„The idea to immortalize Pranciška Butlerienė did not arise behind closed doors. We invited the people of Marijampolė, historians, and cultural figures to discuss whether Marijampolė needs a memorial for the city’s founder, and the answer was practically unanimous – yes,“ said Artūras Visockis, advisor to the mayor of Marijampolė municipality.
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The monument created by sculptor Zigmas Buterlevičius will be erected between the Marijampolė Drama Theatre and the Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel, next to the legendary “Rožančkelis”.
„It is said that the countess, walking from the Kvietiškis manor towards the confluence of the Šešupė and Jevonis rivers, was praying the rosary, and where she finished it, she indicated to build a church. Today, the Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel stands here. Therefore, the future Pranciška will not simply be placed in the city space. She will again walk her Rožančkelis,“ the statement says.
The countess is depicted precisely walking. In her right hand, held close to her chest, she will hold a rosary, and with the other hand, she will hold the folds of an 18th-century dress. Her gaze will be directed into the distance, and the sculpture itself is oriented so that Pranciška symbolically looks towards the basilica – the destination of her journey back then.
According to the municipality, the rosary in her hand is not just a historical detail here. It speaks of faith, inner strength, and peace, and the step forward – about a person who leaves a mark with their decisions far longer than their own life.
The 2.5-meter-tall figure of the countess will be carved from light granite. She will stand on a dark granite pedestal, which will be inscribed with “City founder Pranciška Butlerienė”.
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However, not only the monument itself is being created – the surrounding space will also change. The architectural design of the environment was created by architect Gintautas Vieversys.
Natural outdoor stones, granite pavement, lighting, and greenery will become part of the overall composition. On the drama theatre side, the stones will gradually “dissolve” into the lawn like scattered rosary beads. Some larger stones will also serve as places to sit, pause, and stay.
The beginning of Marijampolė city is the Kvietiškis manor, built in 1717 by the Prienai elder Morkus Antanas Butleris and his wife Pranciška Ščiukaitė-Butlerienė.
Thanks to P. Butlerienė, Starapolė was established – a settlement where Marijampolė is now located. Through her care, a house of prayer and a monastery appeared here. In 1750, at the countess’s invitation, the first Marian monk arrived, and on the land plot dedicated to the Marions and with her funds, the construction of the monastery and church began. Later, the activities of the Marions became one of the forces shaping this area as an important center of Užnemunė.
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