'The churchy place' of šilavotas

Contacts
Address: Naujasodžio kaimas, Šilavoto seniūnija, LT–59272 Prienų rajonas.
Mob. tel. (+370 687) 24 394.
Contact person – Danguolė Lincevičienė.

Information for Visitor

Opening hours:
visits by arrangements (mob. tel. (+370 687) 24 394).

History of the Museum
'The Churchy Place' is about 0,7 km from Šilavotas. More than a hundred years ago there used to be a kind of convent where devout women used to live. They were not getting married and led a modest life dedicating it to church and patient attendance. People who were in womens’ care could feel their special kindness and attentiveness. Everyday devout women went to Mass, prepared children for the Holy Communion, helped priests, looked after church, taught neighbourhood children to write. During the Soviet period, one of those women has been prosecuted for her activities. In the Post-war period 'The Churchy Place' became a shelter for neighbouring people trying to hide from soviet repressions.
The foundress of the 'The Churchy Place' Marijona Dabrisiūte settled down there about 1895.
In the course of time some more prayers started to dwell there and built up their own small houses. During the last century there lived 14 women.
Devout women earned for living by sewing, spinning or in other way helping people. Neighbouring residents used to pay them for teaching their children.
Last devout woman died in 1999.
In 2007 the “The Churchy Place” became a branch of The Museum of Prienai region.

Exposition
'The Churchy Place' was inherited by Marija and Konstantinas Lincevičiai. They decided to preserve its originality, to rebuild some derelict houses and to clean up the area.
Exposition consists from authentic women’s daily life object of those women, ethnographic home appliances and housewares, tools, textiles, pictures and exhibits from Prienai region. A very interesting collection of old prayer books and other printed material has been accumulated.

Cultural, educational activity
Educational programs for pupils;
Non-traditional education days;
Old craft presentations;
Meetings and work with artists;
Art plein-airs;
Community holidays and events;
Exhibitions;
Performances;
Book presentations;
International events 'Poetry Spring' and 'Museums’ Night'.

Path of Sculpture
Besides 'The Churchy Place' one can visit the 'Path of Sculptures'. The sculptures mark the path along which women used to go to church. The sculptures were created by a folk artist Kęstutis Grigonis and his assistants. In memory of those women the chapel is decorated with images of devout women.

Photos from www.prienumuziejus.lt