This tour is dedicated to the tolerance and tolerance of Belarusians, who have been peacefully living side by side with representatives of various faiths and nationalities for centuries.Here, in the small town of Ivje, almost on the border with Lithuania, this is especially noticeable when there is a church, an Orthodox church and a mosque very close to each other. There was also a synagogue, but, unfortunately, the Jewish community was almost completely destroyed by the Nazis during the Second World War.Representatives of these 4 major faiths have made a huge contribution to the development of Belarus.I suggest you get to know the culture and history of these places better!

One of the main attractions of the village of Yuratishki is the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord. 
This brick church, built in 2003, is a relatively new structure that occupies a central place in the village and is the most prominent building.

Yuratishki. Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord

Yuratishki. The Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord.

A very unusual project was developed: the place was to be decorated with a wooden structure resembling a ship. 
As a result, in 1532, this unusual building appeared here, which has been considered a curiosity among the surviving Catholic and Orthodox churches for five centuries.

Yuratishki. Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker

Yuratishki. The Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker.

Several reinforced concrete fortifications of the German army from the First World War have been preserved here. 
These fortifications can not only be seen, but also visited if desired.
You will see a large reinforced concrete box of a German bunker. You can climb into it, as well as onto the roof, there are several compartments with doorways between them, holes for weapons in the walls.
Exploring historical artifacts from the time of the World War will give you real pleasure, because they are very well preserved and impressive in their size!

Bakshty. Fortifications of the First World War

Bakshty. Fortifications of the First World War.

The Church of the Virgin Mary was built in 1772. A two-story bell tower has been erected nearby. 
The temple is a monument of wooden architecture in the Baroque style. 

Dudy. Church of the 18th century

Dudy. Church of the 18th century.

The Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul is one of the main attractions of Ivye. Since its foundation in 1495, the church has been repeatedly completed and rebuilt.
In addition to the temple building itself, you will be interested in decorating the landscape around it: in 2002, to the right of the church, local priests placed a greatly reduced replica of the famous Brazilian statue of Jesus Christ, which is why the town was jokingly called Ivye-de-Janeiro ).

Ivye. The Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul.

Ivye. The Church of Peter and Paul.

The city of Ivye has earned a reputation as a model of Belarusian religious tolerance, it is even called the "little Jerusalem".
There is a unique symbol of Belarusian religious tolerance here - the Memorial of Friendship of four faiths.
The uniqueness of this place is the peaceful neighborhood of Catholics, Jews, Orthodox and Muslims for centuries.
Each denomination participated in the design of its stele, and the idea of the creators was for the monument to serve as a pointer for tourists, indicating the direction to the temples of each religion.

A unique symbol of religious tolerance is the Memorial of Friendship of four faiths.

Ivye. Monument to four faiths.

The "Wheel of History" is one of the most interesting and informative sights of Ivye. The exposition immerses visitors in the history of the indigenous population of the Ivyov region and introduces significant events of the city.

The Wheel of History exhibition is a unique composition that allows visitors to learn about the most important events in the history of the city.

Ivye. The wheel of history.

The only museum of national cultures in Belarus. 
The permanent exhibition "Under the same sky through the centuries" introduces visitors to the history, culture and religion of Belarusians, Poles, Tatars, Jews, emphasizing the possibility of peaceful coexistence of different nationalities and faiths in one small area.
There is a lot to learn and learn here!

Ivyevsky Museum of National Cultures.

Today, the Tatar community in Ivye is the second largest in Belarus after Minsk.
The mosque in Ivye is the oldest surviving in Belarus, built at the end of the 19th century at the expense of a local Catholic landowner, Elvira Zamoyskaya. 
It was not closed either under Soviet rule or during the German occupation.
If you want to visit this architectural monument, you need to contact the head of the community or a priest. 
Local Tatars are always happy to welcome tourists. In addition, you can buy fruits and vegetables from them inexpensively.

Ivye. Mosque.

Ivye. The mosque.

The Church of the Holy Trinity in Morino is a monument of folk architecture, built in the Art Nouveau style, most likely built on the place where the Catholic church once stood, as there are old Catholic burials around. 
If you walk around this small church, you will get the impression that this Orthodox church is very similar to a fairy castle.
See for yourself!

Ivye region (route 2): Yuratishki-Bakshty-Dudy-Ivye-Morino.

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