Kolozhskaya (Borisoglebskaya ) Church

The Kalozha Church of Saints Boris and Gleb in Grodno is one of the oldest and most recognizable architectural monuments in Belarus, a true symbol of the city and an essential stop on tours across Belarus. This 12th-century religious site has survived since the times of Ancient Rus and is considered a masterpiece of the Grodno architectural school. Situated on the picturesque bank of the Neman River and surrounded by natural springs, the church has long held spiritual significance. Today, the Kalozha Church is part of the Castle Hill historical and architectural reserve and is included in the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

History

The construction of the Kalozha Church dates back to the first half of the 12th century and is associated with the rule of Princes Boris and Gleb Vsevolodkovich. The church was consecrated in their honor and received the official name Boris and Gleb Church. According to legend, the architect was a man named Pyotr Milanega. The origin of the name “Kalozha” is interpreted in different ways: either from the ancient suburb of Pskov called Kalozha, or from the word “kalozhen” — a sacred grove with springs revered by pagans. Over the centuries, the church has suffered significant damage: in the 1180s it was damaged by fire, and in 1853 the southern wall collapsed due to a landslide. Some of the damage was repaired, including the installation of a wooden wall and an altar donated by Vladimir Mulyavin.

Architecture

The Kalozha Church is a cross-domed, six-pillar temple with three apses, built using a unique technique: polished boulders split in half were laid into the walls. Larger stones were used at the base, while smaller ones were placed higher up, providing structural stability and material efficiency. The wall décor includes ceramic crosses made from tiles, and resonators — clay amphorae — are embedded into the walls to enhance the acoustics. The interior features pre-Mongolian frescoes and a miraculous icon of the Mother of God. Unusually for Orthodox architecture, the church’s supporting columns are round in cross-section, adding to its distinctiveness.

Excursions

The Kalozha Church is a popular attraction featured in tours across Belarus and often visited as part of excursions from Minsk. Thanks to its rich historical and cultural heritage and its scenic location by the Neman River, the church draws both tourists and pilgrims. Here, visitors can learn about ancient Rus architecture and feel the spiritual energy of this sacred place. On the Ekskursii.by website, you can book a guided tour of the Boris and Gleb Church or choose a combined itinerary including Castle Hill and the Old and New Castles of Grodno.

The Kalozha Church of Saints Boris and Gleb in Grodno is one of the oldest and most recognizable architectural monuments in Belarus, a true symbol of the city and an essential stop on tours across Belarus. This 12th-century religious site has survived since the times of Ancient Rus and is considered a masterpiece of the Grodno architectural school. Situated on the picturesque bank of the Neman River and surrounded by natural springs, the church has long held spiritual significance. Today, the Kalozha Church is part of the Castle Hill historical and architectural reserve and is included in the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

History

The construction of the Kalozha Church dates back to the first half of the 12th century and is associated with the rule of Princes Boris and Gleb Vsevolodkovich. The church was consecrated in their honor and received the official name Boris and Gleb Church. According to legend, the architect was a man named Pyotr Milanega. The origin of the name «Kalozha» is interpreted in different ways: either from the ancient suburb of Pskov called Kalozha, or from the word «kalozhen» — a sacred grove with springs revered by pagans. Over the centuries, the church has suffered significant damage: in the 1180s it was damaged by fire, and in 1853 the southern wall collapsed due to a landslide. Some of the damage was repaired, including the installation of a wooden wall and an altar donated by Vladimir Mulyavin.

Architecture

The Kalozha Church is a cross-domed, six-pillar temple with three apses, built using a unique technique: polished boulders split in half were laid into the walls. Larger stones were used at the base, while smaller ones were placed higher up, providing structural stability and material efficiency. The wall décor includes ceramic crosses made from tiles, and resonators — clay amphorae — are embedded into the walls to enhance the acoustics. The interior features pre-Mongolian frescoes and a miraculous icon of the Mother of God. Unusually for Orthodox architecture, the church’s supporting columns are round in cross-section, adding to its distinctiveness.

Excursions

The Kalozha Church is a popular attraction featured in tours across Belarus and often visited as part of excursions from Minsk. Thanks to its rich historical and cultural heritage and its scenic location by the Neman River, the church draws both tourists and pilgrims. Here, visitors can learn about ancient Rus architecture and feel the spiritual energy of this sacred place. On the Ekskursii.by website, you can book a guided tour of the Boris and Gleb Church or choose a combined itinerary including Castle Hill and the Old and New Castles of Grodno.