St. Mikhail Church in Porozovo

The Church of Saint Michael the Archangel in Porozava is an outstanding example of Classicist architecture located in the urban settlement of Porozava, Svislach District, Grodno Region. Built in the first half of the 19th century, it is listed in the State Register of Historical and Cultural Values of the Republic of Belarus and remains an active Catholic church to this day.

History

The Catholic parish in Porozava was founded back in 1560, and a wooden church stood here for a long time. After it was destroyed by fire in the early 19th century, local residents obtained permission to build a stone church. The construction was completed in 1828. In 1867, the church was closed as punishment for the parishioners’ participation in the Kalinouski uprising, but it was later reopened thanks to a petition from local residents who personally traveled to Saint Petersburg. During the Soviet era, the church was not closed, making it one of the few functioning Catholic churches of that time. It continued to operate and preserved not only its religious function but also much of its interior decoration.

Architecture

The Porozava Church of Saint Michael is designed in the Classicist style. The rectangular building made of rubble stone is covered with a gable roof. The main facade is decorated with a triangular pediment and clean lines that emphasize a restrained solemnity. Inside, there is a hall-type interior with a flat wooden ceiling, a choir loft on the western side, carved wooden altars, a pulpit, and 18th-century polychrome sculptures transferred from the previous church. Especially valuable is the 1749 bell with an engraving, preserved in the gate belfry.

Cultural and Religious Significance

The church remains an active place of worship and a spiritual center for the region’s Catholic community. Regular services, holidays, weddings, and baptisms are held here. The architecture, rich history, and authentic atmosphere make the church not only a religious symbol but also a major landmark of Porozava.

Excursions to the Church of Saint Michael the Archangel in Porozava

A visit to the Church of Saint Michael the Archangel in Porozava is part of excursion routes focused on Catholic shrines and the architectural heritage of Belarus. Tourists can learn about the history of the parish, its unique architecture, and preserved interior elements from the 18th–19th centuries. On our website, you can book an individual or corporate tour including a visit to the church in Porozava, as well as other attractions in the urban settlement of Porozava and the Svislach District.