Overview:

St. Michael's Cathedral is located in Grodno, Belarus and is a Roman Catholic church. The church was established in 1651 and then rebuilt in the 18th century. The interior of the church features sculptures from the 17th century, and its frescoes were painted in the 19th century. The church is still in use today and is a popular tourist attraction. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Belarus
Prominent Features:

1. Late Baroque architecture: The Church of St. Michael the Archangel is an impressive example of Late Baroque architecture, boasting classical columns, large domes, and a bell tower. 2. Grandiose interiors: The interior of the cathedral is decorated with large and intricate frescoes that were painted by Italian artists in the 18th century. 3. Relics & artifacts: The church is also home to a great number of important relics and artifacts, such as the “Old Testament” icon collection, a four-meter-high 18th-century iconostasis, and a 17th-century copy of the miraculous icon of St. Michael the Archangel. 4. Magnificent stained-glass windows: The Church of St. Michael the Archangel also features magnificent stained-glass windows that serve as a stunning display of the region’s artistry. 5. Magnificent altar: The main altar of the church is a grand and ornate structure of white marble with two Reliefs of angel heads, which portray the spiritual authority of the Archangel. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Belarus.

History:

St. Michael's Cathedral in Grodno is an Orthodox cathedral located in the city of Grodno, Belarus. The exact construction date of the cathedral is not known, though records indicate that it existed as far back as the late 11th century and the beginning of the 12th century. The cathedral was built by Grand Duke Vitovt, who reigned from 1392 to 1430. He was responsible for much of the construction taking place in Grodno; a few of his projects included the expansion of the Granary, the Church of St. Andrew the First-called, and the eponymous Cathedral of St. Michael. The temple was built in a distinct Belarusian style, which was more in line with the architecture of the Republic of Novgorod and stands in stark contrast to the ornate Russian approach to church building. The church was heavily damaged in the 16th century, and was rebuilt around 1628. The current appearance of the cathedral was defined after a major renovation in 1743. Since 1941, St. Michael’s Cathedral had suffered extensive damage due to German bombings during World War II. However, significant amounts of restoration work was done during and after the war. Subsequent renovations, when necessary, have achieved the goal of preserving the original structural integrity of the building, and the beauty and historical value of the cathedral. As of this day, St. Michael's Cathedral is considered the spiritual heart of Grodno and a major tourist attraction. Visit one of the famous monuments of Belarus with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. St. Michael's Cathedral is located in the center of Grodno, Belarus. 2. It was built in 1578-1582 during the reign of King Stephen Báthory of Poland and Grand Prince of Lithuania. 3. The Cathedral is famous for its Baroque interior and 19th century Neo-classical structure. 4. The Baroque style of the interior of St. Michael’s Cathedral is richly adorned with sculptures and paintings. 5. It has paintings by famous Polish painter Lazarus Hruby and sculptures of Caspar Friederich-Burckhardt. 6. In the center of the sanctuary is an altar with the painting – "The Birth of Our Lord – Jesus Christ" 7. The Cathedral also has other works of art, including a number of valuable icons painted by famous Belarusian iconographers such as Lukas Reinartz and Albinas Kuklo. 8. In 2014, St. Michael’s Cathedral was added to the Belarusian and European list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites – becoming the first Orthodox Church to do so. One of the historical monuments of Belarus, it tells the story of a bygone era