This iconic 17th-century church is the most prominent in the Lithuanian city of Siauliai. It is famed for its architectural style of Renaissance Mannerism. It contains defensive features as well due to the wealth it used to contain. This church marks the beginning of the pilgrimage trail to the Hill of Crosses.
The Pakruojis wooden synagogue was built in 1801, making it the oldest wooden synagogue in Lithuania and Poland, where they were once numerous. In 1895, metal bars were affixed to the synagogue to prevent the church from collapsing. The church in now used as a library.
The Wooden Beit Midrash in Rozalimas is an Ashkenazi synagogue built in 1880-81 and reconstructed after 1945. After WW II the building served as a storage space; an annex of asbestos sheets was attached to its southwestern side and part of the southwestern wall is bricked over with white silicate bricks. The wooden building is now abandoned.
The Red Synagogue (Great Beit Midrash) in Joniškis is an Ashkenazi synagogue built in brick in 1911. In the Soviet period the Red Synagogue was used for storage and later converted into a foundry with an apartment in the women's section. In the 1970s the former synagogue housed a youth club. The building's plan was altered; nevertheless, the façades remained almost unchanged, and the Torah ark and the details of interior painting were still extant. In 2007 the building lacked proper roofing; the western part was used as a temporary storage space. In 2008 plans were made for restoring the collapsed walls. The synagogue is now a museum.
How is Religiana helping to conserve and promote Religious Heritage in Europe and why should you get involved?
Find out about Religiana
Are you a tourism organisation or religious heritage sites manager? Discover the advantages of becoming a partner.
See current partners
We can keep you up to date with the latest news from Religiana and religious heritage conservation across Europe.
Sign up to the FRH newsletter