Church of Trinity in Shereshevo

The Church of the Holy Trinity in Shereshevo is an outstanding monument of 19th-century religious architecture, located in the agrotown of Shereshevo in the Pruzhany District. This majestic brick building, designed in the style of late Classicism, has served as a spiritual center for local Catholics for centuries and continues to impress with its architecture and historical significance. It is more than just a church — it is a symbol of enduring faith and culture, carrying the memory of dramatic pages in Belarusian history through the decades.

History

The first church on this site was built in 1539 at the initiative of Queen Bona Sforza and was made of wood. It was destroyed by fire in the 18th century, as was its successor. The current brick structure was constructed over seven years with financial support from the Kernazhitsky landlords, who are buried beside the church. In 1848, the church was consecrated by Bishop Vaclav Grinevich of Vilnius.

During the 1863 uprising, the church was temporarily closed, and the local priest was exiled to the Arkhangelsk province. Under Soviet rule, the church suffered once again: in 1948, Father Albert Bakinovsky was arrested, the building was used as a warehouse, and the nearby Catholic cemetery was closed. Despite this, local Catholics continued to gather for prayers near the church for decades. Only in 1988 was the church officially returned to the faithful, and three years later it was reconsecrated by Cardinal Kazimierz Świątek.

Architecture

The church is a rectangular building covered with a hipped gable roof. The main façade is flanked by two square towers with tented roofs, connected by a wall with a triangular pediment. The façades are dominated by arched and rectangular openings decorated with pilasters and ornamental keystones. Unique elements include wooden sculptures of apostles placed in niches on the façade.

The interior is divided into three naves by massive columns and covered with cylindrical vaults. The choir loft rests on columns, and the altar area is adorned with a Corinthian colonnade. Despite the loss of some interior decorations, restored elements from the 17th century have survived — angel heads, as well as memorial objects including the grave of Jan Kraszewski.

Excursions

The Church of the Holy Trinity in Shereshevo is a unique site that can be included in an individual tour from Minsk. It’s a perfect option for travelers who appreciate thoughtful journeys and want to explore the spiritual and cultural heritage of Belarus. We offer the opportunity to book a personalized excursion, with an itinerary tailored to your interests. As part of the trip, you can visit the church and discover other historical landmarks of the Pruzhany District.