Churches
Black and blue domes.
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Zhyrovichy Monastery is an Orthodox monastery in the village of Zhyrovichy in Slonim District, Grodno Region, Belarus, about 8 km from Slonim and 17 km from the Synkavichy church in a straight line. It is one of the largest places of pilgrimage in Belarus. Local tradition says that around 1500 herders saw a wild pear tree giving off light and found among its branches a small icon carved in jasper. The monastery was founded in the 16th century and, after a major fire in 1655, was rebuilt largely in stone. It has three churches, the chief one being the Cathedral of the Dormition, along with the seminary and monks' quarters; most buildings date from the 17th and 18th centuries, and the bell tower in front of the cathedral has stood since 1828. White churches with black and blue domes and golden crosses stand among tall trees and paved paths, beside the long white seminary building with its red roof. The place feels calm and green in spring and summer. Visitors walk the grounds and admire the churches from outside. It is a place of worship and pilgrimage, so dress modestly and keep quiet; it gets crowded on feast days. The UK Foreign Office advises against all travel to Belarus, so read the current advice before any planning.
Black and blue domes.
A white building.
From 1828.
Zhyrovichy, Slonim District, Grodno Region, Belarus
Modest dress.
The Synkavichy church.