The history of appearing of the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Mogilev

One of the oldest settlements of Belarus appeared about 7 centuries ago had many ancient and valuable attractions. Though the city was founded early, but it began to actively develop not at once. Beginning with the 17^th century this settlement was considered a large craft and trade center.  

Very valuable and unique architectural structures have been preserved on the territory of Mogilev. One of the attractions of this ancient city is the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross built of brick in the 17^th century. Initially this structure was a dwelling house.  

Only in the mid-19^th century the building of the dwelling house was converted into the Church. According to some sources this Church was also called the Church of Sts. Boris and Gleb.

Today the Church is presented as a baptismal church at the Cathedral of the same name, which is in working condition and is open to parishioners and tourists.

The description of the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Mogilev

The Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is performed in a mixed architectural style. It combines the Baroque style and the Russian retrospective style. Initially, the construction of the temple looked like a building, divided with a wall into spaces of different size with one floor and square layout that is completed with a hipped roof.  

The temple acquired asymmetry only during the restoration in the 19^th century. This became noticeable after the conversion of the building into an apse with three faces from the Eastern side. Also to the Western part of the Church was added a belfry in the form of an onion dome, consisting of two tiers. The tent of the belfry is small, however this annexe certainly changed the Church.

On the facade of the Church were used such methods of decoration as the use of ornament of vegetative character with the help of the technique of fresco painting, which can be partially seen on the Southern side of the building. This vegetative figured ornament, which was performed on wet plaster, was created on the basis of Belarusian folk crafts. All these features of painting and various wall decorations are typical for buildings of the 17^th century, as well as other features of architecture that have been preserved to the present day.

Deep undergrounds are located under the Church building. The underground life of any ancient building is always much more interesting than the above-ground one. There is something mysterious and enigmatic in it.  

Like many other architectural monuments in Mogilev, the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy cross fully preserved the spirit and flavor of the historical events of the past of these places. Nowadays the Church attracts many tourists who choose a vacation in Belarus. If you want to visit one of the shrines of Mogilev, you can safely go to this amazing temple that will enrich the cultural world of every traveler.