The church was designed by Polish architects Tomasz Pajzderski and Władysław Marconi.
Edward Woyniłłowicz chose red brick to mirror the color of the flowers he placed on his children's graves.
The building escaped destruction during World War II, despite heavy fighting in the surrounding Independence Square.
The interior once served as the State Museum of the History of Belarusian Cinema.
The statue of Saint Michael the Archangel represents the victory of good over evil, symbolizing the rebirth of religious life in Belarus.
The Church of Saints Simon and Helena, known as the Red Church, is a neo-Romanesque Catholic temple constructed from red brick in 1910. It was commissioned by Edward Woyniłłowicz to honor his children, Simon and Helena, who died young. The architecture features asymmetrical towers of varying heights and distinct stepped gables. During the Soviet era, the building was stripped of its religious function and served as a cinema studio and theater. It was returned to the Catholic Church in the early 1990s. The site includes a bronze statue of Saint Michael the Archangel slaying a dragon, installed in 1996. The interior contains replicas of the Shroud of Turin and the Turek icon. As of June 2026, the building has faced significant periods of restricted access due to ongoing restoration efforts following a fire in late 2022. It serves as a central symbol of Minsk's historical landscape.
From the center of Independence Square looking toward the main entrance to capture the full scale of the asymmetrical facade.
Check local diocesan announcements regarding interior accessibility, as the building frequently undergoes restoration work.
Respect the ongoing religious services by maintaining silence and remaining at the back of the nave.
Walk the perimeter of the structure to view the complex brickwork and the varying height of the towers.
Do not attempt to enter restricted zones or construction areas if the building is undergoing active repairs.
Periodic closures may occur due to ongoing restoration of the building following a 2022 fire; check local church notices before visiting.
Modest dress covering shoulders and knees is expected. Remove hats upon entering and maintain a quiet demeanor.
