About the Church
The Church of St Anthony of Padua in Kalviai is a special place, whose history and architecture delight both local residents and visitors. This church stands in the village of Kalviai, beside the beautiful Lake Kalviai, on the road leading to Kruonis and Stakliškės.
The church's history began as far back as 1753, when the first church was built in Kalviai. Unfortunately, it burned down in 1792, but thanks to the efforts of Father Tomas Vavžeckis and his wife Juzefa, the current masonry church was built in 1800–1806. After a fire in 1870 the church was rebuilt again and three altars were installed in it. Interestingly, sermons here were given in Lithuanian, although after the death of Father Feliksas Žukas, in the period from 1890 to 1896, there were no services in Lithuanian. Father Ignotas Šopara later restored the Lithuanian-language services, which became a permanent part of the church's life.
In the early 20th century the church became a centre of activity for the Lithuanian Catholic Temperance Society, and in 1936 it was renovated and its lantern was reconstructed. A notable figure associated with this church is parish priest Zigmas Neciunskas, who served here after returning from political imprisonment.
Architecturally, the Church of St Anthony of Padua in Kalviai is distinctive for its Classicist style and rotunda form with a dome and a cylindrical lantern. A sacristy with a porch is attached to the rotunda. The church's walls are windowless, and a wooden bell tower stands beside it. One of the most unique features of this church is the facing of the facades with pink stones – granite, Jotnian sandstone, Red Baltic porphyry and Åland porphyry. This is a rare phenomenon in Lithuanian architecture and highlights the Romantic revival of stone masonry.
Father Vytautas Melkūnas, who came from the parish of Kalviai, is buried in the church's churchyard. His grave is a reminder of the deep religious traditions and the strength of the parish community.
The Church of St Anthony of Padua in Kalviai not only preserves a long history, but also radiates a unique architectural beauty, inviting all who wish to become acquainted with Lithuania's cultural and religious heritage.
The church's history began as far back as 1753, when the first church was built in Kalviai. Unfortunately, it burned down in 1792, but thanks to the efforts of Father Tomas Vavžeckis and his wife Juzefa, the current masonry church was built in 1800–1806. After a fire in 1870 the church was rebuilt again and three altars were installed in it. Interestingly, sermons here were given in Lithuanian, although after the death of Father Feliksas Žukas, in the period from 1890 to 1896, there were no services in Lithuanian. Father Ignotas Šopara later restored the Lithuanian-language services, which became a permanent part of the church's life.
In the early 20th century the church became a centre of activity for the Lithuanian Catholic Temperance Society, and in 1936 it was renovated and its lantern was reconstructed. A notable figure associated with this church is parish priest Zigmas Neciunskas, who served here after returning from political imprisonment.
Architecturally, the Church of St Anthony of Padua in Kalviai is distinctive for its Classicist style and rotunda form with a dome and a cylindrical lantern. A sacristy with a porch is attached to the rotunda. The church's walls are windowless, and a wooden bell tower stands beside it. One of the most unique features of this church is the facing of the facades with pink stones – granite, Jotnian sandstone, Red Baltic porphyry and Åland porphyry. This is a rare phenomenon in Lithuanian architecture and highlights the Romantic revival of stone masonry.
Father Vytautas Melkūnas, who came from the parish of Kalviai, is buried in the church's churchyard. His grave is a reminder of the deep religious traditions and the strength of the parish community.
The Church of St Anthony of Padua in Kalviai not only preserves a long history, but also radiates a unique architectural beauty, inviting all who wish to become acquainted with Lithuania's cultural and religious heritage.
Gallery and Resources
Archive captions are shown in Lithuanian.
Fotofrafiniame atvaizde užfiksuota mūrinė klasicizmo stiliaus bažnyčia. Sakralinis pastatas rotondinis, kupolinis, langų apvadai ir karnyzų dantukai – balto tinko.
Apskrito plano kupolinė Šv. Antano Paduviečio bažnyčia (Kaišiadorių r.) Kalvių ežero pakrantėje - įdomios apdailos (raudono granito skaldos tinkas) klasicistinis, sakralinis statinys (1806), funduotas vietos dvarininkų Vavžeskių. Nuo tada, kai Kalviuose buvo Dobužinskis, gal kiek pasikeitė šventorius - atsirado naujų kryžių, skulptūrų. Ši realistinio piešinio, stambiaplanė kompozicija detaliai ir kruopščiai vaizduoja Kalvių bažnyčią.
Aprašė Irena Dobrovolskaitė.
Aprašė Irena Dobrovolskaitė.