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Žeimiai Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

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The Žeimiai Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a remarkable example of Neo-Gothic architecture in the Jonava district. Built in 1906 based on the design of architect Vaclovas Michnevičius, the church is distinguished by its elegant forms, pointed arch windows, and twin towers. The interior is adorned with a painting of the Blessed Virgin Mary with the Child, surrounded by votive offerings. The churchyard contains the crypts of the Kosakovskis and Nelovickis families, as well as the grave of architect Vaclovas Michnevičius. Nearby, there is a square dedicated to sculptor Konstantinas Bogdanas, and his memorial museum is located in the local eldership building.

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Religious Heritage
Jonava Tourism Information Center

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The Žeimiai Church is a Neo-Gothic masterpiece that graces the town of Žeimiai in the Jonava district. The first church in the area was built around 1522 at the initiative of the noble Zaviša family. However, the current elegant Neo-Gothic structure took shape in 1906, designed by the renowned local architect Vaclovas Michnevičius. The church was consecrated on September 8 of the same year, retaining the title of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary from the original church. During World War I, the church suffered significant damage: explosions by the Russian army destroyed the southern tower, ruined the organ, shattered 53 stained glass windows, and the bells were taken to Russia. New

bells were cast in 1938, and the church was gradually restored. Its interior captivates visitors with its spacious three-nave design, featuring the grand altar and an icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary with the Child, adorned with numerous votive offerings. The churchyard houses three chapel-crypts where members of the Kosakovskis and Nelovickis noble families, as well as architect Vaclovas Michnevičius, are buried. A square near the church honors the renowned local sculptor Konstantinas Bogdanas, and a monument created by Bogdanas and other artists stands in memory of architect Vaclovas Michnevičius. The nearby eldership building hosts a memorial museum dedicated to Konstantinas Bogdanas.

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