Candidate of Historical Sciences Denis Duk, an associate professor and the Head of the National and World History Department at Polotsk’s State University, was in charge of the dig. He tells us that archaeologists have discovered remains of the Bernardine Monastery where Frantsisk Skorina received his primary education.
The renowned Belarusian scholar from Polotsk began learning Latin at the Bernardine Monastery School. Until recently, the exact location of the monastery was unknown, as no ruins remained. However, historians assumed its approximate location, with archaeologists discovering the remains of the foundations this summer, which matched plans of the building. Their finds confirmed that the School had once stood there, with holy vessels belonging to the Bernardines discovered alongside dishes, glazed tiles and book covers.
According to Mr. Duk, it’s not yet possible to preserve the site as a museum, since privately owned houses are densely located nearby. However, the tourist map of the ancient city can gain another historical point.
