Church of Saints Simon and Helena Religious Site

Address: Red Church (Church of Saints Simon and Helena), Minsk city centre, Belarus

Hours: Open daily for visitors; service times vary (Sundays typically morning)

Admission: Free entry (church services); donations welcome

The Church of Saints Simon and Helena is a red-brick Roman Catholic church in the centre of Minsk, Belarus, noted locally as the “Red Church.” The building is prominent on Independence Square and is known for its Neo-Romanesque design and distinctive colour.

Built in the early 20th century, the church experienced secular use during the Soviet period before being restored to religious service in the late 20th century. The exterior and interior preserve the architectural character of the original construction and the building functions as an active parish church and civic landmark.

Located centrally in Minsk, the church fronts one of the city’s main public squares and is a frequent reference point for visitors moving through the civic centre.

• Nickname and location: Commonly called the “Red Church” because of its distinctive red-brick construction and located on Independence Square in central Minsk.
• Construction and later use: Constructed in the early 20th century and returned to use as a Roman Catholic church after Soviet-era secular uses.

What to See#

• Main church building: The main brick church building, known for its red-brick exterior and Neo-Romanesque styling that makes it a prominent landmark on Minsk’s central square.

From Minsk central train station or Independence Square, the church is a short walk (about 10-15 minutes). Several city buses and trams stop nearby on Independence Avenue.

• Visit during a Sunday service to hear the organ and choir - the Red Church's music is memorable.
• Walk the surrounding Independence Avenue area afterward to see how the church's red brick contrasts with Soviet-era buildings.
• Photography inside can be restricted during services; check with staff.