Church of St. Vladislav in Subbotniki

Subotniki Church of St. Władysław is an outstanding example of Neo-Gothic sacred architecture from the early 20th century, located in the village of Subotniki, Iwye District, Grodno Region. It is not just a Catholic church, but a true gem of the spiritual and cultural heritage of Belarus. The church is included in the State List of Historical and Cultural Values of the Republic of Belarus, emphasizing its exceptional significance for national history and culture. The church is an important stop during tours around Belarus and should definitely be included in the itinerary for anyone interested in architecture, religion, and the history of the Belarusian nobility.

History

The Catholic history of Subotniki dates back to the mid-16th century. In 1545, a Catholic community was established here and the first wooden church, dedicated to St. George, was built. This pinewood church served as the spiritual center of the town for several centuries.

In the early 20th century, thanks to the efforts and financial support of Counts Władysław and Janina Umiastowski, a decision was made to construct a new, more magnificent temple. Construction began in 1904 and was completed in 1907. The new church was consecrated in the name of St. Władysław of Hungary — the patron saint of the Polish and Hungarian kings, as well as the heavenly protector of the count himself. Since then, the church has become an integral part of the spiritual life of the local community and a legacy of the Umiastowski family, whose members are buried in the church crypt.

During the Great Patriotic War, the church suffered significant damage, but in 1947 it was restored and has since been reopened to the faithful.

Architecture and Spiritual Life

The Church in Subotniki was built in the Neo-Gothic style typical of the turn of the 19th–20th centuries. The building is made of red brick and has a strict rectangular shape: length — 30 m, width — 20 m, height — 32 m. The church is crowned with a gabled roof and a pointed spire. Particularly notable are the lancet windows, stepped buttresses, and side towers serving as stairwells.

The interior is divided by arches resting on massive columns. The painting of the interior is done in the Neo-Rococo style, adorned with delicate ornamentation. At the center is an altar created in the Warsaw workshop of Wojciech, featuring a silver statue of St. Władysław of Hungary. The walls are decorated with panels depicting the Stations of the Cross, as well as numerous memorial plaques honoring members of the Umiastowski family.

In the crypt lies the Umiastowski family burial vault, created by craftsmen from Sweden. It is made of granite and marble and decorated with Venetian mosaics. Among the elegant tombstones rests the church’s founder, Count Władysław Umiastowski. This burial site is one of the few preserved examples of noble family crypts on the territory of modern Belarus.

Excursions with a Visit to the Church

The Church of St. Władysław is not only a religious site but also a popular tourist attraction for those looking to discover lesser-known but significant places in the country. There are organized tours around Belarus, including tours from Minsk, that feature visits to Subotniki and exploration of the architectural heritage of the Grodno region.

During the tour, you will not only see the church and its unique interior but also descend into the crypt, where the Umiastowski family members are buried. Experienced guides will share details about the architectural features, the history of the benefactor family, and the fate of the church during wartime.

You can book a tour that includes a visit to the Church of St. Władysław on the portal Ekskursii.by — the largest Belarusian website for organizing trips and one-day tours.