About the Church
The Church of St Casimir in Naujoji Vilnia is a superb example of sacred architecture, standing in the eastern part of Vilnius, in Naujoji Vilnia. Through its history and architecture, this church attracts not only the faithful but also admirers of history and architecture.
History.
The church's origins go back to the 16th century, when the first church was built in Rokantiškės, on the left bank of the Vilnia river near the castle. From 1588 as many as nine villages were assigned to it. Unfortunately, in 1621 the church's estates were taken, and its liturgical items were transferred to the Antakalnis church in Vilnius.
The history of the present Church of St Casimir in Naujoji Vilnia began at the start of the 20th century. In 1903 a priest was appointed to the chapel of the Naujoji Vilnia psychoneurological hospital, which local residents could visit. Three years later the Governor-General of Vilnius allowed a new church to be built and services to be held temporarily in the presbytery.
The church's design was created by the engineer A. Filipovičius-Dubovikas, but in 1909 the design was amended, dropping some exterior decorative elements. Construction work took place from 1908 to 1911, overseen by the technician Severinas Govaltas and later by the engineer Kazimieras Dobošinskas. After the Second World War the church was renovated on the initiative of the parish priest Kazimieras Valeikis.
Architecture.
The Church of St Casimir in Naujoji Vilnia is a Gothic Revival, cross-plan, single-towered shrine with a three-sided apse. The interior is divided into three aisles, separated by massive piers that lend the space a sense of grandeur and solidity. A wooden fence encloses the church grounds, creating a cosy, warm atmosphere.
At the centre of the churchyard stands a cross dedicated to the victims of deportation – a symbolic monument bearing witness to painful historical events and human suffering.
Significance today.
The Church of St Casimir in Naujoji Vilnia is important to the local community and to the whole city of Vilnius. Mass here is celebrated in both Lithuanian and Polish, reflecting the city's multicultural character and the historical harmony between its different peoples.
Anyone seeking peace or wishing to get to know Vilnius's sacred architecture better should certainly visit this church. Besides that, the church's surroundings and interior are an excellent place for reflection and spiritual renewal.
You are warmly invited to visit the Church of St Casimir in Naujoji Vilnia – a place where history, architecture and spirituality intertwine.
History.
The church's origins go back to the 16th century, when the first church was built in Rokantiškės, on the left bank of the Vilnia river near the castle. From 1588 as many as nine villages were assigned to it. Unfortunately, in 1621 the church's estates were taken, and its liturgical items were transferred to the Antakalnis church in Vilnius.
The history of the present Church of St Casimir in Naujoji Vilnia began at the start of the 20th century. In 1903 a priest was appointed to the chapel of the Naujoji Vilnia psychoneurological hospital, which local residents could visit. Three years later the Governor-General of Vilnius allowed a new church to be built and services to be held temporarily in the presbytery.
The church's design was created by the engineer A. Filipovičius-Dubovikas, but in 1909 the design was amended, dropping some exterior decorative elements. Construction work took place from 1908 to 1911, overseen by the technician Severinas Govaltas and later by the engineer Kazimieras Dobošinskas. After the Second World War the church was renovated on the initiative of the parish priest Kazimieras Valeikis.
Architecture.
The Church of St Casimir in Naujoji Vilnia is a Gothic Revival, cross-plan, single-towered shrine with a three-sided apse. The interior is divided into three aisles, separated by massive piers that lend the space a sense of grandeur and solidity. A wooden fence encloses the church grounds, creating a cosy, warm atmosphere.
At the centre of the churchyard stands a cross dedicated to the victims of deportation – a symbolic monument bearing witness to painful historical events and human suffering.
Significance today.
The Church of St Casimir in Naujoji Vilnia is important to the local community and to the whole city of Vilnius. Mass here is celebrated in both Lithuanian and Polish, reflecting the city's multicultural character and the historical harmony between its different peoples.
Anyone seeking peace or wishing to get to know Vilnius's sacred architecture better should certainly visit this church. Besides that, the church's surroundings and interior are an excellent place for reflection and spiritual renewal.
You are warmly invited to visit the Church of St Casimir in Naujoji Vilnia – a place where history, architecture and spirituality intertwine.
Gallery and Resources
