About the Church
The first wooden church on this site was built as early as 1752. From the very beginning the church was an important centre of the settlement – already in 1765 a parish school operated here, one of the first of its kind in the region, which functioned until the beginning of the 19th century. This shows that the community cared greatly about education and spiritual formation.
The present masonry church arose in 1826, built by the manor lord Gadonas. Interestingly, at that time the village of Gudiškė also belonged to the church. Later, in 1886–1889, a wooden bell tower was built beside the church, which until the First World War was famous for its melodious bells. It is even said that their sound could travel considerable distances and stir deep emotions both in local residents and in travellers.
The church's architecture is distinctive. The rectangular-plan, towerless structure with three altars speaks of classicist simplicity and harmony, while elements of the Romantic period add warmth and subtlety. The churchyard wall of stone masonry blends beautifully with the whole setting of the church and gives the place a sense of solidity and permanence.
Well, and how could one not be pleased that in the cemetery of Žemalė is buried the well-known Lithuanian poet, translator and priest Antanas Savickis (c. 1782–1836). His presence in this area added extra cultural weight to Žemalė and became an inspiration to many later generations.
So, the Žemalė Church of the Annunciation of the Lord to the Blessed Virgin Mary is not only a beautiful architectural structure, but is also rich in history and significance for the local community. It is a place where architecture, history and spirituality meet, creating a unique atmosphere for everyone who visits it.
Gallery and Resources
Archive captions are shown in Lithuanian.
Dabartinę Žemalės Viešpaties Apreiškimo Švč. Mergelei Marijai bažnyčią 1826 m. pastatė vietos dvarininkas A. Gadonas. XIX a. pabaigoje iškilo medinė iki mūsų dienų išlikusi varpinė. Šios bažnyčios varpai apylinkėse garsėjo savo melodingu gaudesiu. Pirmojo pasaulinio karo metais vokiečiai, rinkdami metalą karo reikmėms, bandė nukabinti didįjį bažnyčios varpą, kuris nukrito ir suskilo. Varpo lydinys vokiečiams netiko, tad po karo varpas buvo perlietas iš naujo. Naujasis varpas nebeturi ankstesnio skambesio.
Dabartinę Žemalės Viešpaties Apreiškimo Švč. Mergelei Marijai bažnyčią 1826 m. pastatė vietos dvarininkas A. Gadonas. XIX a. pabaigoje iškilo medinė iki mūsų dienų išlikusi varpinė. Šios bažnyčios varpai apylinkėse garsėjo savo melodingu gaudesiu. Pirmojo pasaulinio karo metais vokiečiai, rinkdami metalą karo reikmėms, bandė nukabinti didįjį bažnyčios varpą, kuris nukrito ir suskilo. Varpo lydinys vokiečiams netiko, tad po karo varpas buvo perlietas iš naujo. Naujasis varpas nebeturi ankstesnio skambesio.