Monastery of Saint Barbara, Orthodox monastery in Pinsk, Belarus.
The Monastery of Saint Barbara stands as a historic religious complex in Pinsk, featuring traditional Eastern Orthodox architecture with brick construction, distinctive cupolas, and auxiliary buildings that have served the monastic community for centuries.
Originally established as a Bernardine monastery in the 16th century, the complex was founded in 1520 by order of Polish King Sigismund I and later transformed into an Orthodox monastery following various political and religious changes throughout Belarus history.
The monastery serves as an active center of Orthodox worship and pilgrimage, housing precious religious artifacts including 16th-19th century icons, ancient manuscripts, and the revered icon of Saint Barbara that attracts believers from across the region.
Visitors can access the monastery year-round with guided tours available upon request, and the complex operates daily religious services while maintaining a library, Sunday school, and educational programs for both children and adults.
The monastery preserves the miraculous 15th-century icon 'Mother of God Jerusalem Guide' and maintains legends of divine protection, including stories of monks surviving invasions unharmed and a nearby spring believed to possess healing properties.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.