About the Church
The Church of St Anthony of Padua in Kurai is a distinctive example of wooden architecture, situated in the quiet settlement of Šniūraičiai, in Radviliškis district. The place has a rich and interesting history, reflected in the structure of the church itself and in the surrounding area.
The church's roots go back to the 18th century, when the first chapel was built in Kurai around 1765. This place of worship served as the centre of the local community's spiritual life and was renovated several times. In 1803 the chapel was renovated and belonged to the larger parish of Radviliškis. A priest also lived in the area, who cared for the parishioners and the performance of religious rites.
The present Church of St Anthony of Padua in Kurai was built in 1857, on the initiative of the parish priest of Radviliškis. Although it was initially a chapel, after the Second World War it became known as a church owing to its growing significance and expanded functions.
Architecturally this church is a fine example of vernacular architecture: wood dominates its construction, and the structure is distinguished by side sacristies, a three-sided apse and a small turret. The churchyard wall is also worth attention: built of stone masonry, it features massive arched gates that lend the whole site a sense of solidity and strength.
The Church of St Anthony of Padua in Kurai serves the local community not only as a place of prayer and gathering, but also bears witness to the region's rich historical past. The history of its construction and preservation is a reminder of people's determination to maintain their cultural and spiritual heritage over many years, despite various historical trials.
The church's roots go back to the 18th century, when the first chapel was built in Kurai around 1765. This place of worship served as the centre of the local community's spiritual life and was renovated several times. In 1803 the chapel was renovated and belonged to the larger parish of Radviliškis. A priest also lived in the area, who cared for the parishioners and the performance of religious rites.
The present Church of St Anthony of Padua in Kurai was built in 1857, on the initiative of the parish priest of Radviliškis. Although it was initially a chapel, after the Second World War it became known as a church owing to its growing significance and expanded functions.
Architecturally this church is a fine example of vernacular architecture: wood dominates its construction, and the structure is distinguished by side sacristies, a three-sided apse and a small turret. The churchyard wall is also worth attention: built of stone masonry, it features massive arched gates that lend the whole site a sense of solidity and strength.
The Church of St Anthony of Padua in Kurai serves the local community not only as a place of prayer and gathering, but also bears witness to the region's rich historical past. The history of its construction and preservation is a reminder of people's determination to maintain their cultural and spiritual heritage over many years, despite various historical trials.
Gallery and Resources
Archive captions are shown in Lithuanian.
Spalvota, horizontalaus formato nuotrauka. Kurų Šv. Antano Paduviečio bažnyčia, Kurų g. 23, Šniūraičių k., Radviliškio sen., Radviliškio r. sav. Vaizdas iš pietvakarių pusės. Fotografas Jonas Šimkus, Kretinga, 2001 m.
Medinė, liaudies architektūros formų, pusvalminiu stogu, su bokšteliu, stovi kapinių šiaurės rytinėje dalyje.
Radviliškio klebono iniciatyva 1857 m. Kurų kapinėse vietoje senosios, 1765 m. statytos koplyčios buvo pastatyta dabartinė koplyčia, kuri po Antrojo pasaulinio karo pavadinta bažnyčia.
Priklauso Motiejaus Valančiaus vyskupavimo laikotarpiu (1850–1875) pastatytoms ar restauruotoms bažnyčioms.
Aprašymą parengė Algirdas Čėsna, 2014-06-05.