St. Sofia Cathedral

5.0

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polymir2006

Level 4 Local Expert

Everyone must see it!!!

Владислав

Level 19 Local Expert

A beautiful place, opposite the cathedral there is an observation deck with a view of the river and the bridge. There is a museum inside, as well as regular organ music concerts. I just managed to get here on one of those days. It is very well maintained both inside and out. One of the key tourist destinations in Polotsk!

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Мария

Level 14 Local Expert

The beauty of this building is impressive. Concerts are given here for organ music lovers. For the sake of interest, we also visited. The playground near the cathedral is neat, everything is beautiful, and it offers a wonderful view of the river and the park opposite. The cathedral itself is located on a hill, which is reached by a beautiful staircase.

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Анна Журавлева

Level 9 Local Expert

The most beautiful cathedral, the visiting card of the city, is a must-visit. The entrance to view the exhibitions costs 6 BYN, with the possibility to go down to the basement. I was also very lucky to get to the last one (on this day).a mini concert of organ music (worth 10 BYN), which lasted 30 minutes, but it was enough to experience the full power and greatness of the instrument in skillful hands. If I remember correctly, such mini concerts take place at 3 p.m., 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., according to the staff, they try to seat everyone, so there is no point in taking care of tickets in advance.

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Лана Ф

Level 21 Local Expert

In the territory of ancient Russia, around the 11th century, Byzantine architects rebuilt 3 St. Sophia Cathedrals: in Veliky Novgorod, Polotsk and Kiev. If St. Sophia of Novgorod has practically preserved its original appearance, then 2 other cathedrals have been rebuilt. A week ago I had a chance to visit St. Sophia Cathedral in Polotsk. The cathedral today is a museum and at the same time a concert hall for organ music.In the lower hall of the cathedral, which is reached by a wooden staircase, you can see a model of that ancient cathedral, the remains of ancient masonry, as well as artifacts found during the restoration. Since the temple was actually rebuilt in 1770 in the Vilna Baroque style, we will see the corresponding decoration with small preserved fragments of paintings from the 11th century on the eastern wall of the cathedral. Naturally, the temple should definitely be visited, along with the Spaso-Euphrosyne Monastery and the museum of local lore...

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Ольга Непрозванова

Level 3 Local Expert

An amazing, incredibly beautiful place! We were in St. Sophia Cathedral on a guided tour, we made it 40 minutes before closing time. They met us, told us a lot, allowed us to walk around the cathedral on our own, let us into the basements, and politely informed us of the closure.

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Владимир Кратенок

Level 11 Local Expert

The cathedral is located on the high bank of the Western Dvina River, which offers a beautiful panorama of the city. The cathedral itself impresses with its impressive size.

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Олег Погорелов

Level 19 Local Expert

A beautiful cathedral. Tall, 50 m, slim. There are many interesting architectural and construction solutions. Nearby, just below the stairs, there is a delicious well-maintained spring. It is a pity that it is used as a museum and a concert hall. We were at the concert of organ music. A whole hour of completely unknown works by completely unknown authors ... As a result, the concert is very tedious, people began to leave 10 minutes after the start...

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Екатерина

Level 12 Local Expert

Beautiful snow-white old cathedral. We looked at it from all sides and all shores. The queues on the weekend are long and when you go inside, you won't see anything without a tour, as everything is curtained. If you want to take a look, pay up. It's interesting to see. Walking around is priceless. Beautiful views of the river and the landscaped grounds.

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Амели

Level 15 Local Expert

The most beautiful cathedral in Polotsk! Convenient location : near the Western Dvina , the Cadet corps , the university and other Polotsk museums within walking distance.Organ music is played on certain days and usually lasts about 30 minutes. Souvenirs are sold inside. There are many shops, I definitely recommend you to visit !!!

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Ю Я

Level 15 Local Expert

Until recently, the entrance was free, but now it's 6 rubles. for entering, just look. They are unlikely to be allowed into the underground part of the cathedral, where the church in which the future Abbess Euphrosyne prayed was originally located. However, it is worth noting that the cathedral's territory is being improved, the descent and playgrounds have been updated, and more are being built, and wide pedestrian paths are being laid.

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Антон

Level 19 Local Expert

I've been driving by all my life. This year (at a conscious age, probably) we decided to stop by. The wonder of the world! The architecture is very beautiful. The entrance is around 300 rubles, you can look inside. The organ plays on Saturdays, it's worth listening to. Plus Polotsk itself (the old town) is very, very beautiful. Impressive

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Иван Рогнар

Level 30 Local Expert

A magnificent cathedral of a somewhat unusual appearance for Orthodoxy. It stands on a high hill, very elegant, beautiful and majestic, in the style of the Vilna (Uniansky) Baroque. Part of the building has been preserved since the 11th century, it is the oldest stone building in modern Belarus. The cathedral was Uniate for a long time, which resulted in the persecution of Uniate monks by Peter the Great in 1705 and the closure of the cathedral.

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Roman Zhitin

Level 20 Local Expert

St. Sophia Cathedral in Polotsk is one of the oldest churches in Belarus, an outstanding monument of architecture and culture. Originally built in the 11th century, it has been rebuilt several times, including in the Vilna Baroque style. Today it is not only an active temple, but also a museum, as well as a concert hall with unique acoustics.

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Василий Верещагин

Level 13 Local Expert

A very beautiful observation deck, go to the temple if you are interested in history, the view of the Dvina and the bridges is amazing. There is a spring almost at the top of the stairs. The water is delicious, the decoration is original.

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Данила Кузнецов

Level 10 Local Expert

I'll start with the cons right away, the attitude of the staff towards the visitors is terrible!!! They answer rudely, it's difficult for them to suggest anything, they are very arrogant, although they don't represent anything of themselves, the cashier, the caretakers, the supervisors, and the attitude is as if they are the architects of this cathedral. The attitude towards tourists in the city itself is terrible, and the cathedral is simply being stripped of money, for each floor separately, it is impossible to look with one eye behind the curtains, they are dragged away by force. The expositions are also not supernatural, I would not call this cathedral a museum, yes, there are exhibits that cause some sensations, but that would be just ah and oh no, but it's as if we see the second coming of Jesus here. The cathedral itself is beautiful, very beautiful, what it's worth going here for is an organ concert, it's great, Ksenia is a very good organist, it was great to hear Bach live, in general the cathedral is beautiful, it's worth going here more for the sake of the view of the cathedral than for what's inside, inside just for the sake of an organ concert. If you want to go to a museum, I recommend the museum near the cathedral, which is located in the church. Thank you all and good luck!

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Павел Костюк

Level 26 Local Expert

One of the most beautiful ancient cathedrals in the republic. The exterior offers wonderful views and other interesting places. The territory is cleaned, everything is neat. Partial repairs have been made and it is possible to assess what the building was like and what has now turned out. An active fountain is installed inside, where concerts are constantly held. There is also a small museum for a very nominal fee...

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Ирина Кот

Level 7 Local Expert

There is a museum in the cathedral building now, to impress me, no, there are bare walls and statues of saints in some places, the only thing you can do is go down to the basement and look at the foundation, but this is also for an amateur. However, in one place there is a piece of preserved frescoes and a piece of the floor.

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ИВАН

Level 11 Local Expert

St. Sophia Cathedral in Polotsk is one of the oldest Christian shrines in Belarus, built in the middle of the 11th century. A symbol of the power and independence of the Principality of Polotsk.

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Наталья Мамченкова

Level 26 Local Expert

It's a wonderful place! We definitely stop by when we arrive in Belarus. We are interested in the organ music concert in advance. Great organ sound. Kind, helpful staff. Everything is wonderful, the atmosphere, the music. Excellent repair, updated paths, steps! I recommend it!

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Екатерина Беляева

Level 23 Local Expert

Sofia Polotskaya is an incredible beauty, the place itself is so beautiful, it seems to hover over the Western Dvina, the high bank, the temple itself is now an organ hall, you can enjoy organic music, everything is very beautiful, a place that has been prayed for centuries.

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Amica

Level 11 Local Expert

The cathedral is really very beautiful! It's definitely worth a look inside if you're in the city. And what a view of the river opens from there... It's just a miracle! The beauty is incredible, especially at sunset. I highly recommend you to visit!

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Татьяна Ермакова

Level 18 Local Expert

The wonderful cathedral is in excellent condition. The Vilna Baroque has been completely restored. The Cathedral of the Belarusian Exarchate of the Moscow Patriarchate. I am glad that the whole of Belarus has been restored from the ruins of the wars with the Fascists and Bolsheviks according to accurate drawings and plans. Low bow to all those involved. There is a miraculous icon of the Most Holy Theotokos of Minsk in the Cathedral. The relics of St. Sophia of Slutsk. I was upset by an assistant from the sisterhood (apparently, because she was wearing a white veil with a cross), who advocated complete order (as in hell). But at the same time, another assistant smoothed out the impression of the parishioners, who saw this, building on a ruler, and modestly, without pathos, gave her prosphora to me. It is joyful that there are still such people who correctly understand what love and service to God are.

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Татьяна Цапкина

Level 15 Local Expert

St. Sophia Cathedral is a beautiful, majestic cathedral located on a hill above. The Western Dvina. Being on its territory does not leave the feeling that you are touching history. It's now a museum inside. There's a fucking concert on Sundays.

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Александр Злобин

Level 17 Local Expert

The place is not just special, it is very significant both in religion and in the history of our country, I recommend visiting it. The Church of Euphrosyne of Polotsk is a pearl of antiquity that has survived to the present day.

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Сергей

Level 12 Local Expert

We visited Polotsk twice and were twice unable to get inside the cathedral. The first time was prevented by the New Year holidays , the second time by the wedding . Yes, yes , standing for an hour under the doors of the cathedral in the heat , with a busy city tour program , there was no desire . In the churches of Grodno , for example, there are simply signs asking them not to make noise during the service . Services were held freely in other Orthodox cathedrals in Grodno , Vitebsk and Polotsk . Outwardly , of course , it is beautiful .

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Олег Новицкий

Level 22 Local Expert

We were on an excursion from the sanatorium in Polotsk. We were absolutely amazed by the organ concert in St. Sophia Cathedral! And this is in a small town, not even a regional center! It's just unbelievable.

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Василий

Level 8 Local Expert

St. Sophia Cathedral in Polotsk impresses with its beauty and atmosphere. I especially liked the concert of organ music - the sound in the walls of the cathedral is simply fascinating. A must-visit!

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Кирилл

Level 8 Local Expert

a great and picturesque place, a beautiful territory and a suspension bridge, and there is also a spring where you can get water.

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Виктория Муковоз

Level 12 Local Expert

It's a beautiful cathedral inside, but the entrance is paid, so be prepared. It's a pity we didn't have time for the concert. We would love to hear it. Beautiful views from it. I recommend you to visit.

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SevaJes

Level 11 Local Expert

The architecture was impressive, we got on a tour, be sure to take it: the cathedral is small, you can walk quickly, but the most important thing is that the tour tells you why they appreciate the landmark and why it is included in the UNESCO heritage list, it's really interesting to listen) I recommend

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959925 Хавич

Level 12 Local Expert

A grand cathedral! And how beautiful it is from the opposite side of the Western Dvina, from Victory Park! The cost of the tour is ridiculous- 6 rubles. Organ music concert-12 rub. It was a very interesting tour! Well, the views next to the cathedral are impressive 👍

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Анастасия

Level 8 Local Expert

The building is beautiful both outside and inside There are places nearby to sit and take a break

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Req_ Æt

Level 30 Local Expert

Of course, the history of this unique temple is impressive. It was built in the XI century. In the middle of the XVIII century, it was thoroughly rebuilt in the style of the Vilna Baroque. Fragments of masonry and an almost completely preserved ancient foundation have survived from the temple of the XI century. It was built as an Orthodox cathedral. In 1596 it was transferred to the Uniate Church. From 1642 to 1667 it was Orthodox, then it was transferred back to the Uniates. During the Northern War, by order of Peter I, the cathedral was used as an ammunition depot, after the explosion in 1710 it was significantly destroyed. In 1924, the church was closed and a museum of local lore was placed in it. During the period of German occupation from 1942 to July 1944, it was active, and then it was closed again. It now houses a museum and a concert hall. The bright Baroque interior has been preserved . We arrived exactly at the opening at 10 o'clock (opening time on the official website of the museum). However, we were asked to wait an hour because there was a rehearsal going on. An hour later, they were very reluctantly allowed in (the ticket cost is 5 rubles). Most likely, the museum and the official website of the museum live in different dimensions. But don't worry, the place is amazingly beautiful

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Татьяна Куликова

Level 13 Local Expert

We were in July. I liked the cathedral. But we did not listen to the organ, but only ordered a tour. As a result, we paid 5 rubles (150 rubles in Russian) for admission from each adult, 2.5 rubles (75 rubles in Russian) for the child. They accept the Russian mir card for payment! The tour lasted 40 minutes. It was interesting to see the supporting pillars and surviving walls from the 12th century and a few finds.

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Андрей Александрович

Level 30 Local Expert

It was modeled after St. Sophia Cathedral in Constantinople. It has come down to our time in the Baroque style. It is now a defunct object of Orthodoxy. There is a museum here. In its history, the cathedral was an Orthodox church, a basilica, a warehouse, and something else)

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Павел Терентьев

Level 14 Local Expert

A beautiful cathedral. The old masonry and low ceiling have been preserved below, coins and decorations from the 11th-12th century are presented.

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Michel

Level 18 Local Expert

A beautiful temple. Everything is well-maintained from the outside. The only caveat is that it turned out to be a museum inside, not an active temple. There is a descent to the embankment right next to it.

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Александр

Level 30 Local Expert

A cathedral with an ancient history. It was repeatedly rebuilt, destroyed, and even "moved" from denomination to denomination. Unfortunately, there is no way to get inside now - restoration work is underway (this is, of course, good). But there is an opportunity to explore the cathedral from all sides and admire its architecture. If there is such an opportunity, then visit this place. Especially with a guided tour and you will learn a lot of interesting things about the history of this cathedral.

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Andrey

Level 30 Local Expert

The cathedral has an atypical appearance for an Orthodox church. Admission is paid, because this is a museum. Inside there is an artifact for an Orthodox church in the form of an organ.

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Алла Офицерова

Level 12 Local Expert

A very beautiful cathedral, an observation deck nearby, Borisov stone.

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Svitla2022

Level 16 Local Expert

The cathedral is one of the sights of Polotsk. It is located on a hill, on the river bank. A very beautiful and iconic place. The cathedral has an ancient history. Beautiful architecture. Currently, it is not possible to visit, but staying nearby has left the most vivid impressions.

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Наталья

Level 8 Local Expert

A beautiful place with stunning views. From the observation deck across the river on a sunny day, it looks incredible, snow-white, majestic. It's like he's floating in the clouds.

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Юлия Гостева

Level 17 Local Expert

I recommend. Of course, the museum is not big, but the temporary significance of the cathedral is impressive, I want to touch the history.

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Полина

Level 14 Local Expert

The first stone temple on the territory of Belarus. It was built in the 11th century, and was thoroughly rebuilt centuries later. From the original temple of the 11th century, only the ancient foundation, fragments of masonry and partially frescoed paintings have survived to the present day. The history of the monument can be found in the cathedral museum. St. Sophia Cathedral of Polotsk, a field of temples of the same name appeared in Kiev and Veliky Novgorod, all of them were built in the image of St. Sophia Cathedral in Constantinople according to the Byzantine canons. Over the course of several centuries, the cathedral was destroyed, rebuilt and completely changed its original appearance in the 18th century, when it was rebuilt in the style of the Vilna Baroque, characteristic of that time. Organ music concerts are regularly held within the walls of the cathedral. I highly recommend it, the organ in the temple sounds luxurious, voluminous and unforgettable.

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Виктор Да

Level 17 Local Expert

Very beautiful architecture. It is a pity that it has not been preserved to our times in its splendor. The organ and the music it produces are beyond comparison.

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фролова лида

Level 28 Local Expert

The organ is simply goosebumps. The tour is very cool and interesting. I definitely advise you to visit!

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George

Level 18 Local Expert

There are St. Sophia cathedrals in Constantinople (now Istanbul), Kiev, Novgorod, and Polotsk, the oldest city in Belarus. Now there is a museum and a wonderful concert hall with a magnificent organ and excellent acoustics. An organ music concert on the day when the snowfall stopped for several hours.It was even freezing and sunny. Very atmospheric!

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lubsvvh I7

Level 10 Local Expert

The interior is beautiful, weddings are traditionally held here, and there seem to be excursions.I love Sofia, even at night you look at her from afar, and she glows.

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Lena

Level 8 Local Expert

It's worth a visit. It's a very beautiful place. There is a small museum in the basement and an organ. There is a large landscaped area nearby.

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St. Sofia Cathedral

838 reviews