There is an interesting agricultural town in the Ostrovetsky district Michalishki, where everyone can watch a unique bosom with a rich interior and luxurious bas-reliefs. The first mentions of the town date back to the first half of the 16th century, and already when the lands were owned by Jan Brzostowski (early 17th century), an Augustinian monastery was founded in Michaliski.
Building Church of St. Michael the Archangel dates back to 1653 (some sources give the date 1684). It is believed that the initiator of the construction was the son of Jan Brzostowski - Cyprian Pavel.
A Belgian architect, Christophe Pence, was invited to design the church. The result of his work was a unique example of the so-called Sarmatian Baroque.
An ascetic temple with massive two-tiered towers and almost no decorative external elements hides its amazing interior from everyone.
The compact single-nave church is distinguished by an abundance of bas-reliefs and stucco moldings. Almost all the walls of the temple are decorated with motifs on religious themes, sculptures of saints, ornaments from plants and even dragons.
Be sure to pay attention to the golden pulpit with an eagle (the coat of arms of the Brzostowski family).
Of course, the main altar stands out.
In the towers of the church there are chapels, in the right with the burial of the Kotvichys, and in the left - the Brzostovskys.
The monastery in Mihalishki appeared back in 1622, it is interesting that the Augustinian monks were quite rare guests on the lands of Belarus, Pope Pius V at one time ranked the Augustinians among the four mendicant orders.
Since 1832, the Augustinian monastery was closed, and the church became an ordinary parish church. Most of the monastery buildings were dismantled over time.
By its architecture church in Michalishki very reminiscent of Zasvir temple, which appeared under the order of the Carmelites. In both temples, the entrance group deserves special attention. Instead of the usual swing doors, there is an ascetic barbican, which used to perform a protective function.
In the niche of this barbican there is a statue of Jesus Christ.
Around the church there is a fence made of rubble stone with a two-arch gate and a forged fence.
On the outskirts of the agricultural town you can see Catholic chapel of 1857. Below is a point with the place where the church is located:
If you are in these parts, I also recommend stopping by Kemelishki и Bystrica.
