Lauryshava Monastery

Lauryshava Monastery comprises two stone churches and monastic buildings positioned along the Nioman River in northern Belarus. The complex displays the typical layout of a medieval religious community with spaces dedicated to worship, residence, and daily work.

Prince Vaišvilkas founded the monastery in the 1260s during a period of religious development in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. A devastating Tatar raid in 1530 killed all resident monks, triggering multiple phases of reconstruction and rebuilding.

The monastery served as a center for religious learning and manuscript production throughout the medieval period. Visitors today can sense the spiritual purpose that drew monks and pilgrims to this location for hundreds of years.

The grounds are open for religious services and guided visits, with ongoing archaeological excavations at the original site. Keep in mind that active archaeology means portions of the complex may be cordoned off periodically for research purposes.

The monastery is home to the Lauryshava Gospel of 1329, one of the earliest written works in the Belarusian language. This manuscript demonstrates that the site served not only as a place of worship but also as a vital center for early written culture.

Location: Ščorsaŭski Sieĺsaviet

Founders: Vaišvilkas

GPS coordinates: 53.70194,26.18944

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:08