About the Church
The Church of St Michael the Archangel in Tabariškės is one of those Lithuanian shrines whose history and architectural features attract visitors and travellers and charm them with their authenticity. Located in the village of Tabariškės, near the Lithuanian–Belarusian border, this church is a true Baroque gem with elements of folk architecture.
The first church on this site is believed to have been built as early as the start of the 16th century, on the initiative of Vaitiekus Tabaras. Unfortunately, little is known about the fate of this church. Given that at that time many Tatars lived in the area and the Catholic community may not have been very large, it can be surmised that the church eventually fell into decay or was abandoned.
At the end of the 17th century Tabariškės passed to the Skarbek-Važinskiai, a noble family that contributed actively to the development of the area. In 1770 Mykolas Skarbek-Važinskas built the present wooden church and installed Discalced Carmelites in it. This was a significant event, as the new parish managed to draw about 6600 faithful.
The church's founder, a favourite of King Augustus III and a scribe of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, also built a manor here and settled in it. Even after his death he remained connected to this place — he was buried in the church's crypt. This decision turned the church into a family mausoleum, and the generously endowed Carmelites prayed constantly for their benefactors.
In the early 19th century the Carmelites were entrusted with the care not only of the church but also of the parish school, a hospital and an almshouse for the poor. Although the monastery was closed by the tsarist authorities in 1832, the church remained active. The Carmelites continued their mission until the middle of the 19th century.
The church in Tabariškės stands out for its architecture: an undulating façade pediment, a basilica structure with a three-sided apse and a small tower — all reminiscent of masonry Baroque buildings. Inside the church can be found three naves, giving a sense of spaciousness and grandeur. Beside the church stands a wooden bell tower with a gate, and the churchyard fence is of stone masonry.
One of the special features of this church's interior is a painting by Ana Krepštul depicting the Blessed Virgin Mary with the infant Jesus on the high altar. This work of art not only adorns the church but also speaks to the artistic heritage of the local community.
The Church of St Michael the Archangel in Tabariškės is not only an important religious centre but also a cultural heritage site, testifying to the rich and multifaceted history of Lithuania.
The first church on this site is believed to have been built as early as the start of the 16th century, on the initiative of Vaitiekus Tabaras. Unfortunately, little is known about the fate of this church. Given that at that time many Tatars lived in the area and the Catholic community may not have been very large, it can be surmised that the church eventually fell into decay or was abandoned.
At the end of the 17th century Tabariškės passed to the Skarbek-Važinskiai, a noble family that contributed actively to the development of the area. In 1770 Mykolas Skarbek-Važinskas built the present wooden church and installed Discalced Carmelites in it. This was a significant event, as the new parish managed to draw about 6600 faithful.
The church's founder, a favourite of King Augustus III and a scribe of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, also built a manor here and settled in it. Even after his death he remained connected to this place — he was buried in the church's crypt. This decision turned the church into a family mausoleum, and the generously endowed Carmelites prayed constantly for their benefactors.
In the early 19th century the Carmelites were entrusted with the care not only of the church but also of the parish school, a hospital and an almshouse for the poor. Although the monastery was closed by the tsarist authorities in 1832, the church remained active. The Carmelites continued their mission until the middle of the 19th century.
The church in Tabariškės stands out for its architecture: an undulating façade pediment, a basilica structure with a three-sided apse and a small tower — all reminiscent of masonry Baroque buildings. Inside the church can be found three naves, giving a sense of spaciousness and grandeur. Beside the church stands a wooden bell tower with a gate, and the churchyard fence is of stone masonry.
One of the special features of this church's interior is a painting by Ana Krepštul depicting the Blessed Virgin Mary with the infant Jesus on the high altar. This work of art not only adorns the church but also speaks to the artistic heritage of the local community.
The Church of St Michael the Archangel in Tabariškės is not only an important religious centre but also a cultural heritage site, testifying to the rich and multifaceted history of Lithuania.
Gallery and Resources
Archive captions are shown in Lithuanian.
Tabariškių (Šalčininkų r.) Šv. arkangelo Mykolo bažnyčia pastatyta 1770 m. Medinė, liaudies architektūros formų, turi baroko bruožų. Vaizde – gausiai augaliniais motyvais dekoruotos barokinės sakyklos fragmentas.
Aprašė Aldona Rudzevičienė
Tabariškių (Šalčininkų r.) Šv. arkangelo Mykolo bažnyčia pastatyta 1770 m. Medinė, liaudies architektūros formų, turi baroko bruožų. Vaizde – gausiai augaliniais motyvais dekoruotos barokinės sakyklos fragmentas.
Aprašė Aldona Rudzevičienė