About the Church
The Church of Sts Peter and Paul, Apostles, in Apytalaukis is an unusual and historically rich church, situated in the village of Apytalaukis, near Kėdainiai. Standing at the confluence of the Nevėžis and Alkupis, this church is a genuine gem of Baroque architecture with Renaissance elements.
The first church was built even before 1635, and its founder was Count Petras Šiukšta. Old inventories show that in 1642 a wooden church operated here, being built at the time in place of a masonry one that was still unfinished by 1677. At the end of the 17th century Kazimieras Zaviša and his wife Kristina Mlečkaitė endowed an altar benefice. In the 18th century Mass was often celebrated by the Jesuits of the Kėdainiai mission, and local children were educated at the parish school.
Interestingly, at the beginning of the 19th century the church is recorded as having a small seven-register organ and various musical instruments, such as drums, horns and pipes, which shows that the church served cultural as well as religious events. In 1851 the church was granted permission to add a tower, and between 1902 and 1919 parish priest V. Mockus, together with the landowner Titas Šniukšta, rebuilt the masonry church. During that period the filial churches of Lančiūnava and Šventybrastis also belonged to the parish.
The notable parish priest of Apytalaukis, Vincentas Rimkevičius, who died in 1934, was an active supporter of the book smugglers and a patron of "Tėvynės sargas" (Guardian of the Fatherland). For his activities he was persecuted by the tsarist authorities.
Architecturally, the church stands out for its Latin-cross plan and imposing tower. Cylindrical vaults dominate the interior, giving the sacred space a special beauty and harmony. The Baroque style with Renaissance features enriches the building, making it a unique monument of Lithuanian sacred art.
Thus, the Church of Sts Peter and Paul, Apostles, in Apytalaukis is undoubtedly one of the most important parts of Lithuania's cultural heritage, where history, architecture and the life stories of local people intertwine.
The first church was built even before 1635, and its founder was Count Petras Šiukšta. Old inventories show that in 1642 a wooden church operated here, being built at the time in place of a masonry one that was still unfinished by 1677. At the end of the 17th century Kazimieras Zaviša and his wife Kristina Mlečkaitė endowed an altar benefice. In the 18th century Mass was often celebrated by the Jesuits of the Kėdainiai mission, and local children were educated at the parish school.
Interestingly, at the beginning of the 19th century the church is recorded as having a small seven-register organ and various musical instruments, such as drums, horns and pipes, which shows that the church served cultural as well as religious events. In 1851 the church was granted permission to add a tower, and between 1902 and 1919 parish priest V. Mockus, together with the landowner Titas Šniukšta, rebuilt the masonry church. During that period the filial churches of Lančiūnava and Šventybrastis also belonged to the parish.
The notable parish priest of Apytalaukis, Vincentas Rimkevičius, who died in 1934, was an active supporter of the book smugglers and a patron of "Tėvynės sargas" (Guardian of the Fatherland). For his activities he was persecuted by the tsarist authorities.
Architecturally, the church stands out for its Latin-cross plan and imposing tower. Cylindrical vaults dominate the interior, giving the sacred space a special beauty and harmony. The Baroque style with Renaissance features enriches the building, making it a unique monument of Lithuanian sacred art.
Thus, the Church of Sts Peter and Paul, Apostles, in Apytalaukis is undoubtedly one of the most important parts of Lithuania's cultural heritage, where history, architecture and the life stories of local people intertwine.
Gallery and Resources
Archive captions are shown in Lithuanian.
Apytalaukio šv. apaštalų Petro ir Povilo bažnyčia, XVII a. Architektūra barokinė su renesanso bruožais. 1851 m. gautas leidimas pristatyti bokštą. Vaizdas iš vakarų. Reverese įrašas: „Apytalaukio bažnyčia 1931-VII-4“.
Apytalaukio šv. apaštalų Petro ir Povilo bažnyčia, XVII a. Architektūra barokinė su renesanso bruožais. 1851 m. gautas leidimas pristatyti bokštą. Vaizdas iš pietvakarių.