About the Church
The Notėnai Church of St Catherine the Martyr is a true gem, hidden away in Skuodas district, in the village of Notėnai. This wooden church stands in the charming valley of the Notė stream and is one of those places where history meets culture and religion, creating a special atmosphere.
The church's history goes back to the 18th century, when in 1789 the elder of Gintališkė donated a plot of land for a cemetery chapel in Notėnai, but a church was built there instead of a chapel. Since then it has been renewed and modernised more than once, so as to remain a living part of the community's life. The year 1906 was especially important, when the church was substantially remodelled: it was enlarged, its rotten timbers replaced, and a tower added, giving it its present stately form.
Besides architectural changes, the church's history is also marked by notable clergy. One of them was Fr Stanislovas Vaitelis, who cared for this church from 1977, after returning from exile. Thanks to him the church was renewed: the walls repainted and the roof repaired. The priest's memory lives on today – he is buried in the churchyard.
Architecturally the church belongs to professional wooden architecture with Historicist features reflecting the Gothic Revival style. It has a Latin-cross plan, a single nave, and two towers that dominate the church's facade. The tops of the towers are finished with triangular gablets and spires, and the wall surfaces incorporate pointed windows with coloured stained glass.
The churchyard is also worth attention – its wall is built of stone, and next to the church stands the old 18th-century wooden churchyard chapel. The church gates are interesting in that before the Second World War sculptures stood in their niches; these later disappeared and paintings took their place. Moreover, these churchyard gates are depicted on the coat of arms of Notėnai.
Inside, valuable works of art can be found: altars with sculptures, paintings depicting Jesus and St Catherine, and an impressive organ. The latter, built at the end of the 18th century, has been repaired and reworked several times, but nevertheless remains valuable and is listed among Lithuania's heritage-protected organs.
Every August the Obuoliniai atlaidai (Apple Feast) is held here – an event bringing together local residents and guests for shared prayer and celebration.
The Notėnai Church of St Catherine the Martyr is not only a religious but also a cultural site, preserving a great deal of history and tradition passed down from generation to generation. It is a place well worth visiting, to feel its special spirit and peace.
The church's history goes back to the 18th century, when in 1789 the elder of Gintališkė donated a plot of land for a cemetery chapel in Notėnai, but a church was built there instead of a chapel. Since then it has been renewed and modernised more than once, so as to remain a living part of the community's life. The year 1906 was especially important, when the church was substantially remodelled: it was enlarged, its rotten timbers replaced, and a tower added, giving it its present stately form.
Besides architectural changes, the church's history is also marked by notable clergy. One of them was Fr Stanislovas Vaitelis, who cared for this church from 1977, after returning from exile. Thanks to him the church was renewed: the walls repainted and the roof repaired. The priest's memory lives on today – he is buried in the churchyard.
Architecturally the church belongs to professional wooden architecture with Historicist features reflecting the Gothic Revival style. It has a Latin-cross plan, a single nave, and two towers that dominate the church's facade. The tops of the towers are finished with triangular gablets and spires, and the wall surfaces incorporate pointed windows with coloured stained glass.
The churchyard is also worth attention – its wall is built of stone, and next to the church stands the old 18th-century wooden churchyard chapel. The church gates are interesting in that before the Second World War sculptures stood in their niches; these later disappeared and paintings took their place. Moreover, these churchyard gates are depicted on the coat of arms of Notėnai.
Inside, valuable works of art can be found: altars with sculptures, paintings depicting Jesus and St Catherine, and an impressive organ. The latter, built at the end of the 18th century, has been repaired and reworked several times, but nevertheless remains valuable and is listed among Lithuania's heritage-protected organs.
Every August the Obuoliniai atlaidai (Apple Feast) is held here – an event bringing together local residents and guests for shared prayer and celebration.
The Notėnai Church of St Catherine the Martyr is not only a religious but also a cultural site, preserving a great deal of history and tradition passed down from generation to generation. It is a place well worth visiting, to feel its special spirit and peace.
Gallery and Resources
Archive captions are shown in Lithuanian.
Nespalvotoje fotografijoje tarp medžių medinės bažnyčios šoninis (pietinis) fasadas. Pirmame plane keletas neatpažintų žmonių ir kapinių paminklai. Reverse autorinis rankraštinis įrašas pieštuku: „Notėnų bažnyčia, Skuodo r. V. Miliaus 1999 m. nuotr.“.