Church of St. Francis Xavier, Kaunas, Lithuania

Church of St. Francis Xavier (Šv. Pranciškaus Ksavero bažnyčia) is located in the Old Town of Kaunas. The church dedicated to St. Francis Xavier was built at the Town Hall Square in the Old Town of Kaunas by Jesuits. They opened their first residence in Kaunas in 1642 and established a chapel in the House of Perkūnas in 1643. Later they also founded a first four-form school in the city in 1649. The construction of the church started in 1666, and it was consecrated in 1722.

Tsarist Russian government gave the church to the Orthodox church for their use in 1824. The church was against assigned to the Jesuits only in 1924. After Lithuania was occupied by Soviets the St. Francis Xavier church was turned into a technical school, the interior of the church was used as a hall of sports. The church was returned again to the Jesuits in 1989. A renovation of the church took place in 1992.

References:

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Religious sites in Lithuania

User Reviews

Hsyn Shn (2 months ago)
St. Francis Xavier Church in Kaunas is a beautiful Baroque-style church located in the heart of the Old Town, right next to the Town Hall Square. If you’re visiting, take a moment to admire its elegant façade and peaceful interior. The church has a fascinating history, having served different purposes over the years, including as a gymnasium during Soviet times. I’d recommend stopping by in the evening when the square is beautifully lit and lively with locals and visitors. You can also visit one of the nearby cafés or restaurants for a coffee while enjoying the charming surroundings. It’s a great spot to experience the historical and cultural vibe of Kaunas!

Dev J (3 months ago)
Wonderful mass in English 6:30 pm on Friday

Iryna Panina (2 years ago)
One of the famous temple of Kaunas Old Town) This Jesuit church is popularly known that it was transferred to the Orthodox and was given to the Catholics. It is located close to the Rathaus. The church has modest interior decoration and calm atmosphere inside.

Hanna Tourjman (2 years ago)
I was there for a wedding the church was really beautiful. Very similar to other Lithuanian churches from the inside and the acoustics are really nice for quire events

Nasir Masud (5 years ago)
Must see, one out of several tourist attractions in Kaunas, traditional architectural design of church, town hall building is also on walking distance from here, well paved streets, carefully preserved and maintained all structures by local authorities to provide good looking environment for coming peoples, Nice views for pictures.

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