About the Church
The Church of Divine Providence at Antazava is a unique monument of history and architecture, standing in the charming village of Antazava in Zarasai district. The church is a true pearl of Baroque architecture, one that draws both local residents and curious tourists.
Interestingly, this wooden building was built in 1794 without nails, of hewn logs. This reflects the craftsmanship and technological progress of the time. The initiative to build the church came from Kunigunda Valavičiūtė-Pliaterienė, the manor's owner, thanks to whom the papal nuncio granted the right to build the church and allowed the parish to be established.
The church complex includes not only the church itself but also a distinctive masonry bell tower and the churchyard gate, which are likewise considered architectural monuments. It is supposed that as early as 1749 the Counts Plateris may have built a chapel of the Mother of God. Over the years the chapel changed its function, until it was finally decided to build a fully-fledged church that would serve not only the manor but also the surrounding villages.
One of the most important events in the life of the church at Antazava was the restoration of 1910. This restoration helped maintain the building's stability and beauty. During the First World War the church was used as a German military hospital, but after the war its function was restored. Unfortunately, four bells were taken away to Russia, though during the interwar period the parish managed to acquire at least one new bell.
The church's interior is notable for its three aisles and three altars, which adorn the space and create a special atmosphere. The churchyard wall, built in 1827, and the stone masonry bell tower beside it are also of great significance. Also buried in the churchyard is the long-serving parish priest Antanas Mikulėnas, who contributed to strengthening and preserving the church community.
The Church of Divine Providence at Antazava is today not only a place of religious rites but also a cultural heritage site protected by the state. Its distinctive architectural style and rich history draw visitors and offer a deeper understanding of the religious and cultural past of Lithuania's villages.
Interestingly, this wooden building was built in 1794 without nails, of hewn logs. This reflects the craftsmanship and technological progress of the time. The initiative to build the church came from Kunigunda Valavičiūtė-Pliaterienė, the manor's owner, thanks to whom the papal nuncio granted the right to build the church and allowed the parish to be established.
The church complex includes not only the church itself but also a distinctive masonry bell tower and the churchyard gate, which are likewise considered architectural monuments. It is supposed that as early as 1749 the Counts Plateris may have built a chapel of the Mother of God. Over the years the chapel changed its function, until it was finally decided to build a fully-fledged church that would serve not only the manor but also the surrounding villages.
One of the most important events in the life of the church at Antazava was the restoration of 1910. This restoration helped maintain the building's stability and beauty. During the First World War the church was used as a German military hospital, but after the war its function was restored. Unfortunately, four bells were taken away to Russia, though during the interwar period the parish managed to acquire at least one new bell.
The church's interior is notable for its three aisles and three altars, which adorn the space and create a special atmosphere. The churchyard wall, built in 1827, and the stone masonry bell tower beside it are also of great significance. Also buried in the churchyard is the long-serving parish priest Antanas Mikulėnas, who contributed to strengthening and preserving the church community.
The Church of Divine Providence at Antazava is today not only a place of religious rites but also a cultural heritage site protected by the state. Its distinctive architectural style and rich history draw visitors and offer a deeper understanding of the religious and cultural past of Lithuania's villages.
Gallery and Resources
Archive captions are shown in Lithuanian.
Antazavės Dievo Apvaizdos bažnyčia, pastatyta 1794 m., tvora ir vartai - 1889 m. Medinė, turi baroko architektūros bruožų, dvibokštė. Nuotraukoje - pagrindinis fasadas. Antazavės k., apie 1970 m.