About the Church
The Church of St Michael the Archangel in Babriškės is an interesting and moving place, with deep historical roots and a past well worth getting to know. Standing in the village of Babriškės, near the Alytus–Varėna road and the right bank of the Varėnė, this church solemnly represents Classicist architecture.
The first chapel appeared in the village as far back as 1724. It was a small shrine, where local residents could pray and seek spiritual peace. But the real history of this holy site began in 1838, when Rosochackis built a stone-masonry chapel at the cemetery. It gradually became an important centre of attraction for the local community, although services were not held there very often.
The Second World War and its consequences affected many Lithuanian parishes. In 1942 the Marian priest Juozas Rakickas settled in Babriškės. Seeking to create more suitable conditions for religious life, he added a wooden sacristy to the chapel and built a modest presbytery. In 1944, after the church of Varėna I burned down, the whole parish moved to Babriškės, and the old chapel was converted into a fully fledged church.
It is worth noting that two heroes of the War of Independence are buried in the churchyard of the church of Babriškės – Knights of the Cross of Vytis, Zenonas Miklušis and Juozas Valickas. These men devoted their lives to a free Lithuania, so their graves are a special place for both local residents and visitors.
Architecturally, the Church of St Michael the Archangel in Babriškės is notable for its Classicist proportions. Its facade is adorned with two rendered towers and a plain pediment. A graceful masonry wayside chapel also stands in the churchyard, adding further charm to this cosy place.
It is worth visiting the Church of St Michael the Archangel in Babriškės not only for its architecture or historical significance, but also for the peaceful beauty of its surroundings, which invites reflection and time alone with oneself. This church is not only a sacred building but also a cultural heritage, testifying to the rich history of our country and the spirit of its people.
The first chapel appeared in the village as far back as 1724. It was a small shrine, where local residents could pray and seek spiritual peace. But the real history of this holy site began in 1838, when Rosochackis built a stone-masonry chapel at the cemetery. It gradually became an important centre of attraction for the local community, although services were not held there very often.
The Second World War and its consequences affected many Lithuanian parishes. In 1942 the Marian priest Juozas Rakickas settled in Babriškės. Seeking to create more suitable conditions for religious life, he added a wooden sacristy to the chapel and built a modest presbytery. In 1944, after the church of Varėna I burned down, the whole parish moved to Babriškės, and the old chapel was converted into a fully fledged church.
It is worth noting that two heroes of the War of Independence are buried in the churchyard of the church of Babriškės – Knights of the Cross of Vytis, Zenonas Miklušis and Juozas Valickas. These men devoted their lives to a free Lithuania, so their graves are a special place for both local residents and visitors.
Architecturally, the Church of St Michael the Archangel in Babriškės is notable for its Classicist proportions. Its facade is adorned with two rendered towers and a plain pediment. A graceful masonry wayside chapel also stands in the churchyard, adding further charm to this cosy place.
It is worth visiting the Church of St Michael the Archangel in Babriškės not only for its architecture or historical significance, but also for the peaceful beauty of its surroundings, which invites reflection and time alone with oneself. This church is not only a sacred building but also a cultural heritage, testifying to the rich history of our country and the spirit of its people.
Gallery and Resources
Archive captions are shown in Lithuanian.
Kompozicijoje – Babriškių Šv. arkangelo Mykolo bažnyčia.
Signuotas akvarele averso apatinėje dalyje dešinėje, pieštuku reverso viršutinėje dalyje.