Sharkaŭshchyna: Churches, Crafts and Local History

Sharkaŭshchyna is a historic settlement on the Disna. The town’s points of interest include churches built in different periods, the House of Crafts in a former Catholic rectory, and the historical building projects of the Lopatin family. If you plan your trip around cultural interests, the focus is clearly on local history, religious architecture and crafts. The buildings represent different periods and construction styles and together offer a multifaceted insight into local history.

Churches and Architectural History

The wooden Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God was built in 1912. An older wooden church dating from 1639 has been preserved and moved to a new location. This brings two distinct architectural landmarks into focus: the church from 1912 and the older wooden structure, which has been preserved and relocated. The brick Church of the Icon of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow” was built in 1897 in the retrospective Russian style. After being returned to worship in 1990, it was restored. The Church of the Exaltation of the Cross was built between 1992 and 1995 and consecrated in 1996. Its construction therefore took place later than that of the older churches. When comparing them, you can consider their construction, style and the different dates: the year built, relocation, restoration and consecration each refer to a different aspect of local history.

Crafts and Historic Architecture

The preserved former Catholic rectory houses the local House of Crafts. This adds a building with a cultural use to the religious architectural history. Opening arrangements may vary, so check them before your visit. The Lopatin family also shaped Sharkaŭshchyna’s historical building projects: they had a brick palace, a chapel, an orangery and a greenhouse built. This collection differs from the church buildings and broadens the architectural theme to include a palace and outbuildings. The town can therefore be understood through several distinct points of interest: religious architectural history, crafts and the buildings commissioned by the Lopatin family.

More to Explore in the Wider Destination of Vitebsk Region

The wider destination of Vitebsk Region offers additional nature and activity experiences. Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve protects natural complexes of the Eastern European mixed forest zone, as well as forest and wetland ecosystems. Its ecological forest trail passes through mixed forest, secondary birch forest, pine forest and raised bog; the reserve also offers one- and two-hour horseback rides in the forest. The Biosphere Reserve’s Nature Museum is open daily: from 09:00 to 18:00 from May to September, and from 09:00 to 17:00 from October to April. Check opening hours before your visit, as they may change. In Braslav Lakes National Park, activities include excursions by sightseeing boat or motorboat, as well as cycling and SUP. These regional nature and activity experiences differ from Sharkaŭshchyna’s local focus. When planning your trip, you can weigh up whether local history or the wider range of nature and activity options matters most to you.

Discover more destinations: Lyntupy, Puśki, Vuscie, Moiseevo, Vorcy, Verkhnedvinsk, Senno, Zastadollie

See the wider travel overview: Vitebsk Region.