It is worth starting an acquaintance with the sacral heritage from the Annunciation of Virgin Mary Church in Kretinga. The ensemble of the Franciscan monastery, the church and the Lourdes Grotto which is more than 400 year old will make you forget time. You will find a 400 year old door which has survived all fires, one of the highest altars in Samogitia, miraculous painting of St. Anthony and many other interesting objects in this church. And if you choose an excursion with a guide, you will descend to the mysterious crypts and may see Kretinga together with the gliding birds from the tower of the church.
A local cross hill is near Kretinga, in Joskaudai forest. The place called Erškėtynas is famous for its spring. In 1926, the Blessed Virgin Mary showed to one resident of Lazdininkai village. It is believed that the spring has healing properties. A chapel is built near it, May service takes place here. A cross hill is gradually forming nearby; people bring unnecessary crosses, erect them with different intentions.
Another stop after Erškėtynas is Darbėnai Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul. The current church has even several precursor churches which were burnt. It is built in the very centre of the town. It is worth visiting it due to the well-known Fest of Saints Peter and Paul, cosy interior and architecture of the Romanticism period.
If you travel from Darbėnai, Laukžemė the Holy Apostle Andrew Church. Laukžemė church escaped war and stands the same as it was built in 1850 in the place of its precursors. One altar of the church is decorated by the painting of the Scapular of Mary painted in 1729. Miraculous powers are attributed to it. You will also see one of the oldest wooden sculptures of Madonna in the church. It is believed that it could be made in the 15th-16th centuries.
If you visit Salantai, even three special objects, namely, the church and chapels, are waiting here. Gargždelė St. Barbara church was built in the 19th century, Vilnius Orvidas also contributed to fostering of the church. And Gaidys Chapel of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary is wrapped in legends about a hidden treasure, the church which stood there and crowing of a rooster. And during the Soviet years graduates used to secretly gather at the chapel and pray for success in exams. Salantai Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary was designed by the architect who worked with Tiškevičius family and created Palanga Church, Švėkšna Church, namely, K. E. Strandmanas. His two-tower neo-gothic church was built instead of the old church and is fascinating due to its 5 wooden altas, two almost 60 m height towers. The painting of the Blessed Mary with Baby Jesus is particularly popular; it is well-known for miracles.
After visiting Salantai, you must visit Kalnalis, namely, Saint Lawrence Church. The writer and Samogitian bishop M. Valančius were baptised here. “Žalnieriai”, i.e. human size wooden soldiers which were used for Easter performances have been preserved in this ancient wooden church.
Kartena Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary known since the 17th century is also made of wood. The church which was affected by fire and was restored attracts by its outstanding beauty pulpit, one of the oldest organs manufactured at the end of the 18th century. Abakai Lourdes is located near Kartena. In 1921, it was built by K. Navirauskas in gratitude for returning from the First World War alive. A spring famous for its healing properties is spurting near the grotto and the chapel.
The sacral heritage route may be finished by a visit to two wooden churches emanating tranquility. The Way of Saint Exaltation of the Holy Cross is located at Budriai and fascinates with its wooden gorgeous altars and a cosy churchyard. Construction works of the The Way of Saint Joseph Church in Mikoliškiai were paid by the local farmers and construction was also initiated by the lieutenant general L. Bronišas who donated funds. The church is special in that it is made of round logs and it seems that being in the church returns to the past.
