| Duration: | 3 Hour(s) - 0 Minute(s) |
| Tour Category: | Half Day Tour |
Sts Boris and Gleb Church (Kolozha Church) is an architectural pearl of ancient Grodno, a unique specimen of Eastern Orthodox architecture in Belarus and the entire Eastern Europe.
Constructed in the northwestern part of Ancient Rus in the 12th century, the Kolozha Church is not like any other church in the world. This Christian Halidom was nominated for the UNESCO World Heritage List.
It is unknown when the construction of the church began. It is believed that the church was erected on the steep bank of the Neman River in Grodno in 1140-1170. The church was founded by the sons of Grodno Prince Vsevolod and named in honor of the first Russian saints – Princes Boris and Gleb.
The church has another name – Kolozha Church and this name is more common now. The name “Kolozha” derives from the Kolozhan district in Grodno where the church was built. The word “Kolozhan” meant a place overflowing with spring wells. Others believe that the name Kolozha has to do with the resettlement of residents of the Kolozha fortress after the victorious campaign of Duke Vitaut to Pskov in 1409.
The church was designed following the traditions of the Byzantine temple architecture. Nevertheless, it has no direct analogs either in the Old Russian or in the Balkan architecture.
The Kolozha Church is a six-column Triapsidal temple with additional space in the pre-altar part.
The Kolozha Church is unique due to the large number of ceramic vase-like indentations built into the walls. This architectural feature provides the temple with wonderful acoustics.
Today the Kolozha Church is one of the oldest functioning temples in Belarus. Apart from services and religious celebrations, the church also runs a Sunday school and a house church in honor of the icon of the Mother of God of Kolozha.
According to the legend, the image of the Holy Mother was willed to the church by a bagger who carried the wonderworking icon votively on his chest. They say that since the 17th century, the icon has cured many people of different ailments.
25 May is the day of the icon worship and dedication of the Church of the Kolozha Icon of the Mother of God. The day is celebrated with a liturgy and a prayer service.
The Kolozha Church is situated not far from the Old Castle of Grodno, which was the residence of Grand Duke Vitaut many centuries ago.
Address: 8 Kolozha Street
