18th-century altar being restored in Grodno's Farny Church. Opening planned for next year

Before the restoration began, specialists examined the condition of the structure. Overall, the altar has been preserved quite well, however, some of its wooden elements were damaged over time and by insects, so they will need to be replaced.

The main task of the restorers is to preserve the historical materials and the original appearance of the altar. The wood is treated with special substances and strengthened where necessary. Simultaneously, different specialists are working on individual details: some are preparing them for restoration, others are already applying gilding.

Throughout its history, the altar has been repainted twice. Restorers are now removing later layers of paint but leaving small control areas that show how the decoration has changed. The final color scheme will be coordinated with the church's interior.

Systematic restoration of the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis Xavier, known as Farny Church, has been ongoing for about 20 years. By the end of 2025, half of the premises and eight out of thirteen altars had been restored here. Most of them date back to the 18th century.

In 2013, the restoration of the altar of Saint Michael the Archangel, the oldest in the temple, was completed. It was moved from the former wooden church of Saints Peter and Paul. Before restoration, the structure was in critical condition and could have tilted and fallen.

In 2018, the altar of Our Lady of the Rosary was restored, and in February 2024, the altar of "The Scourging of Jesus Christ" was unveiled. It had to be completely dismantled because during World War II, windows in this part of the church were broken, allowing moisture to enter and damage the wood.

At the end of November 2025, the altar of Our Lady of Perpetual Help was reopened after restoration. Its structure was also dismantled and reassembled, the icon was reinforced, wooden elements were repaired, and gilding was restored.

Other altars in the church still require restoration. According to the parish priest, the restoration of the altar of Saint Casimir will be particularly challenging.

Large-scale restoration work in Farny Church began after a fire on the night of July 12-13, 2006. The cause of the fire was a short circuit. The fire damaged the main wooden altar, destroying part of the carved decor and four 18th-century sculptures.

Lost elements were restored based on photographs. The work took several years, and in 2011, the main altar was reopened. After this, restorers continued to restore other altars and the interior of the temple.

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