About the Church
Daugai Church of Divine Providence is one of the outstanding historical and architectural monuments in Lithuania. Standing in the picturesque town of Daugai, this church is a true fusion of periods, combining elements of various architectural styles.
The church's history goes back to the 14th century, when it is believed that the Grand Duke of Lithuania Vytautas built the first church here. A tithe from the surrounding manors – Daugai, Alytus and Perloja – was assigned to this project. This shows how important the church was to the local community from the very beginning of its existence.
Over the centuries the church burned down and was rebuilt more than once. For example, after a fire in 1655 the church was rebuilt by 1674. Again, by 1766 a wooden church with a small tower and a presbytery stood here. But fire consumed this building once more, around 1776. Despite this, the parish did not give up – services were moved to St Peter's church, which was also rebuilt several times.
In the early 19th century a new stage of construction began. To a design by the architect T. Tišeckis, the present masonry church was built in 1858–1862, combining features of Classicism, Gothic and Baroque style. It is a towerless, hall church with three aisles separated by columns and segmental vaults. A three-storey bell tower stands by the church, and the whole grounds are enclosed by a stone masonry fence with Classicist gates.
In the early 20th century a branch of the Lithuanian Catholic Temperance Society, which set up a tearoom, was active at Daugai church. One of the more notable parish priests of this church was Vladas Mironas – one of the signatories of the Act of Independence of Lithuania. He served as parish priest in Daugai from 1914 to 1928, contributing to the fostering of Lithuanian identity in the Vilnius region.
During the Second World War and the Soviet regime the parish endured severe trials. The parish priest Petras Liutkus was deported to Vorkuta, where he died, while the vicar Petras Jakulevičius spent many years in prison and returned with his health broken.
Today Daugai Church of Divine Providence is a site of not only religious but also cultural significance. Its walls recall many historical events, and its architectural solutions let one feel the grandeur of the past. The church still stands as a solid monument to people's faith and perseverance, despite all trials and misfortunes.
The church's history goes back to the 14th century, when it is believed that the Grand Duke of Lithuania Vytautas built the first church here. A tithe from the surrounding manors – Daugai, Alytus and Perloja – was assigned to this project. This shows how important the church was to the local community from the very beginning of its existence.
Over the centuries the church burned down and was rebuilt more than once. For example, after a fire in 1655 the church was rebuilt by 1674. Again, by 1766 a wooden church with a small tower and a presbytery stood here. But fire consumed this building once more, around 1776. Despite this, the parish did not give up – services were moved to St Peter's church, which was also rebuilt several times.
In the early 19th century a new stage of construction began. To a design by the architect T. Tišeckis, the present masonry church was built in 1858–1862, combining features of Classicism, Gothic and Baroque style. It is a towerless, hall church with three aisles separated by columns and segmental vaults. A three-storey bell tower stands by the church, and the whole grounds are enclosed by a stone masonry fence with Classicist gates.
In the early 20th century a branch of the Lithuanian Catholic Temperance Society, which set up a tearoom, was active at Daugai church. One of the more notable parish priests of this church was Vladas Mironas – one of the signatories of the Act of Independence of Lithuania. He served as parish priest in Daugai from 1914 to 1928, contributing to the fostering of Lithuanian identity in the Vilnius region.
During the Second World War and the Soviet regime the parish endured severe trials. The parish priest Petras Liutkus was deported to Vorkuta, where he died, while the vicar Petras Jakulevičius spent many years in prison and returned with his health broken.
Today Daugai Church of Divine Providence is a site of not only religious but also cultural significance. Its walls recall many historical events, and its architectural solutions let one feel the grandeur of the past. The church still stands as a solid monument to people's faith and perseverance, despite all trials and misfortunes.
Gallery and Resources
Archive captions are shown in Lithuanian.
Daugų Dievo Apvaizdos bažnyčia. Akimirka iš vasaros kursų mokytojams išvykos. Kitoje pusėje ranka įrašyta: „Kruonio varpinė“.
