Church of Saints Simon and Helena

The Roman Catholic Church of St. Simon and St. Helena - also known as Red Church - in the Belarusian capital Minsk is a Neo-Romanesque red brick church. It is located in the city center right next to Lenin Square / Independence Square and is one of the most photographed buildings in the city, and thus one of its landmarks.

History

The church was built until 1910 with the financial support of the nobleman Edward Woyniłłowicz. The architectural design goes back to Tomasz Pajzderski from Warsaw. The church's name refers to the name of the cartridge Woyniłłowiczs children - the children had died early.

The striking building was used as a cinema during the communist era. After the Catholic community, the church had taken over again in 1990, this was quickly restored to its original state.