History
Before the Belarusian lands became part of the Russian Empire, two Catholic churches operated in Ivenets: the Holy Trinity Church and the Church of St. Michael the Archangel. Both were closed at the end of the 19th century and transferred to the Orthodox Church, leaving Catholics without a place to worship. Only in the early 20th century did Catholic life begin to revive: initially, services were held in a cemetery chapel, and in 1904, authorities granted permission to build a new church. The church was named after Saint Alexius, the patron of Tsarevich Alexei, as a gesture of gratitude for the approval. Construction lasted three years, and in December 1907, the church was solemnly consecrated. Over more than a century, the church experienced closure, conversion into an archive, and years of neglect, but was returned to the faithful in 1988. Since the 1990s, the church has been served by Franciscan monks who continue their ministry there to this day.
Architecture
The architectural design of St. Alexius Church is executed in the Neo-Gothic style, inspired by classic European churches. The project was developed by architect Michał Gotowski, who used the Church of St. Anne in Vilnius as a reference. The building is made of red brick and built in the shape of a Latin cross with a pronounced apse and a distinct transept. A signature element of the church is its two-tiered, four-sided bell tower with a pointed entrance arch and an elegant rose window — a hallmark of Gothic architecture. The interior features fine wood carvings, frescoes, and a richly decorated altar. The underground crypts house the tombs of the Plevako family, who owned the land during the church’s construction.
Excursions
A visit to St. Alexius Church is included in many tours across Belarus, especially those focused on Catholic and architectural heritage. A tour from Minsk to Ivenets offers a chance to connect with history and experience the sacred atmosphere within the church’s walls. The tour includes stories about the church’s challenging fate, its architectural features, and its historical significance.
