Old Church of St. John the Baptist, Zapyškis, Gothic church building near Nemunas River in Zapyškis, Lithuania.
The Old Church of St. John the Baptist is a brick structure in Zapyškis featuring pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and a distinctive bell tower that rises prominently above the surrounding village. The red walls display typical Gothic construction methods with tall openings and structural elements characteristic of 16th-century design.
The structure was built in 1578 by Povilas Sapiega, the voivode of Navahrudak, making it one of Lithuania's oldest religious buildings from the 16th century. Its construction represented a significant moment in the country's architectural development during the Renaissance period.
The building, no longer used for religious services since the early 1900s, functions as a venue for music performances and cultural gatherings.
The building is accessible daily and hosts regular music performances and cultural events open to visitors. It is advisable to check with local information points in the village to learn about current events and visiting hours.
The building earned the title 'Mother of Lithuanian Churches' because of its architectural influence on many subsequent religious structures across the country. Its Gothic elements became a model for religious architecture that was built for generations to come.
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