In 1899-1900, for the then developing resort village of Birštonas, Vaclovas Michnevičius produced one of the first designs in his catalogue of sacral buildings, which later contained a large number of his designs. The building consecrated in 1909 was similar in many respects to the Church of Nemunaitis designed by the architect at about the same time, however, it was built somewhat earlier. It is true, the sanctuary of the resort was much more modest in its expression; a different partitioning was used in some places, the sacristies were integrated in the main volume of the building. The peculiarities of clay of the environs and supply of bricks determined the colour of the Church – a somewhat brownish-yellowish colour of bricks differs from many bright red historical sanctuaries which interpreted the medieval style. On the other hand, in its colour it is similar to the structures built of purely yellow bricks which were built in southeast Lithuania at that time, for example like its “sister” in Nemunaitis.
Though the church is comparatively compact and modest, a 37-meter high tower is the highlight of the environs rising high above all other buildings in the resort. In the context of the architect’s work it stands out because it is projected much more forward; it is said that this solution was adopted to give more space to the organ chorus. The lighting of the inside space is solved very well in the small sanctuary and it creates the impression of spaciousness which is strengthened to a greater degree by white plaster and the refusal of colour décor. Piers with caps supporting the vaults divide the sanctuary into three naves. Wooden altars, the pulpit, the confessionals and functional details interpreted in the neo-gothic way do not only correspond to the exterior stylistics but also serve as the main element of contrast. Their author Adomas Karalius who had his workshops in Suvalkai and later in Marijampolė at the beginning of the 20th century was known as one of the most talented masters of church inventory who reflected trends of the period of historicism in wooden forms. In Suvalkija region we can find more than one ensemble of church facilities of neo-gothic forms produced in his workshops.
St. Anthony of Padua (Antanas Paduvietis) Church in Birštonas - Birutės g. 14, Birštonas 59217, Lietuva
