Heritage preservation works in Kaunas St. Francis Xavier (Jesuit) Church

Project facts

Project promoter:
Rectorate of Kaunas St. Francis Xavier (Jesuit) Church
Project Number:
LT06-0016
Target groups
Public and private organizations, including not-for-profit organizations and NGOs, responsible for the organization and delivery of education and training at local, regional and national levels
Status:
Completed
Initial project cost:
€515,828
Final project cost:
€505,097
From EEA Grants:
€ 340,142
The project is carried out in:
Kauno apskritis

Description

The project’s one of the aims is to contribute to restoration and conservation of the object of cultural heritage. Realising the objective “to restore and preserve the cultural heritage of non-wooden structure”, the restoration heritage works of the Kaunas St. Francis Xavier (Jesuit) Church will be performed - church towers and the fasade of late Baroque will be restored. In order to achieve the second objective of the project “to contribute to the improvement of public attitudes and understanding of the cultural heritage, increasing of its meaning and importance, in order to preserve and pass on to future generations”, the trainings will be organised: lectures to the general public, and study - practical meetings for cultural heritage professionals (conservators of immovable culture heritage, architects). Kaunas St. Francis Xavier (Jesuit) Church is late Baroque sacred architectural heritage. Church has established architectural historical and cultural value. The special value offers polychrome painting fragments on the northern facade. With the Kaunas Jesuit church in Lithuania began slender and tall towers building tradition in the eighteenth century. The church in the main square of the city of Kaunas - the square of the Town Hall, therefore the maintenance of the church will have a direct impact not only on the local community but also on tourists. The project partner - Step Prosjekt AS, a Norwegian company undergoing the refurbishment projects mainly in lofts of the block of flats. Step Prosjekt AS will contribute with financial recourses – 14.480 Eur in order to cover own co-financing part, but will not directly participate in the activities and project management.

Summary of project results

Located in the main square of Kaunas Old Town, St. Francis Xavier is important both to the city’s religious community and Jesuit Gymnasium community. This 18th century sacral architecture cultural heritage of the late baroque is a vital part of Kaunas cityscape. Interestingly, it started the tradition of constructing thin and tall towers in Lithuania. The church is also unique due to its unconventional north-south orientation, while polychrome painting fragments in the northern façade provide it with special value. The interior of the church as well as the House of Perkūnas belonging to the ensemble were restored several years ago, a terrace with panoramic view was also built, yet the façades were in a poor condition to this day. This was resolved after carrying out polychrome (determining colour of façades) and archaeological analysis, as well as façade repair and restoration works within the framework of the project. Baroque-style painting (figure compositions of the three saints), found in the northern façade, is of significant importance. The central figure was restored with support of the programme. Educational tour, meetings with cultural heritage specialists and series of public lectures on significance of heritage, archaeological research of the block of Jesuits, ensemble history as well as importance of the object for Kaunas city, have been organized which increased public awareness and understanding of the city’s heritage.

Summary of bilateral results

Implementation of the project was financially supported by a partner from Norway. Project partner was not participated directly in the activities and project management.