Hnezna - is a large village of Vawkavysk district, Grodno region of Belarus. The main attraction of the village Hnezna is the church of St. Michael the Archangel, which was built in the early 16th century. The construction of the temple dates back to 1524 year. It was built on the site of a small old wooden church. And, according to some reports, at the same place, before the arrival of Christianity in these lands, it settled down a pagan temple, as evidenced by the sacrificial stones, found on the territory near the church during one of the restorations in the 19th century.
This temple has incorporated the features of the late Gothic to the already evident at the time of the Renaissance elements. In architectural terms, it is very unusual for Belarus looks octagonal tower that adorns the main facade of the building. Very interesting and remarkable feature of St. Michael the Archangel Church in the village of Hnezna, which immediately catches the eye is the size of the central tourist entrance door. It is so small that anyone even have to bend down to get inside.
We describe the history of the temple also. After the construction of the church in the village Hnezna at the beginning of the 16th century, following a major event in his life was the fact that in 1555 he became a Calvinist cathedral. In this status, he spent almost a hundred years, and in 1643 was returned to the Catholics. Thus, the Reformation did not pass this house party. Also in the course of its long history, the temple repeatedly burned and damaged in various wars. However, it has always recovered. Sometimes recovery is faster in some other cases, it extends over several decades.
Temple in the village Hnezna is also actively used the locals as a refuge and strength during the fighting around the village, which happened here during the many wars. Indeed, the church is made very monumental and thoroughly. And although the church used it as a shelter for civilians, and did not take themselves fighting involvement, however on it in some cases, it was conducted aimed cannon fire, as evidenced by a cannonball stuck in the masonry walls of the church, and keep up our days.
Underground of church has long been used for the disposal of the owners of Hnezna and other eminent persons. Over time, this necropolis ceased to grow, and in the early 20th century it was walled up. Then, in the years 1930-1932, during the tenure of the village Hnezna as part of the inter-war Polish Republic global restoration of the building was carried out. After World War II in 1968 the church was closed and handed over to a local agricultural enterprise as a warehouse. Nevertheless, the building was empty for the most part, is slowly destroyed and dilapidated.
In 1989 the church was returned to the Catholic Church, its rededication took place in 1990, after bringing the building in order. After that began a full restoration and the restoration of the church of St. Michael the Archangel in the village of Hnezna. This work continued for a long time, but so far mostly been completed. Thus, today the church is in excellent condition, and its doors are open to visitors and worshipers. Moreover, despite the numerous restoration works, carried out at different times, the church in general retained its original appearance.
The church in the village Hnezna is a very important architectural monument of the 16th century. In Belarus, unfortunately, not a lot of architectural monuments of 16th or earlier centuries, so the church in the village Hnezna is a unique object of Belarusian heritage. This church will be very interesting to see the tourists and travelers in Belarus, he certainly is one of the central attractions, cultural and historical values, not only of Grodno region, but the whole of Belarus.
There in the village Hnezna other important tourist attraction - namely, well-preserved manor 2nd half of the 19th century. As is often the case in Belarus, a country estate situated on the shore of a small pond. Manor complex includes a small palace, which is the central building of the whole complex, fragments of the park with beautiful avenues, the whole complex of other buildings that stretch almost the entire village of Hnezna. Some of these buildings were formerly residential, administrative or commercial and other buildings belonging to the estate, had a different economic purpose, in particular, has remained stable.
Most of the buildings and the park belonging to the estate complex in the village Hnezna survived to our time in good condition. Most of them have even been restored and renovated recently. The building itself estates (small central palace) now has local executive authorities. Other buildings of the manor complex in the village of Hnezna and today are used by commercial or administrative needs of local businesses. Undoubtedly, the manor complex in the village of Hnezna can also be very interesting to tourists and travelers in Belarus. This complex is a valuable architectural monument of the 19th century landmark and Belarus.
Thus, in the village Hnezna formed a very pleasant travel atmosphere, here there is one of the main attractions of the region, which is perfectly complemented by other small village attractions. In addition, in conclusion, it should also be noted that the village Hnezna large enough. Tourists and travelers in Belarus will be able to find here a few shops, a pharmacy, a bank and other elements of basic infrastructure that may need them in the journey.
Sketches of Napoleon Orda, Hnezna:
