About the Church
The Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Linkuva is a distinctive architectural monument whose history reaches deep into the past. Situated in Linkuva, this shrine is not only a centre of spiritual life but also an important cultural and historical site.
The first church in Linkuva was built around 1500. It was built by Kotryna Mykolienė, owner of the Linkuva manor, who assigned her estates and lands to its upkeep and maintenance. It was a wooden church. Unfortunately, when the manor later passed to the Belozaras family, the church was confiscated and handed over to the Reformed Church.
In 1593 the church was returned to the Catholics, and in 1635 the Samogitian bishop Jurgis Tiškevičius handed it over to the Carmelites. The Carmelites established themselves here for a long time and became an inseparable part of Linkuva. They contributed to the expansion and rebuilding of the church: in 1661 they added two towers and seven altars, and in 1689 they built a wooden monastery.
In 1745 the church was renovated and consecrated, and in 1754 the Carmelites built a masonry monastery, which has survived to this day. In 1832, however, the tsarist Russian authorities closed the monastery, leaving only a minimal portion of land for its needs.
The Linkuva church suffered considerably in the town fire of 1874, but parish priest Pranciškus Jasenskis undertook its restoration. In later years various Catholic organisations operated in the parish, carrying out educational and cultural initiatives.
Architecturally the church is in the Renaissance style, with a Latin-cross plan, two low towers and six turrets. Inside the church there are five altars and three aisles covered with barrel vaults. The features of the Renaissance style are reflected in the symmetry, geometric lines and restrained decoration.
One of the most interesting elements of the church is its organ. The original organ case was created by the Vilnius master Mikalojus Jansonas as early as 1764. This Baroque work is considered the oldest surviving organ case in northern Lithuania. Although the authentic organ itself has not survived, fragments of the old instrument are still kept in the church.
The feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel of Linkuva, held every year in July, draws a great many of the faithful and pilgrims. This feast is an important religious and cultural tradition, continuing the church's history as it has taken shape over the centuries and strengthening the spirit of the local community.
Today the Linkuva church not only serves as a house of prayer but also stands as a living witness to history, telling of the region's religious, social and cultural changes over more than four centuries.
The first church in Linkuva was built around 1500. It was built by Kotryna Mykolienė, owner of the Linkuva manor, who assigned her estates and lands to its upkeep and maintenance. It was a wooden church. Unfortunately, when the manor later passed to the Belozaras family, the church was confiscated and handed over to the Reformed Church.
In 1593 the church was returned to the Catholics, and in 1635 the Samogitian bishop Jurgis Tiškevičius handed it over to the Carmelites. The Carmelites established themselves here for a long time and became an inseparable part of Linkuva. They contributed to the expansion and rebuilding of the church: in 1661 they added two towers and seven altars, and in 1689 they built a wooden monastery.
In 1745 the church was renovated and consecrated, and in 1754 the Carmelites built a masonry monastery, which has survived to this day. In 1832, however, the tsarist Russian authorities closed the monastery, leaving only a minimal portion of land for its needs.
The Linkuva church suffered considerably in the town fire of 1874, but parish priest Pranciškus Jasenskis undertook its restoration. In later years various Catholic organisations operated in the parish, carrying out educational and cultural initiatives.
Architecturally the church is in the Renaissance style, with a Latin-cross plan, two low towers and six turrets. Inside the church there are five altars and three aisles covered with barrel vaults. The features of the Renaissance style are reflected in the symmetry, geometric lines and restrained decoration.
One of the most interesting elements of the church is its organ. The original organ case was created by the Vilnius master Mikalojus Jansonas as early as 1764. This Baroque work is considered the oldest surviving organ case in northern Lithuania. Although the authentic organ itself has not survived, fragments of the old instrument are still kept in the church.
The feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel of Linkuva, held every year in July, draws a great many of the faithful and pilgrims. This feast is an important religious and cultural tradition, continuing the church's history as it has taken shape over the centuries and strengthening the spirit of the local community.
Today the Linkuva church not only serves as a house of prayer but also stands as a living witness to history, telling of the region's religious, social and cultural changes over more than four centuries.
Gallery and Resources
Archive captions are shown in Lithuanian.
Renesansinio stiliaus Linkuvos (dab. Pakruojo raj.) Švč. Mergelės Marijos Škaplierienės bažnyčia, pastatyta XVII-XVIII a.
Linkuvos Švč. Mergelės Marijos Škaplierinės bažnyčia.
Linkuvos bažnyčia.