Holy Cross church in Zelzin

Zelzin Exaltation of the Holy Cross Church is one of the unique Orthodox churches in the Brest Region, located in the picturesque village of Zelzin, Pruzhany District. It is an important spiritual and architectural landmark, included in popular excursions around Belarus. Elegant in its simplicity and symbolism, the church holds relics and legends that make it a center of attraction not only for pilgrims but also for tourists taking excursions from Minsk.

History

The history of the church dates back to the 15th century, when the first wooden church was built in Zelzin. According to legend, it was founded by a princess who was miraculously saved from a swamp with the help of a deer antler — this relic is still preserved in the church. In 1878, a stone church was built on a new site — the parish cemetery. In the 20th century, the building was lost: it was closed in 1962 and burned down in 1963. For a long time, only ruins remained, but thanks to the efforts of the local Orthodox community, the church was restored and re-consecrated in 1994. Its history is a story of faith, resilience, and cultural memory.

Architecture

The Zelva Catholic Church is an example of the Neo-Romanesque style, embodied in a three-nave, two-tower structure with a symmetrical spatial composition. The main facade features a high roof with a characteristic two-tier overhang between the towers, referencing Baroque traditions of wooden architecture. The towers are quadrangular, two-tiered, topped with slender spires. Above the apse stands a wooden frame turret with an original two-level finish. The interior is divided into three naves by six octagonal columns. The interior design is modest and restrained, emphasizing its connection to medieval Romanesque temples.

Excursions

You can visit the Church of the Holy Trinity in Zelva as part of excursions around the Grodno Region. This temple is an important element of the region’s spiritual and cultural heritage, and it is often included in tourist routes. It is especially convenient to take an excursion from Minsk or another city to discover this unique landmark. The Ekskursii.by portal offers an opportunity to book an excursion with a guided tour of the church — available both as part of a group or as an individual itinerary. Upon request, both group and personalized trips to Zelva can be organized, tailored to the interests and preferences of the visitors.