Gintališkė St. Matthew the Apostle and Evangelist Church (Lithuanian: Gintališkės šv. apaštalo evangelisto Mato bažnyčia) is a distinctive wooden Roman Catholic church located in the village of Gintališkė (Kretinga District, Telšiai Diocese) in the Samogitia region of western Lithuania. Standing close to the historic Gintališkė manor, the church forms part of a valuable local heritage landscape that combines architecture, history and rural atmosphere.
Historical sources describe several stages of development: the first church in Gintališkė is linked to the year 1713, while later construction phases shaped the site over time. The church’s most important rebuilding took place in 1845, and in 1896 parts of the log walls were replaced and the building was enlarged, preserving its authentic wooden character.
One of the most remarkable features of this church is its architectural form: it resembles a traditional residential house, with a rectangular plan and a modest wooden volume that blends naturally into the surrounding countryside. This style creates a warm, intimate impression and reflects the regional tradition of Samogitian wooden sacred buildings.
The church complex also includes a separate belfry, built in 1850, and the entire ensemble has long been recognised as culturally significant — the church was declared an architectural monument in 1957. A stone masonry fence around the churchyard adds an additional sense of age and character, highlighting the historical atmosphere of the site.
Today, Gintališkė St. Matthew’s Church is not only a place of worship but also a peaceful destination for travellers exploring Samogitia. Its blend of wooden architecture, historical depth and serene rural surroundings makes it a memorable stop for those interested in Lithuania’s lesser-known yet authentic heritage sites.