This year marks the 965th anniversary of the start of the construction of St. Sophia Cathedral in Polotsk

October 4, Minsk / Anna Gromyko - BELTA /. This year marks the 965th anniversary of the start of construction of the first Christian church in Polotsk - St. Sophia Cathedral. The construction of the church was completed in 1066, according to other sources - in 1050-1060. St. Sophia Cathedral is located on the high right bank of the Western Dvina River. From the 11th century to 1579, the treasury, archive, and library were kept in the church. In 1607 and 1620, the church burned down, and in 1710 it was almost completely destroyed as a result of an explosion. In 1738-1750, St. Sophia Cathedral was rebuilt in the Vilnius Baroque style. At the same time, the orientation of the main altar was changed, as a result of which it turned towards the Western Dvina. Currently, Polotsk St. Sophia Cathedral is a stone 3-nave and 1-apse 2-tower basilica. From the east side, the remains of walls and ancient faceted apses are included in the composition of the cathedral, which, together with a symmetrical extension to the western facade, form a peculiar transept with wings, crowned in the center by a dome with lanterns. The towers, facades, and interior of the church are decorated with stucco garlands, pilasters, oval niches, and vases. In the 1980s, restoration work was carried out in the cathedral. St. Sophia Cathedral is used as a concert hall with an exhibition of preserved architectural elements of the 11th century and polychrome paintings from different periods, including "Holy Communion," "Glorification of the Mother of God," "Saint Helena," "Saint Macarius," "The Last Supper," and ornamental motifs. -0-