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Švėkšna Evangelical Lutheran Church

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The Švėkšna Evangelical Lutheran parish emerged in the 17th–18th centuries when Lithuanian and German craftsmen from Prussia settled in the town. The first Lutheran church was built in 1819 but was destroyed in a fire in 1856. The current church was constructed in 1867, with its impressive tower added in 1913. Contrary to popular belief, most parishioners were of Lithuanian origin, bearing surnames such as Naujokas, Gintautas, and Kalvaitis. In 2005, Hurricane Erwin damaged the roof and altar wall, but the structure was quickly restored. Today, the Švėkšna Lutheran Church delights visitors with its history and architecture.

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Religious Heritage
Šilutė Tourism Information Centre

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55.512661, 21.622644

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The history of the Švėkšna Evangelical Lutheran Church began in the late 17th century when Lithuanian and German craftsmen settled in this town bordering Prussia. As the Lutheran population grew, the establishment of a parish became necessary in the early 18th century. The first wooden Lutheran church was built in 1819 at the site now marked by the St. Florian monument. Unfortunately, it was destroyed by a fire in 1856. The current red-brick church was completed in 1867, and its striking tower was added in 1913. Although some sources claim that all Švėkšna

Lutherans were Germans, the majority were actually Lithuanians, with surnames such as Naujokas, Gintautas, Kalvaitis, and Endrulis reflecting their heritage. In 2005, the historic church faced a challenge from Hurricane Erwin, which tore off the roof and damaged the western wall of the altar. Despite the destruction, the church was quickly restored and continues to grace Švėkšna. Over 150 years old, the Gothic-style Evangelical Lutheran Church stands out as a cultural and tourist attraction, telling the story of the town’s religious and communal history.

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