DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Zapyškis Church

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
church
—°6
Zapyškis Church (Lithuania)

Weather…

The old Church of St. John the Baptist in Zapyškis is one of Lithuania's most iconic landmarks and an unparalleled masterpiece of Baltic brick Gothic architecture. Built in the late 16th century, the sanctuary stands remarkably isolated on a wide, sweeping meadow directly on the banks of the Nemunas River. Its architectural uniqueness is primarily due to the absence of a steeple and its striking asymmetrical gable, which is richly decorated with pointed arches. Over the centuries, the small church has defiantly survived numerous devastating river floods and historical wars that repeatedly damaged its structure. Although it is no longer used for regular religious services, it mesmerizes countless visitors as a popular venue for summer concerts, cultural festivals, and as a mystical photographic subject.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-6-507131619181372-3
Rain mm584546446581998756706057

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
This small 16th-century brick church stands alone in a meadow and is freely accessible from the outside at any time. To see the interior, visitors should time their visit around scheduled services, as the church is not continuously open.
🕒
Typical hours
Typically, rural Lithuanian churches are open only during services or by prior arrangement. Visitors should inquire in advance by phone or at the local tourist information office.
📷
Photography
Photography is allowed freely around the exterior of the church. Inside, visitors are usually asked to avoid flash and tripods, especially during services.
⏱️
Time needed
Around 20 to 30 minutes are enough to walk around the church and admire its Gothic architecture from the outside. If you can also step inside, allow an additional 15 to 20 minutes.
➕
Combine with
The church's secluded meadow setting can be combined with a trip to nearby Zapyškis village or other brick-Gothic buildings in the region. A stroll along the Nemunas River is also a good option.
🧭
Getting there
The church is best reached by car, with a small parking area nearby. A short field path leads from Zapyškis village to the meadow where the church stands.
💡
Insider tip
Visit the church in the late afternoon when sunlight highlights the brick facade beautifully. Bring insect repellent, as the meadow can be mosquito-prone in summer.

Geography

Coordinates
54.92420, 23.65580

Explore nearby

Notable places around

EžerėlisEžerėlis6 km · SWExplore →
Raudondvaris CastleRaudondvaris Castle8 km · EExplore →
Giraitė Armament FactoryGiraitė Armament Factory14 km · EExplore →
VilkijaVilkija14 km · NExplore →
St. George's Church KaunasSt. George's Church Kaunas15 km · EExplore →
M. K. Čiurlionis National Museum of ArtM. K. Čiurlionis National Museum of Art17 km · EExplore →
Kaunas Botanical GardenKaunas Botanical Garden17 km · EExplore →
GarliavaGarliava19 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Zapyškis Church (6)

Zapyškio Šv. Jono Krikštytojo bažnyčia

Church in Zapyškis, dedicated to John the Baptist.

Zapyškio Senoji Šv. Jono Krikštytojo bažnyčia

Old church in Zapyškis, a historic religious building.

Zapyškio senųjų kapinių koplyčia

Chapel in the old cemetery of Zapyškis.

Dock7 Kulautuva vandenlenčių parkas

Water sports park in Kulautuva, with wakeboard and waterski facilities.

Kulautuvos Švč. Mergelės Marijos Vardo bažnyčia

Church in Kulautuva, dedicated to the Name of Mary.

Kulautuvos pėsčiųjų-sveikatingumo takas I

Walking and cycling path near Kulautuva, 2.4 km long, partly with wooden boardwalk, wheelchair accessible.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Why is the Zapyškis church so famous?
It is one of the oldest 16th-century Gothic brick churches in Lithuania.
Are religious services still held there?
Rarely; today it serves mainly as a venue for concerts and cultural events.
Where exactly is the church located?
Right on the banks of the Nemunas River, about 15 km from Kaunas.
Is entrance to the church free?
Visiting is usually possible for free or for a small donation.
When is the best time to visit?
In summer, when the riverside path is well-suited for cyclists and hikers.
Zapyškis Church: where is it located?
Zapyškis Church is located in Lithuania.
Zapyškis Church: what is there to see?
Highlights include Zapyškio Šv. Jono Krikštytojo bažnyčia, Zapyškio Senoji Šv. Jono Krikštytojo bažnyčia, Zapyškio senųjų kapinių koplyčia.
Zapyškis Church: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Europe
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Europe
More places in Lithuania →

Nearby cities

Panevėžys — Zapyškis Church (Lithuania)
Panevėžys
Panevėžys is located on the banks of the Nevėžis river and is the fifth largest city in Lithuania.
Alytus — Zapyškis Church (Lithuania)
Alytus
Alytus is the unofficial capital of the Dzūkija region in southern Lithuania.
Alytus area — Zapyškis Church (Lithuania)
Alytus area
The area around Alytus lies on the banks of the Nemunas.
Marijampolė — Zapyškis Church (Lithuania)
Marijampolė
Marijampolė is the center of the Suvalkija region and is known for its industrial importance.
Jonava — Zapyškis Church (Lithuania)
Jonava
Jonava is a city in central Lithuania known for its chemical industry.
Kėdainiai — Zapyškis Church (Lithuania)
Kėdainiai
Kėdainiai is one of the oldest cities in Lithuania and possesses a well-preserved old town.
Kėdainiai Old Town — Zapyškis Church (Lithuania)
Kėdainiai Old Town
Kėdainiai was a major Reformation center in the 17th century.
Tauragė — Zapyškis Church (Lithuania)
Tauragė
Tauragė is an important industrial center in western Lithuania on the Jūra River.
Ukmergė area — Zapyškis Church (Lithuania)
Ukmergė area
The rural area around Ukmergė offers a varied landscape with many historical manors.
Ukmergė — Zapyškis Church (Lithuania)
Ukmergė
Ukmergė is one of the oldest cities in Lithuania and is located on the Šventoji River.
Radviliškis area — Zapyškis Church (Lithuania)
Radviliškis area
The area around Radviliškis is characterized by wide plains and a significant role in the Lithuanian railway network.
Radviliškis — Zapyškis Church (Lithuania)
Radviliškis
Radviliškis is a significant railway junction in northern Lithuania.
Elektrėnai — Zapyškis Church (Lithuania)
Elektrėnai
Elektrėnai is a modern city founded during the Soviet era as a residence for the workers of the local power plant.
Druskininkai — Zapyškis Church (Lithuania)
Druskininkai
Druskininkai is a renowned spa resort in southern Lithuania.
Grigiškės — Zapyškis Church (Lithuania)
Grigiškės
Grigiškės is an industrial city west of Vilnius on the Voke River.

History & landmarks

Kaunas Town Hall — Zapyškis Church (Lithuania)
Kaunas Town Hall
The Town Hall in the main square of Kaunas is often called the 'White Swan' due to its elegant shape and white facade.
Vilkija — Zapyškis Church (Lithuania)
Vilkija
A picturesque town on the banks of the Nemunas river with a striking neo-Gothic church and rich Jewish heritage.