About the Church
Žiobiškis St Michael the Archangel Church is one of the finest examples of Gothic Revival architecture in Lithuania. Standing in the quiet village of Žiobiškis, beside the Vengerinė stream, it has become an important part of the local community and its spiritual life.
This church's history begins in the early 19th century, when in 1803 the owners of the Vengerinė manor, Angelė and Juozapas Daumantas Sesickis, built the first wooden church. They not only founded the parish but also generously endowed it with land and funds, thereby securing its longevity. In time, however, the wooden church lost its splendour, and the need arose to build a new, sturdier church.
In the early 20th century, the parish priest Vincentas Zapkus took the initiative to draw up a design for a masonry church. The design was prepared by the engineer K. Kiunzelis, and construction work ran from 1902 to 1911. The parish priest Jurgis Gogelis oversaw the fitting-out of the church's interior, and the side altars were built in 1913.
During the First World War the church suffered losses — four bells were taken away to Russia. Nevertheless, after the war the parish returned to its rhythm, and on 15 June 1922 Bishop Pranciškus Karevičius consecrated the church.
The church's architecture is distinctive. It has a Latin-cross plan, which sits well with the tall central tower and the four smaller turrets adorning the facade. Inside there are three naves, covered by impressive groin vaults. This structure gives the interior space grandeur and light.
Žiobiškis St Michael the Archangel Church is not only an architectural marvel. It is also a living part of the community, hosting religious rites and events that strengthen the spirit and unity of the local people. From its very founding, this church has served as a place of peace and reflection, where everyone can find refuge from the noise of everyday life.
This church's history begins in the early 19th century, when in 1803 the owners of the Vengerinė manor, Angelė and Juozapas Daumantas Sesickis, built the first wooden church. They not only founded the parish but also generously endowed it with land and funds, thereby securing its longevity. In time, however, the wooden church lost its splendour, and the need arose to build a new, sturdier church.
In the early 20th century, the parish priest Vincentas Zapkus took the initiative to draw up a design for a masonry church. The design was prepared by the engineer K. Kiunzelis, and construction work ran from 1902 to 1911. The parish priest Jurgis Gogelis oversaw the fitting-out of the church's interior, and the side altars were built in 1913.
During the First World War the church suffered losses — four bells were taken away to Russia. Nevertheless, after the war the parish returned to its rhythm, and on 15 June 1922 Bishop Pranciškus Karevičius consecrated the church.
The church's architecture is distinctive. It has a Latin-cross plan, which sits well with the tall central tower and the four smaller turrets adorning the facade. Inside there are three naves, covered by impressive groin vaults. This structure gives the interior space grandeur and light.
Žiobiškis St Michael the Archangel Church is not only an architectural marvel. It is also a living part of the community, hosting religious rites and events that strengthen the spirit and unity of the local people. From its very founding, this church has served as a place of peace and reflection, where everyone can find refuge from the noise of everyday life.