About the Church
Kazokiškės Church of Our Lady of Victory is an impressive church in the late Baroque and early Classicism style, situated in the village of Kazokiškės, near Vievis. Founded in 1609 on a small hill, this church has, from its very beginnings, been a dominant part of the local architecture and spiritual life.
This church's history began when the estate owner Stanislovas Beinartas built it and handed it over to the Dominicans. One of the special features of this church is the copy of the image of Our Lady of Victory, brought here in 1680. The faithful have regarded this image as miraculous since 1700, while its original is kept in Naples. The miracles attracted large numbers of pilgrims, who donated silver votive offerings for their cures. Unfortunately, these offerings were stolen in 1743.
The church was reconstructed more than once, and one of the most significant reconstructions took place in 1782–1790. It is thought that the reconstruction design was prepared by the prominent architect of the time, Augustinas Kosakauskas. The Baroque part of the facade survived from the old church, as a reminder of the earlier building. In 1905 the priest Jonas Bobkevičius was known for his strictness, demanding that visitors speak only Polish. And in the mid-20th century, in 1948, the parish priest Juozapas Čaplikas was repressed and sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment.
The church's architecture remains distinctive: it has a rectangular plan, is towerless and single-aisled. The churchyard grounds are enclosed by a stone masonry fence, and by the gates stands a plastered masonry bell tower. The churchyard also holds an old cemetery, which adds to the historical value of this site.
Inside, one can find valuable works of sacred art: "The Blessed Mother of God with the Child" (17th century), venerated for the graces granted to the faithful; a portrait of "St Casimir" and a portrait of the church's founder S. Beinartas (both 18th century). The ornate interior is complemented by the sculpture "The Crucified" (19th century) and other religious artefacts.
In 2017, in preparation for the centenary of Lithuania, a monument to the Vytis (the Knight, Lithuania's coat of arms) was erected beside the church, becoming another important symbol of this place.
Kazokiškės Church of Our Lady of Victory is not only an architectural gem but also living history, inviting everyone to visit and experience its unique atmosphere.
This church's history began when the estate owner Stanislovas Beinartas built it and handed it over to the Dominicans. One of the special features of this church is the copy of the image of Our Lady of Victory, brought here in 1680. The faithful have regarded this image as miraculous since 1700, while its original is kept in Naples. The miracles attracted large numbers of pilgrims, who donated silver votive offerings for their cures. Unfortunately, these offerings were stolen in 1743.
The church was reconstructed more than once, and one of the most significant reconstructions took place in 1782–1790. It is thought that the reconstruction design was prepared by the prominent architect of the time, Augustinas Kosakauskas. The Baroque part of the facade survived from the old church, as a reminder of the earlier building. In 1905 the priest Jonas Bobkevičius was known for his strictness, demanding that visitors speak only Polish. And in the mid-20th century, in 1948, the parish priest Juozapas Čaplikas was repressed and sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment.
The church's architecture remains distinctive: it has a rectangular plan, is towerless and single-aisled. The churchyard grounds are enclosed by a stone masonry fence, and by the gates stands a plastered masonry bell tower. The churchyard also holds an old cemetery, which adds to the historical value of this site.
Inside, one can find valuable works of sacred art: "The Blessed Mother of God with the Child" (17th century), venerated for the graces granted to the faithful; a portrait of "St Casimir" and a portrait of the church's founder S. Beinartas (both 18th century). The ornate interior is complemented by the sculpture "The Crucified" (19th century) and other religious artefacts.
In 2017, in preparation for the centenary of Lithuania, a monument to the Vytis (the Knight, Lithuania's coat of arms) was erected beside the church, becoming another important symbol of this place.
Kazokiškės Church of Our Lady of Victory is not only an architectural gem but also living history, inviting everyone to visit and experience its unique atmosphere.
Gallery and Resources
Archive captions are shown in Lithuanian.
Vilniaus gubernijos Trakų pavieto Kazokiškių Marijos vardo bažnyčia (statyta 1609 m.).(Originalus stiklo negatyvas saugomas Kaišiadorių muziejuje, Nr. KŠM 2508/66).