CONVENT OF SAINTE-EPHROSINIA (ЕВФРОСИНИЕВСКИЙ-СПАСО СПАСО)

Located 2 km from the historic centre, in a magnificent natural setting, the convent was founded by the venerable Ephrosinia Polotskaja in the 1120 s. From 1579 to 1841, he belonged to the Jesuits. The site includes the church of Sainte-Ephrosinia, the cathedral of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (1893-1897) and the steeple (1882). The Church Sainte-Ephrosinia is a real masterpiece of architecture in the th century. It preserves magnificent frescoes dating back to the same time. Since 1910, the church has been home to the tomb of the Holy Church. On 5 June, pilgrims from all over the country came to honour him and clashed in front of the cross that bears his name. Unfortunately, it is a copy: The original, manufactured in 1161 by the goldsmith Lazar Bogša, disappeared in 1941.