Wooden Palūšė Church with a bell tower

Wooden Palūšė St. Joseph’s Church greets its visitors in Palūšė village. Everything here is taking place in the natural surroundings – close to many lakes and rivers that are intertwined with each other.

Palūšė Church stands out in such a landscape, as it was built without any iron nails, using only an axe. The distinctive architectural forms that were created with an octagonal bell tower (the only one like this in Lithuania) will impress even those admirers of the old architecture who have already seen everything. Moreover, this bell tower reminds of observation towers from the ancient wooden castles.

A priest Juozapas Baziliauskas had built this architectural monument on the inherited ground. It still has not lost its historical and cultural value up until these days as well as is often visited not only by Lithuanians but also guests from abroad. In the premises of the church, on the door, the people are greeted with a saying: “Come good, leave better”. The sanctuary was built with two towers and a bell tower. The bells were casted in the 18th century and the bell tower stands to the west from the sacred place, which has even three altars.

The most interesting thing is that this unique building standing in Palūšė reflects the oldest construction period of wooden churches in Lithuania.

Inside you can find the preserved religious paintings and carvings, while from the hill, near the church, you can see and unforgettable view to the vastness of Lūšiai Lake. This place in Ignalina district is especially loved by those who want to stay alone or to simply calmly pray and ask God for mercy and grace.

Attention is also drawn to the large rectangular windows from which the natural daylight can enter inside. At the end of the 19th c. – beginning of the 20th c., baroque style organs were built in the church, which have remained here until the current days.

In 1994, the church had received state funding to perform a restoration. After that the St. Joseph’s Church became even cosier, drawings on wood were highlighted and the building itself became more resistant to the environmental impact.

In autumn of 2016, another stage of works for improving the heritage of Palūšė Church was started – it is planned to replace its roof as well as intended to establish a new rain draining system. In 2017, St. Joseph’s Church will greet the tourists after a significant renovation, but it still has maintained its charm, historical value and invites to take a look at the surroundings – fields, forests and the villages of the Highlands, situated nearby. A well-preserved environment near the church and a view to the lake will get you in the mood for kayaking trip in the clear lakes or for a calm rest near the water.