Sophia

St. Sophia Cathedral in Polotsk – the cradle of Christianity on this land – was built around 1044-1066.

It was originally a cubic shape and topped with seven domes. Unplastered facade allowed you to see the masonry with specific drowned rows. Fragments of ancient masonry, preserved from the XI century, can still be seen today. Other ancient parts of the cathedral, including frescoes, are now kept in a museum dedicated to the architecture and history of the cathedral.

Like Polotsk itself, the temple experienced many tragic events, and at the turn of the XV and XVI centuries it was completely rebuilt into a defensive church. At the beginning of the XVIII century, a powder warehouse exploded in the cathedral and it was rebuilt again, although preserving the ancient foundation and remains of the walls. After reconstruction, it became a three-nave temple with symmetrical towers in the style of Vilna or Late Belarusian Baroque. The interior was enriched with stucco, figure cornices and rather bright colors. Of the former paintings preserved: a copy of the famous fresco by Leonardo da Vinci “The Last Supper” and “Savior Not Made by Hands”.

The modern church of Hagia Sophia bears little resemblance to the Orthodox Church and today is more of a cultural center than a parish. There is a concert hall and a museum, there are annual music festivals.