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Šiliai St. Church of the Name of Jesus

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The neo-Romanesque and neo-Gothic-style Church of St. The Church of the Name of Jesus in Shils is distinguished by its rich history and solemn celebrations of the Holy Mass. The tradition of the Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul is rich in tradition. The brick church was built in 1909, but its origins date back to 1779, when the first wooden church stood here. Inside, you can see a wooden sculpture of Christ, a relic of the old church, and an 18th-century statue of St. The church of St. Peter and St. Peter and St. Peter's Church are also part of the church. Statues of St. Paul from the 18th century. In the churchyard, there is a valuable chapel of Vince Svirskis and a monument to the victims of Bolshevism. Nearby is the old cemetery, where the parents of President Antanas Smetona also rest.

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Religious Heritage

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Discover the Church of the Holy Name of Jesus in Šilai – an exceptional architectural and spiritual heritage site located in the Jonava district, near the Raguva–Šilai–Mikėnai road, just 8 km from Raguva and close to the A2 Vilnius–Panevėžys highway. This is one of the most impressive churches in Lithuania, distinguished by its Neo-Romanesque and Neo-Gothic architectural features, elegant bell tower, and beautifully maintained churchyard. What makes this sanctuary even more special is the long-standing tradition of solemnly celebrating the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul – one of the most significant religious events in the region. The first wooden church in Šilai was built in 1779, while the current brick church was constructed in 1909 and solemnly consecrated in 1914. Prominent noble families of the time – the Rudaminaitės and the Kulviečiai – generously contributed to the construction by donating funds, materials, and even the organ. The new church was built around the old one. After the original structure was dismantled, its materials were reused to build a shelter and a parish hospital,

which also housed a primary school. The church bells were brought from the United States and donated by emigrants of Šilai origin. One of the bells weighs as much as 730 kg, and their inscriptions reflect deep religious symbolism. During World War II, the bells were hidden and returned to the tower 25 years later. The church’s interior was decorated through the initiative of local priests and parishioners. New Stations of the Cross were installed, and a grand altar was built with funding from President Antanas Smetona himself. In the churchyard stands a valuable chapel-post featuring a statue of St. John of Nepomuk, and nearby lie the graves of the President’s parents. The grounds also feature traditional wooden crosses (stogastulpiai), monuments commemorating victims of Bolshevism, and remnants of an old cemetery. Šilai Church is not only a monument of sacred art and architecture but also a unique destination for travelers interested in cultural tourism, historical landmarks, religious festivals, and intangible heritage. It is a perfect place to include in your itinerary while exploring Lithuania.

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