About the Church
The Church of St Michael the Archangel in Šakyna is one of the most interesting and oldest religious heritage sites in Šiauliai district. Standing in the small town of Šakyna, this church holds many stories and architectural features that can captivate any visitor.
The first church in Šakyna was built before 1636. The second was built in 1680 by M. Bergas, who was given a valakas of land. The parish priest received not only money but also grain dues from the Šakyna eldership. However, construction of the present church began in 1789 and was completed in 1790. The building work was carried out by local residents, among whom the parish priest J. Varanavičius, called Varnas by the people, and the peasant Žvirblis were most prominent. They built their own brickyard, fired the bricks and gathered stones from the fields themselves.
Over time the church faced various problems. Count Lotrekas, who received the Šakyna eldership in 1797, refused to support the parish priest and even took away the valakas of land belonging to the church. However, by a court ruling in 1816 the land was returned, and the count was obliged to arrange for the repair of the church. The church was renovated in 1822, but replacing the roof remained an unresolved matter, as the police could not compel the count to have it covered. In the early 19th century a parish school operated by the church. After the Second World War the church tower was rebuilt.
Architecturally the Church of St Michael the Archangel in Šakyna is distinguished by its vernacular architectural features, which are not typical of traditional Lithuanian architecture. It is a massive, restrained, rectangular-plan church with one tower and a three-sided apse. The church is of plastered stone masonry, single-naved, and its churchyard wall is also built of stone. Local people often say that the church's crookedness came about because it was built by the self-taught craftsmen Varnas and Žvirblis, which gives the church additional charm and authenticity.
Besides the main church, it is worth visiting other nearby structures, such as the Šakyna chapel, cared for by the same craftsmen, or the picturesque church gate and altar. Together with the main structure, these elements form a unique ensemble, reflecting the historical heritage and cultural identity of the local community.
The Church of St Michael the Archangel in Šakyna is a place where history, architecture and human spiritual life come together, inviting all who are interested to discover its beauty and secrets.
The first church in Šakyna was built before 1636. The second was built in 1680 by M. Bergas, who was given a valakas of land. The parish priest received not only money but also grain dues from the Šakyna eldership. However, construction of the present church began in 1789 and was completed in 1790. The building work was carried out by local residents, among whom the parish priest J. Varanavičius, called Varnas by the people, and the peasant Žvirblis were most prominent. They built their own brickyard, fired the bricks and gathered stones from the fields themselves.
Over time the church faced various problems. Count Lotrekas, who received the Šakyna eldership in 1797, refused to support the parish priest and even took away the valakas of land belonging to the church. However, by a court ruling in 1816 the land was returned, and the count was obliged to arrange for the repair of the church. The church was renovated in 1822, but replacing the roof remained an unresolved matter, as the police could not compel the count to have it covered. In the early 19th century a parish school operated by the church. After the Second World War the church tower was rebuilt.
Architecturally the Church of St Michael the Archangel in Šakyna is distinguished by its vernacular architectural features, which are not typical of traditional Lithuanian architecture. It is a massive, restrained, rectangular-plan church with one tower and a three-sided apse. The church is of plastered stone masonry, single-naved, and its churchyard wall is also built of stone. Local people often say that the church's crookedness came about because it was built by the self-taught craftsmen Varnas and Žvirblis, which gives the church additional charm and authenticity.
Besides the main church, it is worth visiting other nearby structures, such as the Šakyna chapel, cared for by the same craftsmen, or the picturesque church gate and altar. Together with the main structure, these elements form a unique ensemble, reflecting the historical heritage and cultural identity of the local community.
The Church of St Michael the Archangel in Šakyna is a place where history, architecture and human spiritual life come together, inviting all who are interested to discover its beauty and secrets.
Gallery and Resources
Archive captions are shown in Lithuanian.
Šakynos Šv. Arkangelo Mykolo bažnyčia. Vienabokštės tinkuoto akmenų mūro bažnyčios pagrindinio ir šoninio fasado fragmentas.
Šakynos Šv. arkangelo Mykolo bažnyčia.
Šakynos mūrinė bažnyčia.