Raubichi. St. Matthew's Church.

According to legend, in the middle of the 17th century, an icon of the Mother of God appeared at this place and the faithful erected an octagonal chapel. Subsequently, the chapel became a place of worship for local landowners, and a village grew up around it.

In 1806, by decree of Bishop Yakub Teterka, a wooden church was built on the site of the chapel, provided with a household. In the middle of the 19th century, through the efforts of Father Zarzhetsky, known for his kindness and love of education, the church became a center of education for orphans. In 1862, a stone church was erected.

After the uprising of 1863, the church was transferred to the Orthodox Church, and in Soviet times it was closed, the icon was lost, and the churchyard was destroyed. Miraculously, the building survived thanks to the construction of the Raubichi sports complex and the personal request of architect Aladov, who convinced the authorities to preserve and restore the church.

Since 1976, the museum of folk art has been located in the church. There are unique exhibits from closed churches: sculptures of Saints Peter, Paul, St. George, St. Nicholas, Archangel Michael, striking in their originality. Special attention is drawn to the Tsar's gate, woven from straw, and the collection of Belarusian national costumes of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

A visit to St. Matthew's Church in Raubichi is an opportunity to touch the history and culture of Belarus, see unique works of folk art and feel the connection of times.