About the Church
The Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Krekenava is one of the most outstanding architectural monuments of the Panevėžys region, enriching Lithuania's cultural heritage with its history and spiritual significance. Rising in the small town of Krekenava by the River Nevėžis, the basilica draws not only local worshippers but also pilgrims from across the country.
The church's history reaches back to the 15th century. It is thought that as early as 1419 the Grand Duke of Lithuania Vytautas had the first church built in Krekenava. This wooden church became a centre of religious life, further maintained by the local landowners, the Vizgirda-Vizgirdavičius family. In 1484 they built a new wooden church, which was later endowed with property and land. At the start of the 16th century the Krekenava presbytery was granted away together with all its property, which testifies to the church's importance and prosperity at that time.
Unfortunately, in the first half of the 18th century the wooden church burned down. Fortunately, the archdeacon Antanas Valavičius took the initiative to rebuild it in 1736. Although this wooden structure stood for almost a century, it too was struck by fires and other misfortunes, which eventually made a sturdier building necessary.
Only at the end of the 19th century did construction begin on the present masonry church. Interestingly, the parish priest Pranciškus Žukauskas had to contend with bureaucratic obstacles – the Governor of Kaunas at first allowed only a wooden church to be built and even fined the priest for firing bricks. However, after lengthy efforts and the intervention of the Minister of Internal Affairs, permission was granted in 1896 to build a masonry church to the design of the architect Ustinas Golinevičius. The church was completed in 1902 and consecrated in 1907 by the Bishop of Panevėžys, Gasparas Cirtautas.
Architecturally the basilica is a fine example of the Historicist style with elements of Neo-Gothic. Its rectangular plan, two-tower structure and spacious three-aisled interior create a majestic and solemn atmosphere. Inside is a cross carved by the folk sculptor Vincas Svirskis, a valuable work of folk art.
The basilica is also renowned for its image of the Mother of God, held by the faithful to be miraculous. Every year on 15 August it hosts the Žolinė feast, drawing large numbers of pilgrims. During this feast, in 2011, by the decision of Pope Benedict XVI, the church was granted the status of a minor basilica, further elevating its significance within the Catholic community.
Not only for lovers of religion but also for enthusiasts of history and architecture, the Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Krekenava offers a unique opportunity to learn about Lithuania's religious heritage and admire an outstanding architectural monument.
The church's history reaches back to the 15th century. It is thought that as early as 1419 the Grand Duke of Lithuania Vytautas had the first church built in Krekenava. This wooden church became a centre of religious life, further maintained by the local landowners, the Vizgirda-Vizgirdavičius family. In 1484 they built a new wooden church, which was later endowed with property and land. At the start of the 16th century the Krekenava presbytery was granted away together with all its property, which testifies to the church's importance and prosperity at that time.
Unfortunately, in the first half of the 18th century the wooden church burned down. Fortunately, the archdeacon Antanas Valavičius took the initiative to rebuild it in 1736. Although this wooden structure stood for almost a century, it too was struck by fires and other misfortunes, which eventually made a sturdier building necessary.
Only at the end of the 19th century did construction begin on the present masonry church. Interestingly, the parish priest Pranciškus Žukauskas had to contend with bureaucratic obstacles – the Governor of Kaunas at first allowed only a wooden church to be built and even fined the priest for firing bricks. However, after lengthy efforts and the intervention of the Minister of Internal Affairs, permission was granted in 1896 to build a masonry church to the design of the architect Ustinas Golinevičius. The church was completed in 1902 and consecrated in 1907 by the Bishop of Panevėžys, Gasparas Cirtautas.
Architecturally the basilica is a fine example of the Historicist style with elements of Neo-Gothic. Its rectangular plan, two-tower structure and spacious three-aisled interior create a majestic and solemn atmosphere. Inside is a cross carved by the folk sculptor Vincas Svirskis, a valuable work of folk art.
The basilica is also renowned for its image of the Mother of God, held by the faithful to be miraculous. Every year on 15 August it hosts the Žolinė feast, drawing large numbers of pilgrims. During this feast, in 2011, by the decision of Pope Benedict XVI, the church was granted the status of a minor basilica, further elevating its significance within the Catholic community.
Not only for lovers of religion but also for enthusiasts of history and architecture, the Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Krekenava offers a unique opportunity to learn about Lithuania's religious heritage and admire an outstanding architectural monument.
Gallery and Resources
Archive captions are shown in Lithuanian.
Miestelio bendras vaizdas iš toliau. Tolumoje matyti Krekenavos Švč. Mergelės Marijos Ėmimo į dangų bazilika.