Šilalės Vlado Statkevičiaus muziejus🏛 museum
Museum in Šilalė, named after local artist Vladas Statkevičius.
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Šilalė Church
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church
The Church of St. Francis of Assisi in Šilalė is an outstanding example of Neo-Gothic architecture in Lithuania, built between 1903 and 1909. It was designed by the prominent architect Józef Pius Dziekoński, famous for his monumental brick churches across the region. The imposing structure is defined by its two high towers, which reach approximately 60 meters and dominate the skyline of Šilalė. The facade is intricately decorated with Gothic elements such as pointed arches and rosettes, lending the building a majestic religious character. Inside, the church houses valuable wood carvings and a significant organ installed in the early 20th century. Built to replace an earlier sanctuary, it became the spiritual heart of the Telšiai Diocese in this area. Despite the turbulence of world wars and the Soviet era, the building's fabric has remained largely intact, standing today as a vital piece of Lithuania's national cultural heritage.
- Location: Lithuania
- Top sights: Šilalės Vlado Statkevičiaus muziejus · Šilalės Jono Tartilavičiaus Batakiečio evangelikų liuteronų bažnyčia · Šilalės Šv. Pranciškaus Asyžiečio bažnyčia
- Nearby: Kaltinėnai (20 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -4 | -4 | 0 | 6 | 12 | 15 | 18 | 18 | 13 | 7 | 3 | -1 |
| Rain mm | 68 | 49 | 48 | 40 | 54 | 74 | 90 | 85 | 67 | 81 | 77 | 70 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Šilalė Church is an active Catholic place of worship and is usually open to visitors. The interior can be visited, impressing with its neo-Gothic furnishings. Entry is through the main portal, freely accessible when the church is open.
Typical hours
The church is usually open for service times, which are typically on Sundays at 10:00 and 12:00, and on weekdays at 18:00. Special hours apply on holidays. It is advisable to check with the parish office.
Photography
Photography inside without flash is usually allowed to preserve the sacred atmosphere. During mass, it is best to avoid taking photos. Exterior shots of the impressive facade are possible at any time.
Time needed
For a brief visit to the church, about 20 to 30 minutes are enough. If you want to examine the architecture and stained glass windows more closely, allow up to an hour.
Combine with
The church is in the center of Šilalė, a town with a pretty market square and a museum of regional history. The surrounding Žemaitija hills offer hiking trails and viewpoints.
Getting there
Šilalė is reachable by car from Tauragė via road 162 in about 30 minutes. There are several parking spaces on the market square. Buses from Tauragė, Telšiai and Klaipėda serve the town, and the church is within walking distance.
Insider tip
Visit the church early in the morning when the light filters through the stained glass, creating a special atmosphere. The nearby market square hosts a farmers' market on Sundays with local produce.
Geography
Facts
- Constructed between 1903 and 1909
- Designed by architect Józef Pius Dziekoński
- Towers reach a height of about 60 meters
- Built in the Neo-Gothic brick style
- Contains a notable early 20th-century organ
- Spiritual center of the Šilalė parish
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Šilalė Church (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
When was the brick church in Šilalė built?
The current Neo-Gothic church was built between 1905 and 1909.
Which saint's figure is particularly important?
St. Francis of Assisi is the patron saint.
How high is the church tower?
The prominent tower shapes the silhouette of the entire town.
Are there parking spaces for visitors?
Yes, there is a small parking area directly in front of the church.
Is the interior of the church richly decorated?
Yes, it has ornate Neo-Gothic altars.
Šilalė Church: where is it located?
Šilalė Church is located in Lithuania.
Šilalė Church: what is there to see?
Highlights include Šilalės Vlado Statkevičiaus muziejus, Šilalės Jono Tartilavičiaus Batakiečio evangelikų liuteronų bažnyčia, Šilalės Šv. Pranciškaus Asyžiečio bažnyčia.
Šilalė Church: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
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