Church of Saints Simon and Helen, Minsk (must see)
Church of Saints Simon and Helen, or Red Church, is a Roman Catholic church on Independence Square. This neo-Gothic church was designed by polish architects Tomasz Pajzderski and W艂adys艂aw Marconi, and built during 1905-1910. The bricks for its walls were sourced from Cz臋stochowa, whilst the roof tiles came from W艂oc艂awek. Its construction was financed by Edward Woyni艂艂owicz, a prominent Polish civic activist. The church was named and consecrated in memory of Woyni艂艂owicz's deceased children, Szymon and Helena.
In 1903, about 2,000 Minsk's Catholics wrote a petition to local authorities asking for a site to start building new catholic church. This request was satisfied, and construction started in 1905. The church was consecrated on September 20, 1910. On December 21, 1910, the church was opened. In 1923, the church was robbed by the Red Army and in 1932 it was closed down by the Soviet authorities and transferred to the State Polish Theatre of the BSSR. Before the Second World War, the church was rebuilt into a cinema.
In 1941, the German occupation administration returned to building to its original use as a church, but after the war it was again used as a cinema, called the "Soviet Belarus." In 1990, the building was returned to the Catholic Church. Since then it was renovated, and became an important centre of religious, cultural and social life. It also became a centre for the revived Belarusian Greek Catholic Church. In 2006, Edward Woyni艂owicz, the church's donator who died in 1928 in Bydgoszcz, Poland, was reburied here.
In 1903, about 2,000 Minsk's Catholics wrote a petition to local authorities asking for a site to start building new catholic church. This request was satisfied, and construction started in 1905. The church was consecrated on September 20, 1910. On December 21, 1910, the church was opened. In 1923, the church was robbed by the Red Army and in 1932 it was closed down by the Soviet authorities and transferred to the State Polish Theatre of the BSSR. Before the Second World War, the church was rebuilt into a cinema.
In 1941, the German occupation administration returned to building to its original use as a church, but after the war it was again used as a cinema, called the "Soviet Belarus." In 1990, the building was returned to the Catholic Church. Since then it was renovated, and became an important centre of religious, cultural and social life. It also became a centre for the revived Belarusian Greek Catholic Church. In 2006, Edward Woyni艂owicz, the church's donator who died in 1928 in Bydgoszcz, Poland, was reburied here.
Sight description based on Wikipedia.
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Church of Saints Simon and Helen on Map
Sight Name: Church of Saints Simon and Helen
Sight Location: Minsk, Belarus (See walking tours in Minsk)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Minsk, Belarus (See walking tours in Minsk)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Minsk, Belarus
Create Your Own Walk in Minsk
Creating your own self-guided walk in Minsk is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Minsk Introduction Walking Tour
When in Minsk, visitors are sure to discover a fantastic range of exotic places, valuable architectural spots, and cultural venues which combine to create Minsk's unforgettable landmarks. Do not hesitate to experience the deep culture of Minsk.
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Minsk's Historical Churches Tour
The religious life of Belarus has been strongly influenced by both the Orthodox and Catholic religions. Consequently, Minsk features several beautiful churches that are well worth your time and energy while in this fine city. Take a walk down Minsk religious sights today!
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 6.7 Km or 4.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 6.7 Km or 4.2 Miles