MyTravis

Map / Visited places / Religious Heritage

Rūdninkai Church of the Holy Trinity

141

0 out of 5

(0 reviews)

The Rūdninkai Church of the Holy Trinity, built in 1790, is located in the Rūdninkai Forest near the Merkys River. The first chapel on this site was erected in 1470 by Prince Casimir but was destroyed by fire. To commemorate the prince's rescue from a bear, the church was adorned with the votive offering of a "Bear's Paw." In the 17th century, the remains of Queen Barbara Radziwiłł were temporarily housed in the church. The current wooden church features 17th-century paintings and a 19th-century altar decorated with wooden sculptures.

Info

Religious Heritage
Šalčininkai District Municipality Administration

How to get there?

54.43204, 25.15066

Get directions

This church holds significant historical and cultural value. The Rūdninkai Forest, once a royal hunting reserve, was chosen by Prince Casimir in 1470 as the site for a chapel for local villagers. After the original chapel burned down, the community resolved to build their own church. According to legend, Prince Casimir was saved from a bear, an event symbolized by the church’s "Bear's Paw" votive offering, gifted by his son, Sigismund the Old. The church became an important cultural center. During the 16th century, the coffin of Queen Barbara Radziwiłł

was placed here during her funeral procession from Kraków to Vilnius. In the mid-17th century, the church was burned by Russian Cossacks but was later rebuilt. In the 19th century, an altar from the closed Bernardine Church in Trakai was transferred to Rūdninkai. Today, the church's interior features 17th-century paintings, including "Mary with the Child" and "The Holy Family," as well as the 18th-century artwork "The Lamentation of Christ." The 19th-century altar, adorned with intricate wooden sculptures, adds to the church's unique charm.

Found a mistake? Report

Whats new?

2025-11-17

Rūdninkai Church of the Holy Trinity

Info

How to get there?

Share:

Whats new?

Three impressive Baltic seaside spots: Olando Kepurė, Veczemē Cliffs, Pakri Cliffs

Discover Tallinn Old Town with MyTravis: a medieval spirit that surprises you at every step

Women's hike through the mystery of the fog from Ginučiai Hillfort to Ladakalnis

The first women’s hiking club hike in Marcinkonys: nature’s beauty, legends, and togetherness in Dzūkija

Nature Trails in the Pärnu Region: A Journey Through Estonia’s Natural Treasures

Šiauliai Chestnut Alley – a place where dozens of chestnut trees bloom

Kulautuva – the Pearl of the Nemunas Shore: What to See and Do?

Kauko Stairs in Kaunas – Woven with Myths and Natural Beauty

Kaunas Beast: A City Symbol Shrouded in Legends

Info

Cities