Krestovozdvizhenskaya church in Makarovtsy

The Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in the village of Makarovtsy is a rare monument of early Classicist architecture that impresses not only with its history but also with its construction technique. Built entirely of wood without a single metal nail, it is a unique testament to late 18th-century folk architecture. The church remains active today, preserving its spiritual and cultural significance for both locals and visitors. Its modest yet elegant architecture makes it one of the hidden gems of the region, which can be discovered as part of an individual excursion from Minsk.

History

The church’s origins date back to the 1790s, when a full-fledged Catholic parish was established on the site of an earlier wooden chapel built in 1767 near the Vashchinsky estate. In 1793, Bishop Ignacy Massalski of Vilnius authorized the construction of a new church, and in 1795 it was consecrated by Father Józef Svierzhynski. The project was funded by Ludwik and Konstancja Pancerzynski, the owners of the Usnar Derevyanny estate. For over two centuries, the church has been a center of spiritual life in the village, remaining open even during Soviet times.

Architecture

The church’s architecture blends features of Classicism with traditional Belarusian wooden construction. It consists of two timber-framed volumes — the main body and the apse — with a front facade clad in a herringbone pattern and topped by a pediment. Inside, three wooden Baroque-style altars have been preserved, one of which is flanked by polychrome sculptures of Saints Peter and Paul. Nearby stand a 19th-century stone bell tower and a brick presbytery. At the local cemetery, there is a memorial marking the burial site of unknown Polish soldiers who died during the Soviet–Polish war.

Excursions

A visit to the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross can be included in an individual excursion across the Grodno region or its surroundings, organized through our portal. This is a particularly appealing route for those interested in discovering lesser-known yet significant sites of Belarusian cultural heritage. An excursion from Minsk will allow you not only to explore the architecture and history of the church but also to gain deeper insight into the religious life of a Belarusian village across different historical periods. We will gladly create a personalized itinerary tailored to your interests and travel plans.