About the Church
The Church of St Anthony of Padua in Salamiestis, standing amid the quiet surroundings of the Kupiškis district, is one of the most impressive examples of Classicist architecture in Lithuania. This church, built of stone masonry, draws in not only local residents but also tourists with its history and beauty.
The first Catholic church or chapel in the town of Salamiestis was built as early as 1690. Forty-two years later, in 1732, a small, thatched church is recorded, which was maintained and supported by the Morikonis counts. From 1798 baptismal registers began to be kept, and the church itself became a filial church of the Vabalninkas parish, with a resident priest.
The present church in Salamiestis was built between 1815 and 1820. The construction was overseen by the priest Mykolas Dirvianskis, and funds were contributed by Countess Konstancija Morikonienė and the parishioners. The stone-masonry church became a fine example of Classicist architecture, with a rectangular-plan (26 by 12.6 m) structure and a semicircular-apse choir. The church has three altars, and its grounds are enclosed by original tall gates with openings for small bells.
In 1868 the curate Antanas Vasiliauskas enclosed the churchyard with a wall and built a bell tower, which has since become an inseparable part of the church complex. Later still, in 1889, the church acquired a new six-stop organ, enriching its musical heritage. In 1891 the high altar was built, and in 1904 the ceiling was renewed and the whole interior repainted. During the First World War, however, the church lost three bells, which were taken to Russia.
After the war, in 1925, the church was re-roofed with tin sheeting and given a new small tower. Through the efforts of the parish priest Kazimieras Pukenis the church's interior was repainted in 1938, giving it even more beauty and light. The Second World War also left its mark: during this period a bell cast in 1924 disappeared.
This church is undoubtedly a centre not only of religious but also of cultural life in the town of Salamiestis. Its history testifies to the community's long-standing strength and dedication, and its architectural beauty to the craftsmanship of its artists and builders.
So if you ever travel around the Kupiškis district, be sure to visit the Church of St Anthony of Padua in Salamiestis. It will undoubtedly leave an impression, both for its history and for its architectural beauty.
The first Catholic church or chapel in the town of Salamiestis was built as early as 1690. Forty-two years later, in 1732, a small, thatched church is recorded, which was maintained and supported by the Morikonis counts. From 1798 baptismal registers began to be kept, and the church itself became a filial church of the Vabalninkas parish, with a resident priest.
The present church in Salamiestis was built between 1815 and 1820. The construction was overseen by the priest Mykolas Dirvianskis, and funds were contributed by Countess Konstancija Morikonienė and the parishioners. The stone-masonry church became a fine example of Classicist architecture, with a rectangular-plan (26 by 12.6 m) structure and a semicircular-apse choir. The church has three altars, and its grounds are enclosed by original tall gates with openings for small bells.
In 1868 the curate Antanas Vasiliauskas enclosed the churchyard with a wall and built a bell tower, which has since become an inseparable part of the church complex. Later still, in 1889, the church acquired a new six-stop organ, enriching its musical heritage. In 1891 the high altar was built, and in 1904 the ceiling was renewed and the whole interior repainted. During the First World War, however, the church lost three bells, which were taken to Russia.
After the war, in 1925, the church was re-roofed with tin sheeting and given a new small tower. Through the efforts of the parish priest Kazimieras Pukenis the church's interior was repainted in 1938, giving it even more beauty and light. The Second World War also left its mark: during this period a bell cast in 1924 disappeared.
This church is undoubtedly a centre not only of religious but also of cultural life in the town of Salamiestis. Its history testifies to the community's long-standing strength and dedication, and its architectural beauty to the craftsmanship of its artists and builders.
So if you ever travel around the Kupiškis district, be sure to visit the Church of St Anthony of Padua in Salamiestis. It will undoubtedly leave an impression, both for its history and for its architectural beauty.
Gallery and Resources
