History of Construction
The construction of the stone church began in the 18th century on the site of an old wooden church from 1627. The initiator of the construction was Antoni Tadeusz Przezdziecki, the owner of the Zaslavl estate. Although the magnate died in 1772, his sons Michał and Dominik completed the construction. It is believed that renowned craftsmen worked on the decoration: Italian architect Carlo Spampani, sculptor Karol Yelsky, and painter Antoni Smuglewicz. This makes the church particularly interesting for tourists fascinated by Baroque art.
After the uprising of 1863–1864, the church was transferred to the Orthodox Church and, in 1868, was rebuilt in the Byzantine-Russian style. A dome and bell tower appeared. The church remained in this form until 1944 when it was destroyed during World War II. For decades, the building remained in ruins until restoration work began in the 1980s, and in 2003 the church was finally returned to the Catholic community. Today, restoration continues, and the church is once again becoming a spiritual and cultural center of Zaslavl.
Architecture and Interior
The church is a single-nave building with an elongated apse and two sacristies on the sides. The main façade is a vivid example of late Baroque, featuring a complex spatial composition. Inside, the church originally had three altars: the main stone altar with an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and two wooden ones with depictions of the Crucified Christ and Saint Anthony. The church walls are up to two meters thick, giving the building a monumental and solid appearance.
Interesting Facts
Next to the church, in the Catholic cemetery, lies Jan-Boreyko Chodzko — a well-known Belarusian writer and public figure of the 19th century, author of the popular collection “Pan Jan from Svislach.” Beneath the altar of the church is the tomb of the Przezdziecki family, who played a significant role in the development of Zaslavl. These facts make the church interesting not only for pilgrims but also for all who are interested in the cultural heritage of Belarus.
Excursions with a Visit to the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Excursions with a visit to the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary are a great opportunity to explore the history and architecture of Belarusian Catholic heritage. It is one of the oldest churches in the country, impressing visitors with its elegance and atmosphere of tranquility. Taking part in an excursion allows you not only to explore the church interior but also to discover fascinating facts about its past and cultural significance in the region.
You can visit the church as part of the following excursions from Minsk: Zaslavl - Radoshkovichi (ceramics factory), Ancient Zaslavl - Stalin Line, Minsk - Khatyn - Mound of Glory - Stalin Line - Zaslavl (2 days), Memorial Sites of Belarusian Lands (5 days). We recommend booking the excursion in advance by choosing the most convenient route and date for you.
