Fabulous castle of Grodno region: the history of a unique church in Solakh

This temple can be safely called an architectural pearl not only of Grodno region, but also of the whole Belarus. The Church of the Virgin Mary Ruzentsova (Rosaria) in the agro-town of Sola from afar resembles a fabulous castle and deservedly enters the list of the most beautiful religious buildings in the country.

According to chronicle sources, the Catholic parish here was founded in the XVI century. The first wooden church, built at the expense of Christopher Radziwill, burned down during the Russian-Polish war in the middle of the XVII century.

The temple was subsequently rebuilt. More than once! Alas, wooden buildings often fell victim to fires that could rage not only during hostilities, but also in peacetime. So the church in Solakh disappeared because of the fire, but again and again it was restored. Until in 1926, the construction of a stone temple began in the town.

The project of the future church of the Virgin Mary Ruzentsova was ordered from the architect Adam Dubanovich. And he did not fail: he presented absolutely amazing ideas in the Art Nouveau style with neo-Baroque features. To bring them to life entrusted Boniface Trachnevich. Interestingly, the funds for the construction of the temple were collected by parishioners. In 1934 he was consecrated and since then he has not closed his doors to the faithful.

The church in Solakh impresses primarily with its unusual appearance. Asymmetrical, voluminous, with a figure finish - you will not find another such in the whole country. Mystery of the temple adds the figure of the knight-sword-bearer, which can be seen on the roof.

The interior remains almost unchanged. The main decoration is frescoes with large figure compositions and floral ornamentation by Peter Sergievich and Felix Tober. The side altars are consecrated in honor of the Mother of God of Ostrobram and the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and the central one in honor of the Virgin Mary Ruzentsova. A particularly revered image in the church is considered to be the Częstochowa Icon of the Mother of God.

Sophia Arsenyeva,

infong@sb.by