The Most Holy Virgin Mary’s Ascension church in Palanga and observation platform
Palanga Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and panoramic viewpoint Built more than a hundred years ago, the Church of the Assumption in Palanga attracts the attention of almost every passer-by with its neo-Gothic beauty and grandeur. The impressive pulpit and the three artistic altars, decorated with bas-reliefs, are made of marble imported from France. The central altar contains a 17th century painting of the Virgin Mary. The other two wooden altars in the side aisles were moved from an earlier wooden church.
The first small wooden Catholic church in Palanga was built around 1540 by Queen Anna Jogailaitė.
In 1767 the wooden church was rebuilt and stood for 140 years. In 1897 a new neo-Gothic church was built next to the old wooden one, designed by the Swedish architect Karl Eduard Strandman. The construction was fully financed by Count Feliks Tiškevičius. In 1907, after the completion of the brick church, the first wooden church was demolished.
On 15th August, on the occasion of the commemoration of the feast of St. Rocco, the great annual title feast is celebrated, and on the Sunday after the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Palanga. The feast of San Rocco is celebrated on the following pilgrimage Sunday.
The bell tower has a viewing platform. You have to climb a flight of stairs to get to the 21.4 metre high viewing platform. On the way, you can see the church clockwork and read the instructions on how to use the clock on the intermediate staircase. The 18-metre observation deck not only offers a bird’s-eye view of Palanga (the tower’s windows offer a panoramic view of the city and the sea), but also a close-up view of the church’s impressive bells and their mechanism, as the visitor’s area is located on the belfry. The observation deck of the tower is also equipped with two monocular telescopes. The viewing platform is free of charge. No access during mass, weddings and other services.
Palangos St. Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary:
Altars with altar figures
Pulpit with 4 choir sculptures
Stained glass windows
Painting “The Church of the Virgin Mary. Virgin Mary with Child (Blessed Virgin Mary of Bochnia)”.
Vytauto g. 51, Palanga
+370 688 00928
palanga.parapija@gmail.com
