Hello everybody! Walking in the vicinity of the small town of Svetlogorsk, I decided to get a little acquainted with its iconic architecture. First of all, I went to the banks of the Berezina River, as there is an interesting building - the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. The first mention of a Catholic church on the territory of Svetlogorsk dates back to the middle of the 17th century. However, the city was formed here only in 1961, and until that moment there was a settlement called Shatilki. Svetlogorsk Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt. But fate was favorable, as the majestic temple was completely rebuilt and exists to this day.
The construction of the first Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross was completed back in 1638. At that time, a small settlement of 17 rural households lived on this place. The wooden church became the pride of the village of Shatilki and the center of the spiritual life of the region. However, 1812 was a fateful year. Since the beginning of the Napoleonic Wars, the building of the church was destroyed by fire. However, in 1818, a new church was built by the nobles and residents of Shatilki. It was 5 meters long, 3.5 meters wide and 4.2 meters high. The church had three domes with iron crosses.
In 1906, the state of the church became deplorable. Due to extreme dilapidation, the building was completely rebuilt. The construction was sponsored by a local landowner. Already the third temple had its own organ, the sound of which was heard for several kilometers. With the advent of the Soviets, the policy regarding places of worship has changed a lot. Many churches and temples were rebuilt or destroyed. Svetlogorsk church (in the then village of Shatilka) was closed in 1936. As a result, the building was ruined, and a village club was built from its logs. It was only in 1997 that the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross received its fourth life thanks to the efforts of the Belarusian architect Pevny Sergei.
The modern Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Svetlogorsk was built in the Neo-Gothic style with elements of the Romanesque style. The main decoration of the facade and the main architectural elements are two high towers with hipped roofs. I often pay attention to individual elements of any buildings. In the case of the Svetlogorsk church, I like its large windows and the edging around them. It would seem that all the elements are quite simple, but this is not entirely true. Another noteworthy point is the presence of a bell in the left tower. It probably has some meaning.
Since the Church is located on the embankment of the Berezina River, this makes it quite a popular place. In warm weather, parishioners and residents of the city can enjoy the natural scenery combined with a historical monument of architecture. One way or another, but this place is unusually pacifying.
I tried to go inside the church, but unfortunately the door was closed, as there is a certain work schedule. In particular, all festive services and Sunday school are held there. Having been reborn four times, the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is the pearl of a small town. This is a place where everyone can feel the harmony of nature and the splendor of religious architecture. Undoubtedly it deserves attention.
Photo information:
Author:
Camera: Nikon D5200
Location: Svetlogorsk, Belarus
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