About the Church
The church of the Holy Trinity at Užpaliai is an impressive architectural monument, situated in the small town of Užpaliai, in the Diocese of Panevėžys, Utena district. The church found its place in a picturesque location on the bank of the river Šventoji. It is a building combining elements of Historicist, Neo-Gothic and Neo-Romanesque style, which makes it distinctive and appealing to lovers of history and architecture enthusiasts alike.
The first church at Užpaliai was built as far back as 1563 through the efforts of parish priest Legovičius, but it was merely a wooden structure, which had to withstand the tests of time. In 1584 the Grand Duke of Lithuania, Stephen Báthory, secured the priest's upkeep by assigning him certain income. Over time the church faced various challenges – in the 17th century it was handed over to the Calvinists, but was soon returned to the Catholics.
Over the centuries the church at Užpaliai changed its form several times. The construction of the second wooden church was completed in 1651, and it was consecrated just two years later. Around 1750 parish priest Petras Stasevičius demolished the aged church and built a new one, but this burned down in a fire in 1783. Despite these disasters, the community did not give up – in 1787 parish priest Adomas Legovičius, together with the parishioners, built a new wooden church.
Finally, in 1888 permission was obtained to build a masonry church, designed by Ustinas Golinevičius. On the initiative of parish priest Kazimieras Kozminskis and through the efforts of the parishioners, the present church was built in 1898 and was consecrated by Bishop Gasparas Cirtautas. A 16-stop organ was installed in the church, adding a special spiritual beauty to this sacred building.
The church's interior is likewise ornate and worth attention – it has five altars, and the interior is three-aisled. In the churchyard one can see a Classicist masonry bell tower, built in 1847, and an openwork brick wall surrounding the grounds.
In time the church of the Holy Trinity at Užpaliai became an important cultural centre. Around 1908 a branch of the "Saulė" Society and a Lithuanian school were established here, and the parish took care of running a small library. Throughout its history the church and its community have constantly contributed to social and cultural initiatives, such as the founding of a branch of the Lithuanian Catholic Temperance Society in 1914.
Because of its rich history and architectural beauty, the church of the Holy Trinity at Užpaliai is not only a religious centre but also an important piece of cultural heritage, bearing witness to the strength and persistence of the local community.
The first church at Užpaliai was built as far back as 1563 through the efforts of parish priest Legovičius, but it was merely a wooden structure, which had to withstand the tests of time. In 1584 the Grand Duke of Lithuania, Stephen Báthory, secured the priest's upkeep by assigning him certain income. Over time the church faced various challenges – in the 17th century it was handed over to the Calvinists, but was soon returned to the Catholics.
Over the centuries the church at Užpaliai changed its form several times. The construction of the second wooden church was completed in 1651, and it was consecrated just two years later. Around 1750 parish priest Petras Stasevičius demolished the aged church and built a new one, but this burned down in a fire in 1783. Despite these disasters, the community did not give up – in 1787 parish priest Adomas Legovičius, together with the parishioners, built a new wooden church.
Finally, in 1888 permission was obtained to build a masonry church, designed by Ustinas Golinevičius. On the initiative of parish priest Kazimieras Kozminskis and through the efforts of the parishioners, the present church was built in 1898 and was consecrated by Bishop Gasparas Cirtautas. A 16-stop organ was installed in the church, adding a special spiritual beauty to this sacred building.
The church's interior is likewise ornate and worth attention – it has five altars, and the interior is three-aisled. In the churchyard one can see a Classicist masonry bell tower, built in 1847, and an openwork brick wall surrounding the grounds.
In time the church of the Holy Trinity at Užpaliai became an important cultural centre. Around 1908 a branch of the "Saulė" Society and a Lithuanian school were established here, and the parish took care of running a small library. Throughout its history the church and its community have constantly contributed to social and cultural initiatives, such as the founding of a branch of the Lithuanian Catholic Temperance Society in 1914.
Because of its rich history and architectural beauty, the church of the Holy Trinity at Užpaliai is not only a religious centre but also an important piece of cultural heritage, bearing witness to the strength and persistence of the local community.
Gallery and Resources
Archive captions are shown in Lithuanian.
Vaizdas į miestelį nuo gelžbetoninio tilto. Tolumoje matyti Užpalių Švč. Trejybės bažnyčia.
Bažnyčios išorės fragmentas. Bendras vaizdas iš toliau Bažnyčia baigta statyta XIX a. pabaigoje. Fotografas Steponas Kolupaila.