About the Church
The Church of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Grinkiškis is an impressive church steeped in history, situated in the town of Grinkiškis, in a beautiful spot on the left bank of the river Šušvė. This church is an example of the Gothic Revival style, built of masonry, and its grandeur and architecture amaze all who visit it.
The first church in Grinkiškis was built as early as before 1597. Later, in 1613, it was granted the villages of Eitviliai and Juodupiai. Interestingly, in 1763 a wooden section was added on top of walls already built up to window height in masonry. In 1859 preparations began for building an entirely new masonry section.
An interesting detail – in 1866 the architect Dmitrijev drew up a design for the church, which received building permission. Work did not begin until 1884, and a temporary church was set up in the presbytery. Construction was led by the master builder Lehmann, of Swiss origin. Finally, on 25 January 1887, the new church was consecrated.
The church was an important cultural centre in Grinkiškis. A parish school operated here from 1804. Fate, however, was not merciful to the church – in 1944 it burned down, and the tops of its towers collapsed. Nevertheless, thanks to the efforts of the parish priest Mykolas Gobys, the church was rebuilt as early as 1947.
The architectural value of the church in Grinkiškis is beyond doubt. It is a Historicist basilica-type church with a rectangular plan, a three-sided apse and two towers. Inside, the church is divided into three naves separated by piers. The church is surrounded by a masonry wall, adding further security and aesthetic appeal.
Today the Church of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Grinkiškis stands as a living witness to history and a symbol of spiritual strength. Every visit here is like a journey through time, in which one can sense both the old builders' love of their work and later generations' determination to protect and cherish this sacred place.
The first church in Grinkiškis was built as early as before 1597. Later, in 1613, it was granted the villages of Eitviliai and Juodupiai. Interestingly, in 1763 a wooden section was added on top of walls already built up to window height in masonry. In 1859 preparations began for building an entirely new masonry section.
An interesting detail – in 1866 the architect Dmitrijev drew up a design for the church, which received building permission. Work did not begin until 1884, and a temporary church was set up in the presbytery. Construction was led by the master builder Lehmann, of Swiss origin. Finally, on 25 January 1887, the new church was consecrated.
The church was an important cultural centre in Grinkiškis. A parish school operated here from 1804. Fate, however, was not merciful to the church – in 1944 it burned down, and the tops of its towers collapsed. Nevertheless, thanks to the efforts of the parish priest Mykolas Gobys, the church was rebuilt as early as 1947.
The architectural value of the church in Grinkiškis is beyond doubt. It is a Historicist basilica-type church with a rectangular plan, a three-sided apse and two towers. Inside, the church is divided into three naves separated by piers. The church is surrounded by a masonry wall, adding further security and aesthetic appeal.
Today the Church of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Grinkiškis stands as a living witness to history and a symbol of spiritual strength. Every visit here is like a journey through time, in which one can sense both the old builders' love of their work and later generations' determination to protect and cherish this sacred place.
Gallery and Resources
Archive captions are shown in Lithuanian.
Grinkiškio bažnytkaimis.