About the Church
The church of the Finding of the Holy Cross at Kudirkos Naumiestis stands in the town centre, in the Šakiai Deanery, and is one of the most striking examples of late Baroque with Classicist elements in the region. The plastered masonry church rises on a rectangular basilica plan, with three vaulted naves and a semicircular apse.
The history of the church goes back to 1642, when the first chapel was built here, soon passing – in 1644 – to the Carmelites. In 1680 the monks built a wooden church, and in 1781–1783 the present masonry church was raised, at first still without towers. In 1805 the Prussian authorities closed the monastery, but the parish life continued.
The church's towers were added around 1870 through the efforts of parish priest Juozapas Marma. The 20th century was a difficult time: in 1914 artillery shells damaged the towers and the roof, and in 1944 the roof burned down and the towers collapsed. After the war, in 1950, they were rebuilt lower. This church is not only a house of prayer but also a symbol of Suvalkija's heritage that has withstood many storms.
The history of the church goes back to 1642, when the first chapel was built here, soon passing – in 1644 – to the Carmelites. In 1680 the monks built a wooden church, and in 1781–1783 the present masonry church was raised, at first still without towers. In 1805 the Prussian authorities closed the monastery, but the parish life continued.
The church's towers were added around 1870 through the efforts of parish priest Juozapas Marma. The 20th century was a difficult time: in 1914 artillery shells damaged the towers and the roof, and in 1944 the roof burned down and the towers collapsed. After the war, in 1950, they were rebuilt lower. This church is not only a house of prayer but also a symbol of Suvalkija's heritage that has withstood many storms.
Gallery and Resources
