Church of the Hieromartyr Josaphat Kuntsevych

Since 1775, the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary has adorned one of the city’s main streets, having appeared near the market square. The elegant building was designed by the Italian architect B. Meretyn. The architectural style is Baroque. The church’s original appearance was that of a pompous structure reminiscent of a majestic stone cathedral. Its tiered walls were decorated with exclusive ornamentation. However, the fire of 1895 almost completely destroyed the building. Over the course of several decades, the church was rebuilt. The restored building only partially resembles the old church. The renewed silhouette of the facades became more refined, and the elongated arched windows give the building grace and lightness.

Photo from the website map.ugcc.ua

During Soviet times, the church served as premises for a children’s store. Only from 1991 did it resume work as the Roman Catholic Church of Saint Martyr Josaphat Kuntsevych.

Interesting facts:

• During its existence, the church’s appearance changed several times.
• The miraculous icon of the Mother of God that was in the church was taken to Poland in 1939.
• There was a bell tower and a fence near the church, but soldiers of the Soviet army completely destroyed them.