Обязательно стоит посетить Костёл, очень красиво и вокруг есть что посмотреть, ведь находится вс
1 / 10

Church of Saints Simon and Helena (Red Church)

4.8
·3k reviews·Minsk, Belarus

A stunning Neo-Romanesque red brick church, a Minsk landmark with a poignant history of resilience and faith.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Обязательно стоит посетить Костёл, очень красиво и вокруг есть что посмотреть, ведь находится вс

Church of Saints Simon and Helena (Red Church)

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A stunning Neo-Romanesque red brick church, a Minsk landmark with a poignant history of resilience and faith.

4.8
(3k reviews)

"A beautiful church with a sad story, a testament to faith and survival."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Capture the Facade

The red brick exterior is stunning, especially in good light. Get shots from different angles!

🤫 Respect the Silence

The interior is a place of worship. Keep noise levels low and be mindful of ongoing services.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Striking Red Brick Facade

Striking Red Brick Facade

Iconic Neo-Romanesque architecture in vibrant red brick, a true Minsk landmark.

Peaceful Interior

Peaceful Interior

A serene and beautifully designed space offering a tranquil atmosphere for reflection.

Symbol of Resilience

Symbol of Resilience

Witness a testament to faith and survival, having served multiple purposes.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to the Red Church

The Red Church, officially the Church of Saints Simon and Helena, is a striking Neo-Romanesque landmark. Consider visiting during a weekday morning to avoid crowds and fully appreciate its serene interior. Check mass schedules if you wish to attend a service.

Understanding the Red Church's History

Built in 1910, this redbrick church has a poignant history, including its use as a cinema during the Soviet era. Its resilience and return to religious use make it a powerful symbol. Appreciating its past enhances the visitor experience.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
During events
Why
Experience its active role
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

One day plan in Minsk, Belarus ❤️ •Church of Saints Simon and Helena •Red Yard •Archcathedral Church of Virgin Mary •Holy spirit cathedral Minsk •Svislach river •Gelleria Minsk, Galileo Mall •Minsk city hall Most of places are walking distance 🤩 Have you ever been to Minsk? . . . . . . . . . . . #bonvoyagepro #visitminsk #visitbelarus #belarus #belarus🇧🇾 #minskgram #minskcity #minskinsta #insta...
bonvoyagepro
192 likes • 7.2K views

📸 Capture the Facade

The red brick exterior is stunning, especially in good light. Get shots from different angles! TikTok

🤫 Respect the Silence

The interior is a place of worship. Keep noise levels low and be mindful of ongoing services. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore Nearby

Combine your visit with other Minsk attractions like the Red Yard. TikTok

No content available

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Capture the Facade

The red brick exterior is stunning, especially in good light. Get shots from different angles! TikTok

🤫 Respect the Silence

The interior is a place of worship. Keep noise levels low and be mindful of ongoing services. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore Nearby

Combine your visit with other Minsk attractions like the Red Yard. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.8
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Red Church for its stunning red brick architecture and peaceful, beautifully designed interior. Its historical significance, including its survival through the Soviet era, adds a layer of poignancy. While generally well-received, some may find the historical context requires further exploration.

"The Church of St. Simon and St. Helena, located in Minsk, Belarus, is a stunning example of neo-Gothic architecture. Also known as the Red Church due to its distinctive red brick façade, it stands as a powerful symbol of faith and resilience. The church’s interior is peaceful and beautifully designed, offering a serene atmosphere for reflection and prayer. Visitors are often moved by its rich history, especially its survival through the Soviet era when it was used for non-religious purposes. Today, it continues to be an active place of worship and a cultural landmark, attracting both locals and tourists alike."

Sajad Thamer

"This is my favorite part of the city!"

Anna M

"Very nice"

D D

What People Like

Striking red brick facade
Peaceful interior
Rich history

What People Dislike

Limited historical context on-site

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Red Church is centrally located in Minsk, making it easily accessible. Many visitors find it's within walking distance of other key attractions, as noted in one-day itineraries. Public transport options are also available, with several bus and trolleybus routes stopping nearby. Check local transit apps for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. TikTok

Yes, its distinctive red brick architecture makes it a prominent landmark. It's situated in a well-known area of the city, often included in walking tours. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the Church of Saints Simon and Helena is typically free, as it is an active place of worship. Donations are usually welcome to help with upkeep. Reddit

The church is generally open daily, but hours can vary, especially around mass times and special events. It's advisable to check the official schedule or local listings if you plan to visit at a specific time. Reddit

Yes, the Church of Saints Simon and Helena holds daily mass and other religious services. Visitors are welcome to attend, but it's good practice to be aware of the schedule to ensure respectful participation. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally permitted inside the Red Church, but it's important to be discreet and respectful, especially during services. Avoid using flash photography, which can be disruptive. Reddit

The exterior is particularly striking during the 'golden hour' – shortly after sunrise or before sunset – when the red brick glows. Weekday mornings offer fewer people for unobstructed shots. TikTok

🎫 🏛️ History & Significance

Built in 1910, the Church of Saints Simon and Helena was constructed to commemorate children who died young. It survived the Soviet era by being repurposed as a cinema, only returning to its religious function after Belarus gained independence. Reddit

It's affectionately known as the 'Red Church' due to its prominent and distinctive red brick exterior, a key feature of its Neo-Romanesque architectural style. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Red Church offers a visually engaging experience for families. Its bright red exterior is captivating for children, and the peaceful interior provides a calm space for a brief respite. While the historical narrative might be complex for very young children, the sheer visual impact of the architecture can spark curiosity. It's a good stop on a walking tour of Minsk, easily combined with other nearby sights. TikTok

📸 Photographers

For photographers, the Red Church is a dream. Its distinctive red brickwork offers fantastic opportunities for capturing unique shots, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. The Neo-Romanesque style provides interesting architectural details. Inside, the serene atmosphere and stained glass (if present) can create beautiful, contemplative images. Remember to be respectful of worshippers and avoid intrusive flash photography. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Architectural Marvel and Historical Significance

The Church of Saints Simon and Helena, commonly known as the Red Church, is a striking example of Neo-Romanesque architecture in Minsk. Constructed in 1910, its vibrant red brick facade immediately captures attention. The church was built as a memorial to the children of the wealthy Polish-Lithuanian nobleman Edward Woyniłłowicz, who died young. This personal tragedy is etched into the very foundation of the building, giving it a unique and poignant backstory.

Beyond its commemorative purpose, the Red Church has a remarkable history of resilience. During the Soviet era, when religious institutions were often suppressed or repurposed, the church was transformed into a cinema. This period of secular use is a testament to its structural integrity and its ability to endure changing political landscapes. Since Belarus gained independence, the church has been restored to its original function as a place of Catholic worship, standing today as a powerful symbol of faith, remembrance, and the enduring spirit of the city. Reddit

Visitors often remark on the peaceful and beautifully designed interior, which offers a stark contrast to its imposing exterior. The atmosphere inside is conducive to reflection and prayer, making it a place of solace for many. The blend of its historical narrative and its continued role as an active religious site makes the Red Church a must-visit landmark in Minsk.