Holy Cross Church description and photos - Belarus: Vileika (Topic)

Holy Cross Church description and photos - Belarus: Vileika. Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photos and a map showing the nearest significant objects.

Photo and description

The Vileika Church of the Exaltation, or the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, in the city of Vileika, Minsk region, is one of the most beautiful Catholic churches, combining features of the Neo-Gothic and Neo-Romanesque styles. The cathedral was built at the beginning of the 20th century in 1906-1913 by the project of the architect August Klein.

In 1862, a strong fire broke out in Vileika, which destroyed a wooden Catholic church. Then it was decided to build a stone church. When the church was already half completed, a national liberation uprising took place, suppressed by Russian troops. After that, the authorities of the Russian Empire handed over the unfinished church to the Orthodox community of the city of Vileika.

After completion of construction, the temple acquired Byzantine pseudo-Russian features and was consecrated as the Church of St. George. The Catholic community erected a wooden church in which the believers continued to pray. In 1913, a yellow brick church was built and consecrated in honor of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.

During the First World War, the Vileika Church was damaged by artillery shelling. During the years when the city came under Polish jurisdiction, the church was carefully restored.

After the end of the Second World War, the church was confiscated from believers by the Soviet authorities and turned into an ordinary warehouse.

After the collapse of the USSR in 1990, the Vileika Church of the Exaltation of the Cross was transferred to the Catholic community. Now it is a functioning Catholic church and a true decoration of the central square of Vileika.

We also recommend reading Accademia Gallery description and photos - Italy: Florence

Topic: Holy Cross Church description and photos - Belarus: Vileika.