About the Church
The Church of the Holy Apostles Simon and Jude Thaddeus at Lioliai is a distinctive wooden shrine whose history reaches back to the 16th century. Built in the small town of Lioliai, on the main Raseiniai–Kelmė road, this church is not only a religious but also a cultural heritage site.
The first church at Lioliai was built in 1522 through the efforts of Mykolas Viekavičius. This noble man, together with his brother Lukas, financed the construction under a document drawn up in Vilnius on 23 July 1517. These were times when religion held great significance in people's daily lives, and the church became an important gathering place for the community. Over time the church's lands grew to 12 valakas, and in the second half of the 16th century it came into the hands of the Reformed Church.
In 1768 a new wooden church was built, the one we can see today. It stands out for its architecture – a cruciform-plan structure with a three-sided apse and a tall tower standing above the crossing of the nave and transept. Turrets rising at the ends of the roof give it particular charm. Inside, the church has three aisles, separated by four columns, which create a sense of space and let light play between them.
The church was restored several times, notably in 1851, when the tower was built, and in 1907–1909, when parish priest Aleksandras Požėla oversaw its renovation. It is worth noting that in 1908 a branch of the Lithuanian Catholic Women's Society was established here, which helped organise parish activities and provide social support, even running a devotional-goods shop, a tearoom and an almshouse for the elderly.
Also part of the architectural ensemble is the bell tower, whose lower part is built of stone and whose upper part is wooden. Together these form a unified and harmonious picture, drawing the eye of the faithful and history enthusiasts alike.
During the tenure of parish priest Juozas Gerėlis (1930–1940) the church was renovated again, and the churchyard was enclosed with a masonry fence, further strengthening its aesthetic and functional qualities.
Today the Church of the Holy Apostles Simon and Jude Thaddeus at Lioliai is a valuable Lithuanian sacred and architectural monument, bearing witness to past traditions, faith and community strength. Together with the Lioliai chapel it forms a splendid complex, drawing visitors from distant lands.
The first church at Lioliai was built in 1522 through the efforts of Mykolas Viekavičius. This noble man, together with his brother Lukas, financed the construction under a document drawn up in Vilnius on 23 July 1517. These were times when religion held great significance in people's daily lives, and the church became an important gathering place for the community. Over time the church's lands grew to 12 valakas, and in the second half of the 16th century it came into the hands of the Reformed Church.
In 1768 a new wooden church was built, the one we can see today. It stands out for its architecture – a cruciform-plan structure with a three-sided apse and a tall tower standing above the crossing of the nave and transept. Turrets rising at the ends of the roof give it particular charm. Inside, the church has three aisles, separated by four columns, which create a sense of space and let light play between them.
The church was restored several times, notably in 1851, when the tower was built, and in 1907–1909, when parish priest Aleksandras Požėla oversaw its renovation. It is worth noting that in 1908 a branch of the Lithuanian Catholic Women's Society was established here, which helped organise parish activities and provide social support, even running a devotional-goods shop, a tearoom and an almshouse for the elderly.
Also part of the architectural ensemble is the bell tower, whose lower part is built of stone and whose upper part is wooden. Together these form a unified and harmonious picture, drawing the eye of the faithful and history enthusiasts alike.
During the tenure of parish priest Juozas Gerėlis (1930–1940) the church was renovated again, and the churchyard was enclosed with a masonry fence, further strengthening its aesthetic and functional qualities.
Today the Church of the Holy Apostles Simon and Jude Thaddeus at Lioliai is a valuable Lithuanian sacred and architectural monument, bearing witness to past traditions, faith and community strength. Together with the Lioliai chapel it forms a splendid complex, drawing visitors from distant lands.
Gallery and Resources
Archive captions are shown in Lithuanian.
Kompozicija – Liolių Šv. apaštalų Simono ir Judo Tado bažnyčia ir varpinė.
Signuotas akvarele averso apatinėje dalyje kairėje ir pieštuku reverse.
Bažnyčia, medinė, vienbokštė, nufotografuota nuo apsidės pusės.
Liolių bažnyčia.