Taujėnų Šv. Kryžiaus Išaukštinimo bažnyčia

Taujėnai's Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is an impressive Classicist house of prayer, rising in a picturesque spot in Ukmergė district, in the small town of Taujėnai. The church stands beside the road linking Ukmergė with Raguva and Nevėžis, on the right bank of the Mūšia river.

The earliest mentions of a church in Taujėnai are found as far back as 1669, when a chaplaincy at Taujėnai is recorded. However, the masonry church seen today has a longer and more complicated history. A wooden church was built in 1785, but it did not survive long – it burned down in 1845. This tragedy did not destroy the spirit of the local faithful: in 1854 the owner of the Taujėnai manor obtained permission to resume construction work begun three decades earlier, and in 1858 the building of the masonry church, to the design of the architect Šurinas, was completed.

This church stands out for its Classicist architecture. It is a rectangular-plan, towerless, single-nave structure, surrounded by a metal churchyard fence. In addition, a masonry bell tower stands in the churchyard, adding to the grandeur and harmony of the whole complex.

It is interesting to note that although the church has no towers, its architecture is dominated by the classical lines and ornamentation characteristic of the style. Such architectural choices not only give the church aesthetic beauty but also symbolise strength and permanence.

The gallery and decorations inside bear witness to the rich history of this church and its cultural significance for the local community. One of the most memorable elements of the interior is the portrait of the writer Marija Pečkauskaitė–Šatrijos Ragana, which undoubtedly draws visitors' attention and encourages them to recall Lithuania's literary heritage.

Taujėnai's Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is not only a religious but also a cultural centre, whose history and architecture attract both the faithful and lovers of art and history. It is a place where the fates of many generations intertwine, and where every visit becomes a journey through the ages.