Minsk. Church of Peter and Paul.

The architecture of the temple, combining Renaissance and Baroque features, was distinguished by its defensive character. Three–meter-high walls, high narrow windows, towers resembling fortifications - all this indicates that the church originally performed not only religious functions, but also served as a fortification on the southern approaches to the castle.

The cathedral was also distinguished by the characteristic features of the Baroque: graceful lines, rich decoration and majestic facades. The interior of the church was also striking in its splendor, including carved altars, frescoes and sculptures that created an atmosphere of spirituality and beauty.

In 1617, a school was opened at the temple, where monks from the Vilna Holy Spirit Monastery settled. In 1635, Metropolitan of Kiev - Petr Mogila ('Grave') - the author of textbooks used in Russian theological seminaries until the beginning of the 20th century, taught here.

In the 17th century, the church remained the only Orthodox church in Catholic Minsk. After the annexation of Minsk region to the Russian Empire in the 1790s, it received the status of a cathedral, but only for four years.

The cathedral has always served as a place of worship for the faithful. Over the centuries, it has experienced many historical events, including wars and changes in the political situation in the country.

In 1933, the temple was closed, and its property was looted. The building was used as a warehouse for herring, and during the war it served as an air raid shelter. After the war, residential premises were located here, and later the archive of scientific and technical documentation of the BSSR.

In the 1970s, the church was restored externally, and the interiors began to be restored only in 1991, when the building was returned to the faithful.

Today, the Cathedral of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul is not only a functioning church, but also an important tourist attraction. Its architectural beauty and historical significance attract many visitors who want to learn more about the culture and history of Belarus.

Peter and Paul Cathedral is the only Renaissance architectural monument preserved in Minsk. The temple is included in the list of historical and cultural values of Belarus as an architectural monument of national significance.

The Cathedral continues to fulfill its religious functions, holding services and ceremonies, and remains a symbol of faith and spirituality for many people.

In 1609, Orthodox citizens and the aristocracy of Minsk united into an Orthodox brotherhood in honor of John the Baptist with the blessing of the Jerusalem Patriarch Theophanes. And it was decided to build a male Peter and Paul Monastery. In 1611, the construction of a brick church began with funds from magnate Alexander Oginsky and Orthodox believers. Protestant Prince Janusz Radziwill also provided funds.

Metropolitan of Kiev Petro Mogila issued a charter for the opening of a women's monastery. The Orthodox brotherhood of John the Baptist that existed at the monastery opened a school, a hospital and a printing house. For a long time under the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, the monastery was a stronghold of Orthodoxy in the city. In 1635, Petro Mogila himself visited the shrine.

At the end of the 18th century, there was a major fire and part of the church collapsed. The monastery fell into disrepair. After joining the Russian Empire, Catherine II donated money for repairs. The church was named Catherine's and became the cathedral of the Minsk diocese.

In the 19th century the church was rebuilt. After the revolution the temple was closed and a warehouse was located there.

The church was returned to the believers in 1991. Now the Belarusian Orthodox Brotherhood of the Three Vilnius Martyrs works here. Restoration was carried out, during which 4 layers of monumental wall paintings were revealed. The church is an architectural monument of the Renaissance and Baroque eras. There are several ancient burials in the temple.