Description of the attraction
The Franciscan Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary was built in Pinsk in 1396. The Franciscan monks arrived in Pinsk at the invitation of Prince Pinsk, Turov and Starodub Zigmund Keistutovich. He helped the Franciscans build a temple in gratitude and commemoration of their baptism.
In 1510 the wooden church was demolished, and in its place the Franciscans built a stone one. Like Pinsk itself, the temple burned and collapsed several times. He survived wars and ruin, poverty and wealth. The inhabitants of Pinsk were very fond of this beautiful elegant church, so every time they found the means and strength to revive it.
An interesting feature of the Franciscan temple in Pinsk is that parts of other buildings were used during its construction.
The church acquired its present appearance during the reconstruction carried out in 1712-1730. The temple has a magnificent interior decoration - with carved statues, stucco architectural details and beautiful frescoes. However, the main advantage of the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is its carved gilded pulpit with seventy sculptures depicting apostles, saints and biblical scenes.
The organ specially for the Dormition Franciscan Church in Pinsk was built by Adalbert Grodnitsky from Vilna. He created a unique sound with 1,498 wood and metal pipes. There is no such body anywhere else in the world.
In the Assumption Church there is a unique fresco - Pinsk Madonna, painted by Alfred Romer. In this unusual icon, the Virgin Mary is depicted in the form of an ordinary city dweller, almost indistinguishable from others, marked only by a faint glow of a halo and a ray of light pouring on her from the sky.
Currently, the church is active. The entrance to it is open to tourists who can admire its splendor and enjoy the wonderful sound of the church organ.
