About the Church
The Kaltinėnai Church of St John the Baptist is not only a religious but also a cultural monument, which over many years has become an important part of the town of Kaltinėnai. The church's history begins as early as 1416, when, during the christianisation of Samogitia, Vytautas the Great, seeking to strengthen the Catholic faith in this region, ordered the first church to be built.
Although the present Kaltinėnai church was built only in 1995, after a devastating fire destroyed the previous church, the parish's roots reach deep into the past. Having survived various misfortunes more than once, including five fires, the church was rebuilt each time with ever greater ambition and diligence.
Interestingly, although the present building is modern and has a distinctive architectural style, it retains the traditional two-towered structure. The triangular-shaped towers give the church a distinctive character. Inside can be found an extraordinary altar, at whose centre stands a four-metre-high sculpture of the Risen Christ, cast from white marble and bronze. Above the altar is set a stained-glass window symbolising the Holy Trinity – an eye within a triangle.
The church's construction project was led by the architect Regimantas Andriuškevičius, and, with Petras Linkevičius as parish priest, intensive rebuilding work took place from 1990 to 1995. The interior of the modern church impresses not only with its space but also with its technological solutions – digital organs are installed here, allowing varied music to be created during liturgical ceremonies.
Next to the church stand a care home for the elderly with a wellness complex, symbolising the parish's concern not only for the spiritual but also the physical wellbeing of community members. It is a place where people can find not only peace but also help.
It is worth mentioning that during both world wars the bells of the Kaltinėnai church were requisitioned by the German army. Nevertheless, despite these hardships, the parishioners' dedication helped restore the bells after the war. One special bell, made in 1956 in Bochum, Germany, rings in the church's right-hand tower. The left-hand bell, on the other hand, cast near Darbėnai, also has an interesting history – it was made from bronze collected by the parishioners.
The Kaltinėnai Church of St John the Baptist is a place where history, art and community spirit intertwine. It is a living testimony to the parish's perseverance and faith, which have remained unconquered through the ages, despite every trial and misfortune.
Although the present Kaltinėnai church was built only in 1995, after a devastating fire destroyed the previous church, the parish's roots reach deep into the past. Having survived various misfortunes more than once, including five fires, the church was rebuilt each time with ever greater ambition and diligence.
Interestingly, although the present building is modern and has a distinctive architectural style, it retains the traditional two-towered structure. The triangular-shaped towers give the church a distinctive character. Inside can be found an extraordinary altar, at whose centre stands a four-metre-high sculpture of the Risen Christ, cast from white marble and bronze. Above the altar is set a stained-glass window symbolising the Holy Trinity – an eye within a triangle.
The church's construction project was led by the architect Regimantas Andriuškevičius, and, with Petras Linkevičius as parish priest, intensive rebuilding work took place from 1990 to 1995. The interior of the modern church impresses not only with its space but also with its technological solutions – digital organs are installed here, allowing varied music to be created during liturgical ceremonies.
Next to the church stand a care home for the elderly with a wellness complex, symbolising the parish's concern not only for the spiritual but also the physical wellbeing of community members. It is a place where people can find not only peace but also help.
It is worth mentioning that during both world wars the bells of the Kaltinėnai church were requisitioned by the German army. Nevertheless, despite these hardships, the parishioners' dedication helped restore the bells after the war. One special bell, made in 1956 in Bochum, Germany, rings in the church's right-hand tower. The left-hand bell, on the other hand, cast near Darbėnai, also has an interesting history – it was made from bronze collected by the parishioners.
The Kaltinėnai Church of St John the Baptist is a place where history, art and community spirit intertwine. It is a living testimony to the parish's perseverance and faith, which have remained unconquered through the ages, despite every trial and misfortune.
Gallery and Resources
Archive captions are shown in Lithuanian.
Aut. A. Beresnevičius. Plungė, 1994 m. rugsėjo mėn. Fotografija, negatyvas 60×60 mm.
Kaltinėnų šv. Jono Krikštytojo bažnyčia iš šventoriaus tvoros fragmentas.