About the Church
The Church of St Michael the Archangel in Senoji Varėna is special not only for its history but also for its architecture, which attracts both locals and visitors.
The first church in Senoji Varėna was built in the late 18th century. Some sources state that this happened in 1776, others give 1780 or even 1786. Construction of the church was initiated by Mykolas Bžostovskis, administrator of the Varėna eldership. At that time the church became an important part of the small town's cultural and spiritual life, but in 1915 it was destroyed by a fire that broke out during the Russian army's retreat from the Germans. Unfortunately, the church's archive and other buildings burned down along with it.
After the First World War, on the initiative of Father Leonas Markuckis and through the efforts of the parishioners, a new wooden church was built on the foundations of the old one. However, on 12 July 1944, during the Second World War, this church also burned down. For a time, services were held in various temporary locations.
In 1991, on the initiative of Father Petras Čivilis, construction of a new masonry church began, which was completed in 1994. This church was designed by the noted architect Gediminas Baravykas. On 6 November the church was consecrated by the Pope's representative – the nuncio.
The present church stands out for its architecture. It has a rectangular plan and a single altar, with a skylight that gives the interior natural light. Inside there is a specially fitted-out chapel of repose, and above the main gate rises an impressive white 35-metre-high tower-belfry, visible from afar.
The church's masonry structure is rendered and covered with galvanised sheet metal, which ensures its durability and resistance to weather conditions. The church's windows are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the building, giving the interior brightness and cosiness.
The Church of St Michael the Archangel is not only a spiritual centre but also a significant historical site, bearing witness to the difficult yet heroic efforts of the local community to preserve their faith and traditions despite various adversities.
The first church in Senoji Varėna was built in the late 18th century. Some sources state that this happened in 1776, others give 1780 or even 1786. Construction of the church was initiated by Mykolas Bžostovskis, administrator of the Varėna eldership. At that time the church became an important part of the small town's cultural and spiritual life, but in 1915 it was destroyed by a fire that broke out during the Russian army's retreat from the Germans. Unfortunately, the church's archive and other buildings burned down along with it.
After the First World War, on the initiative of Father Leonas Markuckis and through the efforts of the parishioners, a new wooden church was built on the foundations of the old one. However, on 12 July 1944, during the Second World War, this church also burned down. For a time, services were held in various temporary locations.
In 1991, on the initiative of Father Petras Čivilis, construction of a new masonry church began, which was completed in 1994. This church was designed by the noted architect Gediminas Baravykas. On 6 November the church was consecrated by the Pope's representative – the nuncio.
The present church stands out for its architecture. It has a rectangular plan and a single altar, with a skylight that gives the interior natural light. Inside there is a specially fitted-out chapel of repose, and above the main gate rises an impressive white 35-metre-high tower-belfry, visible from afar.
The church's masonry structure is rendered and covered with galvanised sheet metal, which ensures its durability and resistance to weather conditions. The church's windows are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the building, giving the interior brightness and cosiness.
The Church of St Michael the Archangel is not only a spiritual centre but also a significant historical site, bearing witness to the difficult yet heroic efforts of the local community to preserve their faith and traditions despite various adversities.
Gallery and Resources
Archive captions are shown in Lithuanian.
Senosios Varėnos Šv. arkangelo Mykolo bažnyčia.