The history of construction of the present Zarasai Church is long and complicated. Although the first project has been drawn up even by the late 30-ties of the 19th century, the construction stopped before long. Due to the technical problems related to the parts already erected, in 1849 another project was drawn up, still this church too was completed in 1862 only; after seven years had elapsed, construction faults had appeared. In 1874 the church was reorganized substantially in terms of structure – it is likely that at that time its appearance changed.
Such a complicated history of the church maybe explains its architecture, slightly eclectic and unusual, where one can see Neo-Renaissance, Neo-Baroque and Neo-Classical forms. The rectangular volume of the church, ended with a smooth wall and covered by a pitched roof, is close to Lithuanian churches of Classicism style. On the front facade, one sees the motifs of different styles. The twin towers of four tapering tiers, common in Lithuanian Baroque architecture, end with eight-walled tiers with the curved helmets. The corner pilasters of the tower are simplified here to the ledges, which on the second and the third tiers are doubled.
The middle part of the façade is unusual, where a plane with the integrated round window and two small niches above it dominate. Only the portal stands out here, with the part of it is decorated with bossage imitation, characteristic of Neo-Classicism, running along the bottom tiers of the towers. The bossage continues on the bottom part of other facades as well, comprising here the pedestal part of them. The latter are divided by slightly protruded pilasters and large rounded windows. The windows of the main part of the church by their proportions and execution should be considered more Neo-Renaissance elements, like small arcades visible under the cornice of the garret. Perhaps most expressive Neo-Baroque part is the pediment of three-tier and wavy forms, integrated between the towers, the protrusion of broken forms is similar stylistically too, which ends the rear facade on the top. In terms of decorativeness, the interior is modest one, still monumental, the expression of which is more characteristic of Neo-Classicism – expressive, massive pillars with scarves.
Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Zarasai - Bažnyčios g. 3, Zarasai 32132, Lietuva
