Vitebsk one of the oldest cities Belarus with a rich history, but it so happened that the events of the mid-20th century made many adjustments to the appearance of the city. Almost all historical temples were destroyed and badly damaged. Was no exception and The Annunciation Church - perhaps the oldest attraction of Vitebsk.
The Annunciation Church - representative ancient Polotsk architectural direction of the 12th century. It has six-pillared three-apse cross- dome shape.
It is assumed that the construction was made by the Byzantines, a similar technique in those days was characteristic of the masters of Constantinople.
Under Soviet rule, the church was abandoned and was in disrepair. During World War II, the temple building was partially destroyed, but at the same time the church remained a reliable shelter and shelter for the affected residents of Vitebsk, who lost their homes.
The temple was blown up in 1961 by decision of the city government (during that period, several more significant objects of the city were destroyed, including Bernardine church). Later, in the 70s, the preserved sections of the church walls were mothballed.
1992 was a significant year for the church, as a project was developed and approved to restore it to its original form. The masonry of the temple was left unplastered in order to have an idea of what the walls looked like in the first centuries after construction. Already at the beginning of January 1999, the first service was held in the temple.
What else to see in the city? Be sure to climb the mountain to the Assumption Cathedral and take a walk to the historical part. Near the town hall you can see Resurrection Church, like the Church of the Annunciation, it was blown up. Selection of excursions around Vitebsk.
