About the Church
The Church of St John the Baptist in Ramygala is one of the architectural gems of Panevėžys district, adorning the town of Ramygala on the left bank of the Nevėžis. Built in 1914, this Gothic Revival church is striking for its tall tower, red-brick masonry and richly ornamented windows.
The first church at Ramygala was built between 1431 and 1500. Over a long period the church changed, withstood various trials, but also suffered misfortunes many times. In the mid-18th century the church burned down, but as early as 1781 a new wooden church with five altars was built. At that time a school also began operating in the parish, contributing to the education of the local community.
Construction of the new, present church was initiated by the parish priest Julius Norgėla in 1897, to a design by the architect Karlas Edvardas Strandmanas. The building of the church was completed by the parish priest Juozas Genys, who also set up a secret library and a society for educating parishioners. It was an active period, when the parish organised secret Lithuanian theatrical performances, and a tearoom established in 1912 became an important gathering place for the local community.
The church tower reaches as much as 70 metres in height, and its vaults are built of brick. Inside are three oak altars, adorned with Gothic elements. The mensa of the central altar is made of variegated marble, and at its centre stands a relief of St John the Baptist. There are also altars of the Crucified Christ and of Our Lady of the Gate of Dawn, which are striking for their sculptures and paintings.
In July 1944, as the Germans retreated and the Russians took the area, the church tower was shelled and caught fire. One of the bells melted, another cracked. But after the war efforts to restore the church did not stop – in 1956 the tower was rebuilt through the efforts of the parish priest Petras Tarulis.
In the church's chancel hangs a painting by Egidijus Darulis, “Jesus, I Trust in You,” and in the vestibule can be seen a sculpture by Bernardas Bučas, “Christ Carrying the Cross.” Visitors wishing to see this unique church can also admire the original Stations of the Cross, and the stained-glass windows, which, sadly, were shattered during the Second World War.
In the churchyard, a wayside shrine pillar by Stanislovas Janušis was erected for the church's 100th anniversary, blessed by bishop emeritus Juozas Preikšas.
The church at Ramygala is not only a religious but also a cultural centre. Its main parish feasts (atlaidai) are held there, including St John the Baptist on 23–24 June, Our Lady of Mount Carmel on 16 July, and St Michael the Archangel on 29 September.
This is undoubtedly a special place with deep historical roots, inviting visitors to become acquainted with Lithuania's sacred architecture and cultural heritage.
The first church at Ramygala was built between 1431 and 1500. Over a long period the church changed, withstood various trials, but also suffered misfortunes many times. In the mid-18th century the church burned down, but as early as 1781 a new wooden church with five altars was built. At that time a school also began operating in the parish, contributing to the education of the local community.
Construction of the new, present church was initiated by the parish priest Julius Norgėla in 1897, to a design by the architect Karlas Edvardas Strandmanas. The building of the church was completed by the parish priest Juozas Genys, who also set up a secret library and a society for educating parishioners. It was an active period, when the parish organised secret Lithuanian theatrical performances, and a tearoom established in 1912 became an important gathering place for the local community.
The church tower reaches as much as 70 metres in height, and its vaults are built of brick. Inside are three oak altars, adorned with Gothic elements. The mensa of the central altar is made of variegated marble, and at its centre stands a relief of St John the Baptist. There are also altars of the Crucified Christ and of Our Lady of the Gate of Dawn, which are striking for their sculptures and paintings.
In July 1944, as the Germans retreated and the Russians took the area, the church tower was shelled and caught fire. One of the bells melted, another cracked. But after the war efforts to restore the church did not stop – in 1956 the tower was rebuilt through the efforts of the parish priest Petras Tarulis.
In the church's chancel hangs a painting by Egidijus Darulis, “Jesus, I Trust in You,” and in the vestibule can be seen a sculpture by Bernardas Bučas, “Christ Carrying the Cross.” Visitors wishing to see this unique church can also admire the original Stations of the Cross, and the stained-glass windows, which, sadly, were shattered during the Second World War.
In the churchyard, a wayside shrine pillar by Stanislovas Janušis was erected for the church's 100th anniversary, blessed by bishop emeritus Juozas Preikšas.
The church at Ramygala is not only a religious but also a cultural centre. Its main parish feasts (atlaidai) are held there, including St John the Baptist on 23–24 June, Our Lady of Mount Carmel on 16 July, and St Michael the Archangel on 29 September.
This is undoubtedly a special place with deep historical roots, inviting visitors to become acquainted with Lithuania's sacred architecture and cultural heritage.
Gallery and Resources
