The Church of St. Peter and St. Paul the Apostles in Plateliai is a Roman Catholic wooden church located in the Samogitia region of Lithuania, in the Plungė District Municipality. Considered part of Lithuania’s nationally significant sacral heritage, the site is valued both for its architectural authenticity and for the historical legacy preserved inside. The church itself was built in 1744, and the church complex also includes a bell tower erected much later, in 1899.
The history of worship in Plateliai reaches back to the early 16th century, when the first wooden church was established in the area. Tradition and historical notes highlight that the church was built on the site of an earlier pagan place of worship, reflecting the layered spiritual transformation of Samogitia after Christianization. In the 18th century, Plateliai suffered serious damage due to war and fires, and the construction of the current church became part of the town’s recovery, supported by the local parish community and clergy.
Architecturally, the building is notable for its wooden cross-shaped plan and tall roofline, with small towers topped by crosses. While the exterior appears modest and traditional, the interior offers a striking contrast: it features a grand main altar and four side altars arranged in a Baroque composition, enriched with columns, wood carvings, and paintings—some enhanced with silver cladding.
What makes the church particularly remarkable is the survival of many historic artworks and liturgical objects, including items dating back to the 18th century. Among the highlights is a Rococo-style baptismal font with its cover, as well as significant religious paintings that contribute to the church’s unique atmosphere. Altogether, the Plateliai church stands as a living monument: a place where wooden architecture, sacred art, and regional history meet in an exceptionally authentic setting.