Aizpute Catholic Church

Kuldīgas iela 3, Aizpute

+371 26578580, +371 63449990

The first Catholic church in Aizpute was built in 1254. Due to historical events, it became a Lutheran church in the 1580s. In 1732, Father J. Genners from the Jelgava parish purchased a house in Aizpute to establish a Catholic chapel. About a century later, the building was in danger of collapse, so in 1853, Father Jāzeps Sandovič from Vecpils signed an unfavorable agreement with innkeeper Antonevič, leasing church land for 53 years in exchange for constructing a new chapel. In 1935, Father J. Dauģis reclaimed the leased land and buildings and began planning a new church. After World War II, Soviet authorities nationalized church properties, leaving only an old wooden house unsuitable for a church. In 1955, with episcopal permission, the old wooden church from Gudenieki was dismantled and transported to Aizpute. Using these materials, Father J. Šnepsts converted the house at 3 Kuldīgas Street into a church, which Apostolic Administrator Julijans Vaivods consecrated in 1956, dedicating it to Christ the King. It became the only church built during the Soviet era in Latvia. On November 15, 2002, the cornerstone of a new church was blessed, and a time capsule containing a testimony, coins, a St. Benedict medal, and a rosary was embedded. The consecration of the new Aizpute church took place on April 18, 2009, led by Bishop Vilhelms Lapelis of the Diocese of Liepāja, with Bishop Ārvalds Andrejs Brumanis and priests, dedicating it to the honor of Saint Ignatius of Loyola.