MyTravis

Map / Visited places / Religious Heritage

St. John the Baptist Church in Kupiškis District

493

5 out of 5

(1 reviews)

The St. John the Baptist Church in Alizava, located in the Kupiškis district, was built in 1794 by the landowner Antanas Koscialkovskis, who named the area Alizava in honor of his son. The current wooden church was constructed between 1853 and 1856 by priest Jonas Bžestovičius. In 1872, priest Ferdinandas Ūselis built the rectory and established a garden.

The church underwent reconstruction in 1900, with new towers added, and in 1905, the cemetery was expanded. During World War I, the church was damaged, but between 1909 and 1921, it was renovated under the care of priest Kazimieras Mockus. Later, priest Felicijonas Lialis purchased a bell and restored the outbuildings.

The church has a rectangular plan with two towers, and the interior is divided into three naves. The churchyard is surrounded by a stone masonry fence, and a bell tower stands within the yard.

Visit the St. John the Baptist Church to learn about its history and architecture.

Info

Religious Heritage
Kupiškis District Tourism and Business Information Center

How to get there?

55.970798, 25.001921

Get directions

St. John the Baptist Church, located in Alizava village within Kupiškis district, lies near the Vabalninkas-Pandėlis road on the right bank of the Pyvesa River. In 1794, nobleman Antanas Koscialkovskis built a wooden church with a tower in Pakapė, later renaming the area Alizava in honor of his son Aloyzas. Between 1853 and 1856, Father Jonas Bžestovičius constructed the current wooden church. In 1872, Father Ferdinandas Ūselis built a new rectory, renovated farm buildings, and planted an orchard. By 1900, the church reconstruction project was approved, and new towers were erected. The cemetery was expanded in 1905. From 1909 to 1914, the Lithuanian Catholic Temperance Society operated in the area.

During World War I, the church suffered damage, but between 1909 and 1921, it was restored under the care of curate Father Kazimieras Mockus. From 1923 to 1927, curate Father Felicijonas Lialis purchased a new bell and renovated farm buildings. Father J. Savukaitis reorganized the altars and established a small bookstore in 1938. The church features a rectangular plan with two facade towers, a three-nave interior separated by columns, and a stone masonry fence surrounding the churchyard. A bell tower stands within the churchyard. Explore the rich history and architectural beauty of St. John the Baptist Church in Alizava, a significant religious and cultural landmark in the Kupiškis district.

Found a mistake? Report