The Orthodox Monastery in Supraśl dates back to the 15th century. It is one of the most beautiful and valuable monuments of this city. In the monastery, you can visit many interesting buildings, including the defensive church of the Annunciation, the church of John Theologian, Archimandrite Palace, the gate-bell tower, monastery buildings and the modern interactive Icon Museum.
The monastery was founded by Orthodox monks at the turn of the 15th and 16th centuries. According to one legend, the nuns on the Supraśl river released a cross with relics that stopped at the site of the current monastery. It was a sign from God, who indicated a suitable place to build a monastery.
For many years the monument served many functions. During the insurgent fights propaganda materials were printed here. In the nineteenth century, a hospital was opened in the east wing, and some buildings were allocated to textile factories. During World War II, a kitchen, forge and warehouse were created here.
During the wars the monastery suffered greatly. In the church of St. Jan Theolog's soldiers ripped off the floor, and forged frescoes from the walls of the temple. The building of the Church of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary in 1944 was completely demolished and is now beautifully reconstructed. Icons were taken from the buildings, including the miraculous icon of the Supraska Madonna, which has not returned. Its copy from the 19th century is currently in the church of St. John the Theologian and pilgrims visit her.
