About the Church
The Church of St Matthew the Apostle and Evangelist in Krakės is one of the most impressive churches in the small town of Krakės, situated on the banks of the Smilgaitis river. This church is not only a centre of religious worship but also an important architectural monument, revealing a blend of various architectural styles.
The history of this church goes back as far as the 15th century, when in 1421 Krakės district was granted to the Bishop of Samogitia. The first wooden church in the town was built as early as 1478. Later, in the early 16th century, priest Jurgis Talaitis renovated it. Also worth mentioning is one of the most eminent figures, Mikalojus Daukša, who was active in Krakės in 1570–1572. He was one of the founders of Lithuanian writing, whose works were of great importance to the formation of the Lithuanian language.
Over the long centuries the church underwent many changes. In 1692 a new wooden Church of St Catherine was built in the town. Later, in 1768, at the initiative of Bishop Jonas Lopacinskis, another wooden church was built, which remained the religious centre until the middle of the 19th century, when it burned down in 1863 and was not rebuilt.
The present masonry church, which we can see in Krakės today, was built from 1897 to 1907. Funded by the parishioners and through the efforts of parish priest Kazimieras Marma, the church was fully completed and painted in 1931. The older church building was demolished at that time, making way for this solid masonry structure.
Architecturally, the Church of St Matthew the Apostle and Evangelist in Krakės is a distinctive example, combining Gothic Revival and Neo-Baroque features. It is a cruciform building with a tall tower, a three-sided apse and cylindrical vaults. Inside, the church has three naves, separated by piers that give the space a sense of monumental massiveness and dignity.
This church is not only an architectural marvel but also a living witness to history, holding within it the reflections of many generations' faith and determination. A visit here allows one to immerse oneself in the deep history of Lithuania and feel the strong communal spirituality that has been nurtured here through the centuries.
The history of this church goes back as far as the 15th century, when in 1421 Krakės district was granted to the Bishop of Samogitia. The first wooden church in the town was built as early as 1478. Later, in the early 16th century, priest Jurgis Talaitis renovated it. Also worth mentioning is one of the most eminent figures, Mikalojus Daukša, who was active in Krakės in 1570–1572. He was one of the founders of Lithuanian writing, whose works were of great importance to the formation of the Lithuanian language.
Over the long centuries the church underwent many changes. In 1692 a new wooden Church of St Catherine was built in the town. Later, in 1768, at the initiative of Bishop Jonas Lopacinskis, another wooden church was built, which remained the religious centre until the middle of the 19th century, when it burned down in 1863 and was not rebuilt.
The present masonry church, which we can see in Krakės today, was built from 1897 to 1907. Funded by the parishioners and through the efforts of parish priest Kazimieras Marma, the church was fully completed and painted in 1931. The older church building was demolished at that time, making way for this solid masonry structure.
Architecturally, the Church of St Matthew the Apostle and Evangelist in Krakės is a distinctive example, combining Gothic Revival and Neo-Baroque features. It is a cruciform building with a tall tower, a three-sided apse and cylindrical vaults. Inside, the church has three naves, separated by piers that give the space a sense of monumental massiveness and dignity.
This church is not only an architectural marvel but also a living witness to history, holding within it the reflections of many generations' faith and determination. A visit here allows one to immerse oneself in the deep history of Lithuania and feel the strong communal spirituality that has been nurtured here through the centuries.
Gallery and Resources
Archive captions are shown in Lithuanian.
Krakės, centrinė aikštė, 1928 m.
Tolumoje - Krakių šv. apaštalo ir evangelisto Mato bažnyčia.
Krakių Šv. apaštalo evangelisto Mato bažnyčia. Fotografijos aprašymas ant pasporto: „KRAKĖS. Buv. vienuolyno bažnyčia. šv. apaštalo evangelisto Mato 1478, 1768, 1908 m.“