Žemaičių Kalvarijos parapijos kulto pastatai

ENŽemaičių Kalvarija Parish is the most important place of worship in Lowland Lithuania (Samogitia). It is well known by local Catholics, atheists and art connoisseurs. Except the town of Gardai with its Passions, the entire Parish is charged with the most spiritualized mood. Catholicism is closely connected with pagan relics in folk art, at the same time the former rites can be traced there. As a result of the Reformation movement, not many churches served for religious purposes towards the end of the 16th century. On the other hand, the rigorous Counter-Reformalion prompted the erection and decoration of churches and chapels. The leading figures in religious life such as Bishops Merkelis Giedraitis I and Jurgis Tiškevičius contributed greatly to the active functioning of as many as 83 parochial churches in the Lowlands in the 17th century. The Barstyčiai Church of St Apostles Simonas and Judas was built during 1788—1789 and consecrated in 1791. It was renovated in 1904 with its interior and exterior being changed. Lacking the historical documentation, it is difficult to establish its original site. Judging by modern appearance, the church and the bell tower seem to have been built by local craftsmen. There are quite a few chapels dispersed around the Barstyčiai village, not to mention the Chapel of St Stanislovas, the Mockaičiai Chapel, the Virgin Mary’s Church in Barśiai.Interesting for primitive oil paintings is the St Cross Church in Gegrėnai to be closely connected with the local manor and its owner A. Venslauskis, founder of the above-mentioned church. Surrounded by legends, there is a place called Panų Kalnas (Hill of Maidens). There can be seen a chapel between two crosses already mentioned in literary sources in 1906. Yet its foundation boasts the ancient age to be traced down to the years of the Swedish wars. It is necessary to preserve the entire complex of natural and man-made objects in the area. The Lowlands National Park being founded, good prospects do exist.