Saint Sophia Cathedral in Polotsk
Author: Lida added 2-12-2012, 06:31
Saint Sophia Cathedral in Polotsk is probably the oldest church in Belarus. It was built between 1044 and 1066 by Prince Usiaslau - the Wizard. The Cathedral stands at the confluence of the Polota and Western Dvina Rivers on the eastern side of the city.
The cathedral was built as a symbol of equality with the second Rome - Constantinople. Like in Kyiv and Novgorod where there were also temples in honour of St Sofia, the Saint Sophia Cathedral in Polotsk was intended to be a testimony to the power and independence of the Principality of Polotsk.