The walls are embedded with hundreds of flattened, multicolored ceramic vessels known as 'hlasnyky,' which were intended to improve the building's acoustics.
The 1853 collapse destroyed the entire southern wall and part of the western wall, leading to the permanent loss of original 12th-century masonry in those sections.
Archaeological excavations revealed that the foundation sits on a unique wooden grill system designed to stabilize the building on the shifting clay hillside.
Unlike traditional Byzantine churches, this site lacks the typical large central dome, utilizing a simpler roof structure necessitated by the specific architectural evolution of the region.
It is currently on the tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage site designation.
The St. Boris and Gleb Church of Kalozha is a rare surviving example of Black Ruthenian architecture dating back to the late 12th century. Built on a high bluff overlooking the Neman River, its exterior features decorative masonry work including colorful majolica tiles and embedded polished stones. The structure has undergone significant modifications due to a partial collapse caused by a riverbank landslide in 1853. A temporary wooden wall was constructed to seal the missing portion of the original stone apse and northern wall. The interior contains remnants of 12th-century frescoes, though much of the original artwork was lost to environmental damage. Its structural integrity is a primary subject of ongoing conservation efforts due to the unstable clay soil of the riverbank. The church remains an active place of worship for the Belarusian Orthodox Church.
From the park trail looking up at the church to capture the elevation of the riverbank and the architectural detail of the apses.
View the exterior from the river path below the bluff to appreciate the contrast between the historic stone and the modern wooden reinforcement wall.
The interior is quite small; visit during off-peak times to fully observe the fresco fragments without overcrowding.
Observe the exterior masonry carefully to identify the distinct difference between the original 12th-century brickwork and the 19th-century restoration materials.
Do not attempt to walk along the steep, eroded cliff edge directly behind the church as it is unstable.
Open daily; occasional closures for private religious ceremonies or interior restoration works.
Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is expected; remove hats upon entering and maintain silence.
