Gervyaty: Most beautiful Catholic cathedral in Belarus

Welcome to Gervyaty!

If you come to Belarus by your own from Lithuania (Gudogai checkpoint, 28 km.) do not miss the oppotunity to visit the agro town of Gervyaty in the Grodno region. It was first mentioned in a chronicle as a village in 1434 and is situated on the bank of a tiny Losha river. Being small in size the place has the most beautiful temple in the whole of Belarus and a water mill, the sights that certainly deserve your attention. You are going to be impressed by beautiful landscapes of the surrounding area. After an exciting excursion with a professional guide you may enjoy dishes of the Belarusian national cuisine in a cosy cafe located in the building of the former mill

The most beutifull church in Belarus

Catholic cathedral in the village of Gervyaty (year of 1903)

Gerviatskiy Catholic cathedral

It is undoubetely the most beautiful and one of the three highest temples in Belarus. It is surely one of the best examples of the neo-Gothic style. The temple was built in 1903, apparently on the site of a wooden church of the 16th century. In front of the temple are several wooden crosses with rich carvings, which is typical for Lithuanian churches. The interior of the temple is not striking in wealth, but differs in a very exquiste style. The aesthetic completeness of the Trinity Church gives a marvelous landscape around with rare ornamental plants and figures of the apostles.

Water mill

One more interesting tourist attraction is a water mill. It was built in the 19^th century and is situated on the bank of small Losha River. It was built in the original fakhver style designed by Germans. Such type of a construction can be found in Northern and West European countries and it was a rare thing for Belarus. The building was erected to last for years: wooden arches firmly strengthened construction, protecting it from natural anomalies. The mill was fully equipped with everything necessary, including special devices for lifting heavy sacks with grain. Flour in Gervyaty was produced for every taste and even fine grinding. Over the years of its operation, the mill has been in great demand, bringing decent profit to the owner Pan Domeyko. With the advent of Soviet power, the building came under collectivization, however, work on it continued, because the new authorities also needed bread. The water mill was used to generate electricity and functioned perfectly until World War II. In the middle of the last century, the historic building fell into decay and desolation. It was only in the 80s, that the attraction was completely restored after long work.