Udelo. The Franciscan monastery.
Church
Belarus, Vitebsk region, Glubokoe district, Udelovsky village Council, agricultural town of Udelo
Description
The village of Udelo in the Vitebsk region looks similar to other small villages in Belarus. However, its uniqueness lies in one important detail that makes this place recognizable not only among locals, but also among all Belarusians.
Udelo is located in the Glubokoe district and is famous for the Franciscan monastery, founded in 1642. The monastery has preserved the Church of the Virgin Mary, a bell tower, residential buildings, a chapel, a cemetery and outbuildings. Of particular interest is the current "Batleyka", a puppet theater with religious themes.
Categories
Historical
Architectural monument
Comments
Reviews to the Place
1Ольга Ерёменко
07.01.2025
The Franciscan Monastery in the agricultural town of Udelo.
The Church of the Virgin Mary, built in 1766-1791, is the heart of the village. This three-nave building combines elements of classicism and Baroque. Inside, cylindrical vaults and choirs above the entrance attract attention.
In the 19th century, the monastery was abolished, and the church was closed after the Great Patriotic War. It was only at the end of the 20th century that the priest Juozas Bulka restored the temple, restoring it to its former beauty.
Today, there is also a museum here that tells about the activities of the Franciscans in Belarus. The basement of the church has been converted into a museum, where everyone can learn interesting information about the activities of the Franciscans in Belarus in the 18th and 19th centuries. There is also an exhibition of historical photographs about the missionary work of Franciscan monks around the world. There is another photo exhibition dedicated to various topics in another business building.
The Franciscans, known for their asceticism and love of one's neighbor, have left a significant mark on the history of the Parish. Their order, founded in 1208, continues to influence people's lives. Today, Udelo is included in tourist routes, attracting lovers of history and culture.
Nowadays, the monastery complex with the church, which is located here, is an architectural monument of the 18th century, a great historical and cultural value and an important landmark of Belarus.