About the Church
The Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Turgeliai is truly an impressive and significant building, like a time machine leading us through several centuries of history. Standing in the charming settlement of Turgeliai, this church undoubtedly has much to tell.
The first church on this site was built as early as 1500 — at that time a wooden shrine. Unfortunately, 1722 brought misfortune: a fire destroyed this wooden building. But the parish community did not lose heart. Through the efforts of Father Stanislavas Kurčbachas a new wooden church was soon built.
One of the most important figures in the history of Turgeliai parish was Father Paweł Ksawery Brzostowski, who led the parish from 1767 to 1824. He sought to build a new masonry church. Although the construction was delayed by political circumstances, his efforts were not in vain. After his death, in 1836–1837, the present masonry church was built.
By the end of the 19th century it became clear that the church had grown too small for the parish's increasing number of faithful. An extension was planned to the design of the architect Aleksei Polozov. Between 1900 and 1909 major construction work took place: the church was enlarged, and side naves, an apse, a porch and two towers were added. In 1930 the Archbishop of Vilnius, Romuald Jałbrzykowski, consecrated it.
Despite difficult historical periods, the church was always an important centre for the community. Even during the Soviet era, when many religious buildings were closed or converted, the church in Turgeliai remained active. In 1964 a commission found that the ceiling was dangerously cracked, but the parishioners' determination and the funds they raised helped repair the church.
At the start of the 21st century the church was modernised again. Between 2004 and 2010 important restoration work was carried out: a clock was installed, the clappers of the three bells were replaced, electric drives were fitted, LED lighting was installed, and, most importantly, a new marble altar was built.
Architecturally, the church in Turgeliai is a mixture of Neo-Baroque and Classicist styles. It is distinguished by a two-tower façade, a tripartite interior divided by piers, and richly decorated side altars. The organ is subtly adorned with a statue of an angel, and a wooden pulpit lends the interior a particular warmth.
Thus, the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Turgeliai is not only a masterpiece of architecture but also a living witness to history, recalling many important events and symbolising a strong community of the faithful.
The first church on this site was built as early as 1500 — at that time a wooden shrine. Unfortunately, 1722 brought misfortune: a fire destroyed this wooden building. But the parish community did not lose heart. Through the efforts of Father Stanislavas Kurčbachas a new wooden church was soon built.
One of the most important figures in the history of Turgeliai parish was Father Paweł Ksawery Brzostowski, who led the parish from 1767 to 1824. He sought to build a new masonry church. Although the construction was delayed by political circumstances, his efforts were not in vain. After his death, in 1836–1837, the present masonry church was built.
By the end of the 19th century it became clear that the church had grown too small for the parish's increasing number of faithful. An extension was planned to the design of the architect Aleksei Polozov. Between 1900 and 1909 major construction work took place: the church was enlarged, and side naves, an apse, a porch and two towers were added. In 1930 the Archbishop of Vilnius, Romuald Jałbrzykowski, consecrated it.
Despite difficult historical periods, the church was always an important centre for the community. Even during the Soviet era, when many religious buildings were closed or converted, the church in Turgeliai remained active. In 1964 a commission found that the ceiling was dangerously cracked, but the parishioners' determination and the funds they raised helped repair the church.
At the start of the 21st century the church was modernised again. Between 2004 and 2010 important restoration work was carried out: a clock was installed, the clappers of the three bells were replaced, electric drives were fitted, LED lighting was installed, and, most importantly, a new marble altar was built.
Architecturally, the church in Turgeliai is a mixture of Neo-Baroque and Classicist styles. It is distinguished by a two-tower façade, a tripartite interior divided by piers, and richly decorated side altars. The organ is subtly adorned with a statue of an angel, and a wooden pulpit lends the interior a particular warmth.
Thus, the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Turgeliai is not only a masterpiece of architecture but also a living witness to history, recalling many important events and symbolising a strong community of the faithful.