Foundation of 12th-century Resurrection Сhurch discovered in Grodno

Foundation of an ancient 12th-century church in Grodno. Photo: komkur

On April 22, 2026, archaeologists in the Belarusian city of Grodno discovered the foundation of an ancient 12th-century church while work was being carried out on the territory of the New Castle, BelTA reports.

The find was made during landscaping work. At first, specialists uncovered fragments of a wall from an unknown structure, but further research showed that it was part of a church building. Later, archaeologists clarified that the discovered elements may belong to the Resurrection Church.

According to specialists, parts of the foundation, plinth bricks, and fragments of acoustic jars have already been identified. On one of the walls, an image of a bident was recorded, indicating that the church was built during the rule of princes from the Vsevolodovich dynasty.

Archaeologists note that in the 12th century there were several stone churches in Grodno, which points to the principality’s development. It is believed that the discovered church may have been a parish church serving residents who lived near the castle.

Researchers from the Institute of History of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus have additionally confirmed that the remains belong to the Resurrection Church, which, according to written sources, was destroyed in the 17th century as a result of a fire.

Archaeological work is continuing, and specialists do not rule out larger-scale excavations at the site.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that a previously unknown bust of Christ by Michelangelo had been found in a Roman church.

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