Complex of the Church of St. Apostles Peter and Paul in Varniai and the Lourdes Grotto in the Churchyard


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The Church of St. Apostles Peter and Paul, located in the town of Varniai on the right bank of the Varnelė River, is recognized as a cultural heritage site. While the original Varniai Cathedral, built in 1421, no longer exists, the current church underwent several phases of construction. The most notable building phase occurred between 1681 and 1691 when the Bishop of Samogitia, Kazimieras Pacas, constructed a new brick church. Unfortunately, the church was destroyed by fire in the 18th century, but it was restored in the early 19th century through the efforts of Bishop Juozapas Arnulfas Giedraitis. After 1864, when Governor Michail Muravyov relocated the diocesan center to Kaunas, the church became the parish church of New Varniai.

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The Church of St. Apostles Peter and Paul, located in the town of Varniai on the right bank of the Varnelė River, is recognized as a cultural heritage site. While the original Varniai Cathedral, built in 1421, no longer exists, the current church underwent several phases of construction. The most notable building phase occurred between 1681 and 1691 when the Bishop of Samogitia, Kazimieras Pacas, constructed a new brick church. Unfortunately, the church was destroyed by fire in the 18th century, but it was restored in the early 19th century through the efforts of Bishop Juozapas Arnulfas Giedraitis. After 1864, when Governor Michail Muravyov relocated
the diocesan center to Kaunas, the church became the parish church of New Varniai. This Baroque basilica features three naves and twelve altars. The main altar, crafted by Königsberg master Maumo Polini in 1694, was restored in 1853 by woodcarver Woldemar Kolberg. The church also houses Bishop Motiejus Valančius' chair, which he left in Varniai as a symbol of the old cathedral. Additionally, the church contains a significant collection of portraits of Samogitian bishops and religious paintings, which are listed in the Cultural Heritage Register. In 1971, the Church of St. Apostles Peter and Paul was granted cultural heritage status.
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