Old Cathedral of St. Barbara and St. Paul, Vitebsk, Catholic cathedral in Vitebsk, Belarus.
The Cathedral of St. Barbara and St. Paul in Vitebsk is a brick building crowned by two prominent towers that define the city skyline. Its facade blends Baroque details with Romanesque Revival forms, showcasing the craftsmanship of its construction.
The building was constructed in 1785 beside a cemetery and underwent major renovation from 1884 to 1885 under architect Wiktor Junosza Piotrowski. This reconstruction shaped its appearance and marked an important chapter in the city's architectural development.
The cathedral represents a significant part of Belarusian religious heritage, serving the Catholic community of Vitebsk from its construction until the Soviet period.
The cathedral is open to visitors during regular service times, which you can confirm locally before your visit. Some areas may occasionally be closed due to ongoing restoration work, so it is worth checking ahead.
From 1999 to 2011, this building served as the principal cathedral of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Vitebsk before that role passed to the Cathedral of Merciful Jesus. This shift reflects the evolving religious life in the region during the modern era.
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