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The Bernotiškiai Chapel

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The Bernotiškiai (Šalkava) Chapel is a local cultural heritage site built in the late 19th century in the Ukmergė district. It is the only surviving structure of the Šalkava Manor, which was destroyed during the Soviet era. Over time, the chapel became abandoned. It stands out with its historicist architecture, red brick masonry, and preserved decorative elements. During the interwar period, it was actively visited by believers, and during World War II, it became a center of anti-Soviet resistance. Although the chapel is no longer in use, it retains a historical aura, and in 2008, it served as a filming location for the award-winning Lithuanian movie Geležėlė.

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Religious Heritage

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The Bernotiškiai Chapel, also known as the Šalkava Chapel, is a historicist-style sacred building located in the Ukmergė district, Vidiškiai eldership. Built in the late 19th century, it belonged to the Ukmergė St. Peter and Paul Parish and was frequently visited by local residents. During the interwar period, believers from surrounding villages attended Sunday services, and from 1942 to 1945, the chapel was served by Monsignor Eduardas Simaška, a participant in the struggle for freedom and a supporter of the partisans. During World War II, the chapel became a center of anti-Soviet resistance. At night, partisans sought refuge here, confessions were held, and Holy Communion was received. During the Soviet era, the nearby Šalkava Manor was completely destroyed,

and over time, the chapel fell into disrepair. In 2012, it was declared an ownerless property and transferred to the Ukmergė District Municipality, which considered selling it at auction in 2015. Architecturally, the chapel stands out with its red brick masonry, Latin cross layout, transept, and small bell tower. Inside, remnants of ceramic tile flooring, fragments of the main altar, and wall niches for memorial plaques have been preserved. The chapel grounds are enclosed by a crumbling brick fence with niches and decorated pillars. This site not only preserves historical memory but has also inspired artists— in 2008, it was used as a filming location for the feature film Geležėlė, which won the grand prize at a national amateur film competition.

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