Zelvensky Holy Trinity Church

Zelva Church of the Holy Trinity is a parish church of the Grodno Eparchy of the Belarusian Exarchate of the Russian Orthodox Church, located in the picturesque town of Zelva in the Grodno Region. It is not only a spiritual landmark but also an important stop in many tours across Belarus. This cozy church with a centuries-old history attracts pilgrims, tourists, and all those interested in architecture and cultural heritage.

History

The church was built in 1815 on the site of an old wooden church dating back to the 15th century. According to one version, the original church already existed in 1434; another source mentions 1443. The project for the new building was developed by the renowned architect Alexander Gradetsky. Some sources claim that the church was based on a reconstructed theater once owned by the Sapieha family. In the 1860s, it was renovated by engineer Leonard Krzyzhanovsky. Major reconstruction took place in the early 20th century when Father Iosif Yankovsky, following the project by architect Ivan Plotnikov, rebuilt the structure and added the bell tower. In 1910, the church was reconsecrated as Orthodox by Bishop Mikhail. Belarusian poetess Larisa Geniyush, who was a regular parishioner, is honored with a monument on the church grounds.

Architecture

The Church of the Holy Trinity is an architectural monument with elements of the Russian style, recognized as a regional cultural and historical heritage site. The brick building is a single-nave rectangular structure with a square bell tower and a semicircular apse. A steep roof with a cornice along the perimeter adds to its solemn appearance. The windows are rectangular in shape. The two-tier bell tower features arched windows and is topped with a tented roof and a small dome on a circular drum. The interior has been significantly modified: the altar area is framed with porticoes on three columns, the ceiling is flat, and above the entrance is a choir loft with a wooden railing decorated with geometric patterns.

Excursions

You can visit the Church of the Holy Trinity in Zelva as part of tours across the Grodno Region. This church is a significant element of the region’s spiritual and cultural heritage and is often included in tourist itineraries. It's especially convenient to take a tour from Minsk or another city to explore this unique landmark. The portal Ekskursii.by offers the option to book a tour with a visit to the church — either as part of a pre-arranged program or an individually tailored route. Upon request, both group and private trips to Zelva can be arranged according to the interests and preferences of the travelers.