St. George Church in Smilgiai

Smilgiai is also known for an astonishing baroque wooden church built in 1764. It is assumed that the left side St. John altar is a remnant from the 17th century church. Nevertheless, the main altar is known as one of the most embellished altars in the Baltic States and the belfry is known as a hideout for book smugglers. In the corner of the churchyard there is the original church bell tower that was built in the late 19th century. It is said to have been installed overnight because the tsarist government did not give permission for its construction. During the years of the press ban in the country, booksellers used this bell tower to hide the Lithuanian press.

Panevėžio g. 18A, Smilgiai, Panevėžys district

55.803030, 24.016333 (WGS)