About the Church
The Church of Sts Peter and Paul, Apostles, in Karkažiškė is not only a religious building but also a living witness to history. Situated in the village of Karkažiškė, near Pabradė, the church is full of historical events and architectural details.
The first church on this site was built as early as the 15th century, founded by Jokūbas Nemirovičius. In 1502 his daughter Jadvyga donated a farmstead, several inns and other property to the presbytery, thereby securing the parish's material stability. Later, in 1611, Jarčevskis assigned Karkažiškė to the Vilnius priests' seminary, and in 1670 prelate Aleksandras Sapiega arranged for the church to be rebuilt.
However, fate was not kind to this church – in 1838 it was struck by lightning and burned down. Nevertheless, through the efforts of parishioners the church was rebuilt, and the present masonry structure was erected in 1913. Sadly, during the Soviet period the church was closed in 1963, and it was only after the wave of the Lithuanian National Revival, in 1990, that it became active again.
The church's architecture reflects the Romanesque Revival style, which was popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The building has a cross-shaped plan, a single tower, and original façade elements that lend it a distinctive charm.
Services in this church are held in Polish, and it belongs to the parish of Our Lady, Queen of Families, in Pabradė. This is a fine example of how history, architecture and religion intertwine in one place, creating a unique atmosphere in which one can feel the spirit of the past.
The church is not only a house of prayer but also an important piece of cultural heritage, testifying to the faith, perseverance and community spirit of many generations. Its walls safeguard not only religious values but also tell of challenges endured and triumphs achieved. That is why every visit to Karkažiškė becomes a kind of journey through time, allowing one to touch the treasures of Lithuanian history and culture.
The first church on this site was built as early as the 15th century, founded by Jokūbas Nemirovičius. In 1502 his daughter Jadvyga donated a farmstead, several inns and other property to the presbytery, thereby securing the parish's material stability. Later, in 1611, Jarčevskis assigned Karkažiškė to the Vilnius priests' seminary, and in 1670 prelate Aleksandras Sapiega arranged for the church to be rebuilt.
However, fate was not kind to this church – in 1838 it was struck by lightning and burned down. Nevertheless, through the efforts of parishioners the church was rebuilt, and the present masonry structure was erected in 1913. Sadly, during the Soviet period the church was closed in 1963, and it was only after the wave of the Lithuanian National Revival, in 1990, that it became active again.
The church's architecture reflects the Romanesque Revival style, which was popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The building has a cross-shaped plan, a single tower, and original façade elements that lend it a distinctive charm.
Services in this church are held in Polish, and it belongs to the parish of Our Lady, Queen of Families, in Pabradė. This is a fine example of how history, architecture and religion intertwine in one place, creating a unique atmosphere in which one can feel the spirit of the past.
The church is not only a house of prayer but also an important piece of cultural heritage, testifying to the faith, perseverance and community spirit of many generations. Its walls safeguard not only religious values but also tell of challenges endured and triumphs achieved. That is why every visit to Karkažiškė becomes a kind of journey through time, allowing one to touch the treasures of Lithuanian history and culture.