About the Church
The Church of the Crucified Jesus in Surviliškis is a distinctive sacred building of Lithuania, situated in the town of Surviliškis, near the Nevėžis river. This wooden church, built in 1791, combines Baroque and Classicist architectural features that give it a unique and distinctive character.
The history of Surviliškis manor goes back to the 16th century. In 1505 the manor was given to the Bishop of Samogitia. Between 1592 and 1597 the first church already stood in Surviliškis, to which the village of Bučionys was donated in 1638. This was an important step that contributed to the economic and cultural development of the area. From 1777 a parish school operated next to the church, contributing to the education of the local community.
At the initiative of parish priest Juozapas Žibartas, a new church – the one we can see today – was built in 1791. Its cruciform plan and five small towers rising above the roof create an impressive sight, and the churchyard, enclosed by a wooden fence with masonry gates, further underlines the sacredness of this place. A wooden bell tower also stands in the churchyard, further strengthening the historical and cultural significance of the church.
This church is not merely an architectural structure; it is a living witness to history. In the 19th century priest Leopoldas Urbanavičius was exiled to Tomsk Governorate for supporting the insurgents. Later, at the initiative of parish priest F. Semelevičius, the church was renovated, and in 1921 it was repainted. In the early 20th century a branch of the Lithuanian Catholic Temperance Society also operated here, reflecting the importance of public life at the time.
The church regularly celebrates the parish feasts of St John the Baptist, St Roch and the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, which draw not only local residents but also pilgrims from other parts of Lithuania. These are important religious celebrations that help keep the community's spirit alive.
A visit to the Church of the Crucified Jesus in Surviliškis is a journey through time, allowing one to discover not only the beauty of its architecture but also to gain historical knowledge about this special place and its significance for Lithuanian culture and religion.
The history of Surviliškis manor goes back to the 16th century. In 1505 the manor was given to the Bishop of Samogitia. Between 1592 and 1597 the first church already stood in Surviliškis, to which the village of Bučionys was donated in 1638. This was an important step that contributed to the economic and cultural development of the area. From 1777 a parish school operated next to the church, contributing to the education of the local community.
At the initiative of parish priest Juozapas Žibartas, a new church – the one we can see today – was built in 1791. Its cruciform plan and five small towers rising above the roof create an impressive sight, and the churchyard, enclosed by a wooden fence with masonry gates, further underlines the sacredness of this place. A wooden bell tower also stands in the churchyard, further strengthening the historical and cultural significance of the church.
This church is not merely an architectural structure; it is a living witness to history. In the 19th century priest Leopoldas Urbanavičius was exiled to Tomsk Governorate for supporting the insurgents. Later, at the initiative of parish priest F. Semelevičius, the church was renovated, and in 1921 it was repainted. In the early 20th century a branch of the Lithuanian Catholic Temperance Society also operated here, reflecting the importance of public life at the time.
The church regularly celebrates the parish feasts of St John the Baptist, St Roch and the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, which draw not only local residents but also pilgrims from other parts of Lithuania. These are important religious celebrations that help keep the community's spirit alive.
A visit to the Church of the Crucified Jesus in Surviliškis is a journey through time, allowing one to discover not only the beauty of its architecture but also to gain historical knowledge about this special place and its significance for Lithuanian culture and religion.
Gallery and Resources
Archive captions are shown in Lithuanian.
Surviliškio Nukryžiuotojo Jėzaus bažnyčia.
Nuo XIV a. Surviliškis priklausė dvarui, kuriame 1637 m. Žemaičių vyskupas Jurgis Tiškevičius pastatė medinę katalikų bažnyčią.. 1791 m. tuometinis klebonas Juozapas Žibartas su parapijiečiais pastatė naują, dabar tebestovinčią medinę bažnyčią.