Pervomaisk. The Calvin Church.

Built in the second half of the 16th century, the Calvin Cathedral dates back to the Renaissance. The Calvin Temple acquired its final appearance thanks to the work of the Italian architect Carl Spampani. Two turrets were completed for the former collection and a belfry appeared at the entrance. It was in the eighteenth century that the building acquired its final appearance.

Cylindrical towers of the facade, hipped roof, complex pilasters, arched windows, narrow slit loopholes. In the sixteenth century, Calvinism was not particularly widespread, and believers often had to defend themselves against representatives of a more traditional religion. Hence the towers on both sides of the entrance, equipped with loopholes through which it was possible to shoot back in case of an attack. At that time, it seemed that the meter-and-a-half walls would provide reliable protection for the crypt located under the altar. 

However, the last owners of the estate had to be severely disappointed in this illusion. Prince Nikolai Radziwill died in 1914 in East Prussia. The heir of a great family, the hero of several wars, was solemnly taken to the family tomb. His ashes were buried in the crypt of the temple, but they never found their resting place there.

After the revolution, a substation was equipped in Kaplica for the established state farm. During the work, a coffin with the prince's remains was found and all valuables were looted. The prince's remains were simply left in the temple and cemented, and a black marble plaque was installed at the entrance: "Here is zaymeu aposhnyae zaspakaenne son of zyamli Belaruskai - Mikalai Vaclau Radziwil." The plaque was installed in 2014. 

In the late seventies of the last century, a group of scientists from the Academy of Sciences had to defend the Calvin Collection. The old building was under threat of demolition. It was only in 1978 that the building was included in the list of state historical and cultural values of Belarus. In total, three similar historical monuments have been preserved in Belarus - in Uzde, Smorgon and Zaslavl). The cross of the Calvin collection, which was found in a garbage heap, has also been preserved. Now it is being protected in case the Calvin Collection is restored.

Prince Magdalena Zawisha's wife died in 1945 in Switzerland. Before her burial in Minsk, her ashes were temporarily placed in the Calvin Collection.

On the opposite side of the road, two distinctive classical buildings with triangular porticos and columns are visible. These are the wings of the former manor. The central palace of the estate has not been preserved to this day. The manor belonged to the noble family of the Zavis and was built in the 19th century. The house was gorgeous - with huge windows, stucco molding, and a rich interior. A park was planted around the estate, which has been partially preserved to this day. This can be seen from the centuries-old trees located around. A large stable has also been preserved.

At the moment, the Calvin collection is for sale for further restoration. The sale period is until the end of 2024. We will hopefully follow the fate of this ancient monument!