Zhyrovichy Monastery

Zhyrovichy Monastery is an Orthodox monastic complex in Belarus featuring multiple churches that blend Baroque and Classical architectural styles. The grounds contain residential quarters, seminary buildings, orchards, and gardens forming the largest religious center in the country.

The monastery was established in 1520 after shepherds reportedly found a miraculous icon of the Mother of God in a pear tree at this location. This legendary discovery became the foundation for the site's spiritual importance and pilgrimage tradition.

Pilgrims from across the Orthodox world visit this monastery to venerate the sacred icon, and the site remains a center of devotion and spiritual practice. The place holds deep meaning for believers who see it as a location where faith and miraculous events intersect.

The site is best explored on foot, as the various buildings and areas of the complex are connected by pathways and courtyards. Spring and summer offer the most pleasant conditions for visiting, when the weather is mild and the gardens are in full growth.

The venerated icon itself is surprisingly tiny, measuring only about five centimeters in height. Despite its miniature size, it ranks among the most revered Orthodox images in the world and attracts believers from many nations.