Saint Sophia Cathedral in Polotsk is one of the oldest temples in Belarus. It was inspired by Hagia Sophia in Constantinople. The construction of the temple on the right bank of the Western Dvina was started by Prince Vseslav of Polotsk in the 11th century. The cathedral became a symbol of independence, statehood and power of the Principality of Polotsk. In the middle of the 18th century it was thoroughly rebuilt in the style of Vilna Baroque. Today Saint Sofia Cathedral is one of the largest cultural centers in Belarus.