About the Church
The Church of St Charles Borromeo in Upytė is a true architectural and historic gem, located in the village of Upytė, near the Panevėžys–Krekenava road. This wooden church, built in 1878 through the efforts of the parish priest Felicijonas Bytautas and the parishioners, radiates not only forms of folk architecture but also subtle Neo-Baroque features.
The church's building material is wood, which at that time was often used for its availability and suitability to the local climate. The church is distinguished by a cruciform plan measuring 19.2 × 8.5 metres, a three-sided apse and two small turrets. Inside are three altars and an eight-register organ, which lend a sacred atmosphere to services.
The church is dedicated to St Charles Borromeo, the famous 16th-century Archbishop of Milan, known for his reforming work and dedication to church service. St Charles Borromeo has become a special patron, and his name graces this historic church.
The site's history began even before the Catholic church was built – until 1595 an Evangelical Reformed church stood at Upytė, which fell into decay after the death of the last descendant of the Čičinskas family in 1665. Later, in 1742, a parish feast (atlaidai) was proclaimed at the Catholic chapel in Upytė, and from 1849 parish registers began to be kept, documenting the life of the parish.
The church's bell tower, standing nearby, also has its own unique charm. The wooden, three-tier bell tower nestles against the stone-masonry wall encircling the churchyard. This architectural solution, blending wood and stone, creates a harmonious picture that complements the landscape.
Other important religious structures also belong to the church complex – the chapels of Upytė-Tauginai and of the cemetery, which likewise add to the area's rich cultural heritage.
It is interesting to note how this church has been maintained and cared for over the years: in 1895 paintings of the Stations of the Cross were acquired, in 1927 the roof was covered with sheet metal, and in 1937 the church's interior and exterior were repainted. All these efforts testify to the parishioners' devotion to and love for their church.
A visit to this church allows one to sense not only the architectural but also the spiritual value of the space. It is a place where time stands still and one can immerse oneself in history, reflect on the legacy of one's ancestors and feel a deep connection with the culture of one's own region.
The church's building material is wood, which at that time was often used for its availability and suitability to the local climate. The church is distinguished by a cruciform plan measuring 19.2 × 8.5 metres, a three-sided apse and two small turrets. Inside are three altars and an eight-register organ, which lend a sacred atmosphere to services.
The church is dedicated to St Charles Borromeo, the famous 16th-century Archbishop of Milan, known for his reforming work and dedication to church service. St Charles Borromeo has become a special patron, and his name graces this historic church.
The site's history began even before the Catholic church was built – until 1595 an Evangelical Reformed church stood at Upytė, which fell into decay after the death of the last descendant of the Čičinskas family in 1665. Later, in 1742, a parish feast (atlaidai) was proclaimed at the Catholic chapel in Upytė, and from 1849 parish registers began to be kept, documenting the life of the parish.
The church's bell tower, standing nearby, also has its own unique charm. The wooden, three-tier bell tower nestles against the stone-masonry wall encircling the churchyard. This architectural solution, blending wood and stone, creates a harmonious picture that complements the landscape.
Other important religious structures also belong to the church complex – the chapels of Upytė-Tauginai and of the cemetery, which likewise add to the area's rich cultural heritage.
It is interesting to note how this church has been maintained and cared for over the years: in 1895 paintings of the Stations of the Cross were acquired, in 1927 the roof was covered with sheet metal, and in 1937 the church's interior and exterior were repainted. All these efforts testify to the parishioners' devotion to and love for their church.
A visit to this church allows one to sense not only the architectural but also the spiritual value of the space. It is a place where time stands still and one can immerse oneself in history, reflect on the legacy of one's ancestors and feel a deep connection with the culture of one's own region.