Holy Trinity Monastery Markov - the only functioning monastery in Vitebsk at the moment. According to legend, it was founded at the turn of XIV-XV centuries Mark Zemyaninym. This man built on land owned by his chapel and elected as their place of residence. Very soon, either because of the beauty of the chapel, whether because of righteousness Mark Zemyanina to him began to join fellow. So spontaneously formed skit. Over time, the monastery has grown into a real monastery, which, out of respect for its founder, became known as Markov monastery.

In 1576 the monastery was abolished. In 1633 the monastery was restored by Prince Lev Oginski and his wife Sophia. He built a wooden Holy Trinity Church, and the cells for the monks.

In 1654 the Union of Russian troops and Ukrainian Cossacks won the Belarusian city, among whom was Vitebsk. Markov Monastery Monks are not left behind and fought on the side of the Orthodox army, for which he was granted the monastery Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich and Patriarch Nikon icon of Our Lady of Kazan. This miraculous image since stores Markov monastery. There is plenty of evidence of the miracles that were performed after fervent prayer before this icon of believers - that healing from disease and get rid of adversity, and talent of children.

In 1667 Vitebsk became part of the Commonwealth. Apparently, the support of the monks of the monastery Markov Orthodox co-religionists in the war was not forgotten. In 1680, in the monastery there was a fire, which destroyed all the wooden buildings of the monastery. In 1691 it built a new church, which was consecrated in honor of the Holy Trinity. The monastery was restored, grew and prospered, it could not miss the Uniates.

In 1751 Uniats headed by the dean Kazimierz attacked Markov monastery. Monks expelled, arrested the abbot. This incident caused a wide public resonance. Casimir realized that he could not stay in the monastery, took all of the most valuable and left the monastery.

It became obvious that the monastery should have defenses. So it was built a stone Church of the Intercession, and a three-tiered bell tower and stone monastic cells and utility buildings. Fortunately monks soon Vitebsk was annexed to the Russian Empire, and Empress Catherine patronized Orthodox in the newly acquired lands.

Booming Markov monastery was plundered in 1812 by Napoleon's army, but again rebuilt after the victory of the Russian army. The monastery flourished and lived quietly until the October Revolution, when in 1919, in the holy walls of the concentration camp was organized.

During the Nazi occupation of the Church of the Intercession it was opened and pereosvyaschena the Kazan church in honor of the miraculous icon of Kazan, stored in the temple.

Unfortunately, up to now only reached Kazan Church, which was not closed and the only active Orthodox Church in Vitebsk. The rest of the monastery buildings were either demolished or transferred to the silk factory during the Soviet era.

In 2000, Markov was restored male monastery. Currently, there are active construction and restoration work.