About the Church
The church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Druskininkai is not only a sacred site but also a significant example of Gothic Revival architecture, situated in the town of Druskininkai. Its history, beginning as far back as the mid-19th century, reflects the complex religious and political context of Lithuania.
The first masonry church in Druskininkai was built in 1841–1844, but the tsarist authorities did not support the idea of appointing a priest to this area. At that time services were conducted by the vicar of Ratnyčia. Only in 1879 did the church get a resident clergyman, although he was not paid a salary.
Construction of the present church began in 1912 to a design by the renowned architect Stefan Szyller and continued until 1931. The construction was initiated by the parish priest Boleslovas Valejka. It is interesting to note that the parish was officially established in 1921, and the old church was demolished the same year the new one was completed.
The church is Gothic Revival in style, with a rectangular plan, a single main tower and a three-sided apse. Its interior is distinguished by three naves, covered with impressive star vaults and separated by piers. The churchyard is not enclosed, which lends the space a sense of cosiness and openness.
The altar has a particular history. It was made for the chapel of the Trakų Vokė manor to the commission of the renowned Tiškevičius family, but was moved to Lentvaris in 1946 and later ended up in the Druskininkai church. When the Trakų Vokė chapel was restored, an exact copy of the altar was made, while the original remained in Druskininkai.
From 1965 to 1992 the parish priest was Konstantinas Gajauskas, on whose initiative the building was repaired and repainted. In later decades several priests served at the church, and since 2019 the parish has been led by Father Vaidas Vaišvilas.
One of the most striking elements of the church is the 4.5-metre-tall statue of Christ the Blesser, erected in 1991, the work of the sculptor Kazimieras Patamsis. This statue adorns the façade and attracts both worshippers and tourists.
In 2021–2022 the church was renovated: the roof and floors were replaced, and other interior details were refurbished, ensuring that this architectural gem continues to serve the community and future generations.
Today the church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Druskininkai not only testifies to the town's historical and cultural development but also invites visitors to admire its beauty and tranquillity.
The first masonry church in Druskininkai was built in 1841–1844, but the tsarist authorities did not support the idea of appointing a priest to this area. At that time services were conducted by the vicar of Ratnyčia. Only in 1879 did the church get a resident clergyman, although he was not paid a salary.
Construction of the present church began in 1912 to a design by the renowned architect Stefan Szyller and continued until 1931. The construction was initiated by the parish priest Boleslovas Valejka. It is interesting to note that the parish was officially established in 1921, and the old church was demolished the same year the new one was completed.
The church is Gothic Revival in style, with a rectangular plan, a single main tower and a three-sided apse. Its interior is distinguished by three naves, covered with impressive star vaults and separated by piers. The churchyard is not enclosed, which lends the space a sense of cosiness and openness.
The altar has a particular history. It was made for the chapel of the Trakų Vokė manor to the commission of the renowned Tiškevičius family, but was moved to Lentvaris in 1946 and later ended up in the Druskininkai church. When the Trakų Vokė chapel was restored, an exact copy of the altar was made, while the original remained in Druskininkai.
From 1965 to 1992 the parish priest was Konstantinas Gajauskas, on whose initiative the building was repaired and repainted. In later decades several priests served at the church, and since 2019 the parish has been led by Father Vaidas Vaišvilas.
One of the most striking elements of the church is the 4.5-metre-tall statue of Christ the Blesser, erected in 1991, the work of the sculptor Kazimieras Patamsis. This statue adorns the façade and attracts both worshippers and tourists.
In 2021–2022 the church was renovated: the roof and floors were replaced, and other interior details were refurbished, ensuring that this architectural gem continues to serve the community and future generations.
Today the church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Druskininkai not only testifies to the town's historical and cultural development but also invites visitors to admire its beauty and tranquillity.
Gallery and Resources
Archive captions are shown in Lithuanian.
Druskininkų Švč. Mergelės Marijos Škaplierinės bažnyčia, pastatyta 1931 m. Neogotikinio stiliaus, statyta pagal Stefano Šilerio projektą, stačiakampio plano, vienbokštė su trisiene apside ir 3 bokšteliais, trinavė su žvaigždiniais skliautais. Nuotraukoje - vaizdas iš presbiterijos pusės. Druskininkai, 1972 m.
Atvirukas, nespalvotas. Vaizdas į Druskininkus nuo Druskonio ežero. Centre – Druskininkų Švč. Mergelės Marijos Škaplierinės bažnyčia. Atviruko leidėjas ir spaustuvė neaiškūs, bet kitoje pusėje yra inicialai A.F.W. Taip pat – įspėjimas lenkų kalba: „Przedruk wzbroniony (Perspausdinti draudžiama).