident Vaclav Luksha, whose efforts helped reopen the church for worship in 1991.

Architecture

The Plyusy Church of the Holy Trinity is an example of Neo-Romanesque architecture, built in the style of a three-nave, two-tower basilica. Its pentagonal apse, side sacristies, and slender towers with pointed spires give the structure both solemnity and grandeur. The church façade consists of three sections, adorned with a five-span arcade and an oculus, while the entrance is framed by a prominent rectangular portal with an arched opening.
The semicircular arch is a recurring element throughout the church’s architecture: it appears in the portal design, biforias of the towers, and triforium. The side façades are rhythmically structured with tall arched windows set in decorative brick surrounds. Additional architectural details include lintel lamellae and dentil friezes. The interior is complemented by an organ that plays during liturgies, enhancing the sacred atmosphere.

Excursions

The Plyusy Church of the Holy Trinity is one of the architectural gems of the Vitebsk Region and a popular destination for excursions across Belarus. Visitors not only admire a unique Neo-Romanesque monument but also immerse themselves in the living history of the local Catholic community. It is an excellent location for those who wish to book an excursion with a spiritual and cultural focus.
The portal Ekskursii.by offers both ready-made tour routes and the opportunity to create a customized excursion to Plyusy — tailored to the interests of travelers, tour duration, guided accompaniment, and other preferences. During the tour, visitors learn about the church’s history, its architectural features, and the priests who served there over the years, as well as hear about the dramatic events of the 20th century that shaped its fate. The sound of the organ and the active participation of parishioners create a unique atmosphere that makes every visit to the church unforgettable. It is the perfect choice for those seeking to dive deeper into the spirit of the place and make their journey through Belarus truly memorable.