Saint Sophia Cathedral in Polotsk

The Saint Sophia Cathedral stands on the right bank of the Western Dvina River, featuring a white exterior with five domes in Vilna Baroque style.

Built between 1044 and 1066 under Prince Vseslav Briacheslavich, the cathedral represents one of the earliest stone churches constructed in the territory of modern Belarus.

The cathedral functions as a concert hall and museum, displaying architectural exhibits including ancient frescos and fragments dating from the eleventh century.

The cathedral opens daily for visitors who can explore the museum of architecture, attend musical performances, and learn about medieval Eastern Slavonic construction methods.

Archaeological excavations revealed burial vaults of sixteen Polotsk princes from the eleventh century within the cathedral grounds, confirming its role as a royal necropolis.

Location: Polatsk

Inception: 1740

Architects: Johann Christoph Glaubitz

Architectural style: Viĺnia Baroque

Website: http://sophia.polotsk.museum.by

Made from material: brick

Part of: World Heritage Tentative List for Belarus

Website: http://sophia.polotsk.museum.by

GPS coordinates: 55.48628,28.75864

Latest update: May 26, 2025 21:48