The Carthusian monastery in Beryoza

The history of the monastery of Carthusians in Biaroza

Casimir Leo Sapieha in their possessions to provide a place for monks of the order of Carthusians, where they could build a monastery. Monks picked a place about the Birch, where according to legend there was a phenomenon of the cross depicts the crucifixion of Christ.

In 1648, laid the first stone in the Foundation. The construction was directed by Giovanni Batista Gisleni, Italian architect. The building was completed 40 years later in 1689, and finishing work was carried out before the mid-18th century. In addition to the Church there were outbuildings, hospital, library, canteen, pharmacy, residential buildings and a large garden with a lake. The Carthusian monastery in Bereza was a short walk from the Sapieha Palace.

The monastery hosted a meeting of Peter I and Augustus II , king of Poland, during the great Northern war. But this information was not documented. In 1706 under the Birch was a war between Russians and Swedes. In the monastery of the late Charles XII. The Swedes left the village after collecting ransom from the monks. Because of this the walls of the monastery was not destroyed.

The monastery was closed in 1830-1831 years, and all the property he transferred to the cadet corps in Polotsk. In the buildings there were barracks, and the monks were sent to other monasteries

In the early 20th century burned the monastery buildings, and the remaining ruins were gradually destroyed.

The Carthusian monastery in Bereza today

To our days have survived:

• Tower-belfry;

• Brahma;

• The building of the hospital;

• Wall of one of the towers located in the corners.

But even these ancient ruins allow you to imagine the former power structures. Now the monastery needs restoration. Reconstructed the Carthusian monastery could become a very attractive place for lovers vacation in Belarus.