Kelmė district is a great choice for those who are interested and I like to learn about the Lithuanian church heritage. Here You will find shrines of various architectural stylistics: wooden churches of folk forms, neo-gothic, baroque shrines. And countless crosses and chapels along the way.
We recommend starting Your acquaintance with the sacral heritage of Kelmė district in a small town - Stulgiai, where there is a wonderful cross-shaped the Church of St. Matthew the Apostle Evangelist. The construction of the church was taken care of by priest A. Skinderis. Stulgiai church was built according to the project prepared by the architect J. P. Dziekonskis. The foundation of the Stulgiai church was laid in 1901, and its construction was completed in 1910, giving St. Matthew the Apostle name. Its construction cost 70,000 rubles. A new 3,000-pound bell with chains that could be ringed by one person was brought from the Englik factory in Warsaw.
Driving further, towards Kelmė, You will see Pakražantis, on the left side of the road, standing Revelation church of the Virgin Mary that was built from the rocks of field stones.
The next stop on the route is Kražiai St. Virgin Mary Immaculate Conception Parish Church. Now, of all the ensemble of the monastery, has survived only the brick church, the fence of the cemetery and the St. Rokas Chapel that was built in the 19th century, in the first half. This church commemorates the tragic episodes of the Kražiai massacre, when in 1893 November 22 - 23 a bloody collision took place between peaceful locals and tsarist officials and Cossacks. At that time, 9 people were killed and about 54 were injured. This event was called the Kražiai massacre and became a symbol in defense of the Catholic faith for future generations.
Tourists can visit the two-tower, late Baroque church, which dominates in the city panorama. Inside, there are benches that still reminiscent of the cruel Kražiai massacre. It is said that the Cossacks had tied their horses to these benches. The interior of the church is dominated by a central baroque altar. Here You can also see one of the largest organs in Samogitia.
Continuing the acquaintance with the sacral heritage of Kelmė district, we should continue in the direction of Užventis. In Užventis there is one of the most expressive churches of wooden architecture, which has Baroque features – the Church of St. Mary Magdalene. Next to the church there is a belfry and a sculpture of Christ.
After visiting the Užventis church, we offer to travel further to Šaukėnai. The town is charming with strict forms of wooden St. Trinity Church. In the churchyard, visitors will be able to see Lourdes, the perpetuation of the Gorskiai family and embossed gates, which are proclaimed as a symbol of the city, they are depicted in the coat of arms of Šaukėnai.
Those who have chosen this route will be invited to continue Your journey to Palendriai St. Benedict Monastery, where You could take part in holy Mass (if Mass were held at that time), to purchase natural gifts and liturgical publications prepared by monks. By the way, nearby is the old Church of Mary Gate of Dawn in Palendriai.
Having taken some peace of mind in Palendriai St. Benedict Monastery, we would suggest to continue Your trip to Kelmė. Along the way You will be able to see the wooden St. Ona Church in Verpena. The church impresses with its simplicity and grace.
When come to Kelmė, You won't regret it - there are even two impressive shrines here. Neo-Gothic St. Church of Holy Virgin Mary to Heaven in Kelmė and one of the largest evangelical reformed churches in Lithuania. With its high tower (the second tallest tower in Šiauliai region, after Šiauliai Cathedral). You are welcomed with the neo-Gothic St. Church of Holy Virgin Mary To Heaven in Kelmė. It is said that one of the oldest bells in Lithuania hangs in the church belfry. If You looked around the Catholic Kelmė Church, we would suggest to visit the Kelmė Evangelical Reformed Church as well. Kelmė, even for 300 years, belonged to the nobles Gruževskiai, who confessed the Reformed faith. For many years, the Evangelical Reformed faith was the most believed in the city, which in turn led to the emergence of an impressive Reformed church in Kelmė. The Reformed Church standing in the city, to this day is one of the largest and most impressive churches of its kind in Lithuania.
The next stop on the route is Lioliai town. The Church of the St. Apostles Simon and Jud Tad will reveal their subtle beauty for tourists. Next to the church there is the old belfry. By the way, in the town cemetery You will find the chapel of Lioliai cemetery, which has survived in the historicist style.
Another great chapel is Maironiai Chapel. It stands near the road Kelmė-Tytuvėnai. At first it was a small wooden chapel. The chapel was built at the expense of landowner Ona Chruščiovienė. Today, the chapel is a sacred place where crosses are built, there is a formed well from which it is possible to draw holy water.
You will complete an impressive and breathtaking acquaintance with the sacral heritage of Kelmė district in Tytuvėnai. Here is a unique ensemble of Bernardine monastery and church, and another church.
When You come to Tytuvėnai, You will have the opportunity to see one of the most beautiful, decorated churches in the entire region of Northern Lithuania. It is stylistically multi-layered. The Church of the St. Queen Mary of the Angels, where Classicism, Baroque, Rococo, etc. features. The church and the monastery form an impressive complex, where You will find many courtyards, beautiful arcade galleries, the chapel of the stairs of Christ, which houses the Holy Stairs - the stairs of the Palace of Pontius Pilate, a copy of St. Helena brought from Jerusalem to Rome. Therefore, You will definitely be fascinated by the amazing architecture and artistic values.
By the way, in the former premises of the monastery there is a "Pilgrim Center" with a museum, there You can get tourist information and order educational programs.
We suggest ending this trip by visiting the Church of God's Mother's Icon "Kazanskaja" in Tytuvėnai. This church is best preserved in Kelmė district. You will find it in the main square of Tytuvėnai near the road Tytuvėnai-Šiluva.
By choosing this route, You will see 15 amazing objects with a sacral theme.
The journey takes You over 130 km.
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