Gardamas is a historic town located along the road between Švėkšna and Žemaičių Naumiestis. Its name originates from the word gardas, meaning an enclosed area, a fortress, or even a castle. The town was first mentioned in historical sources in 1561, when its lands were measured in valakas (a traditional land measurement unit). In 1562, it was noted as the center of a local administrative unit, managing royal estate lands from Laukstėnai to Juodžiai and Vanagiai villages. By the 18th century, Gardamas was referred to as a town. The area is notable not only for its beautiful surroundings, the scenic Tenenis slopes, but also for the “Mažvydas Road” and the Lourdes Shrine.
It is believed that the first church in Gardamas was built in the 17th century, but it was destroyed by fire. In 1706, a new wooden church was built on the same site. Following the wars with the Germans, Gardamas gradually grew as trade routes across Žemaitija opened. However, as Žemaičių Naumiestis began to expand, Gardamas lost its significance. After 1795, when Tsarist Russia occupied Lithuania, the status of Gardamas’ residents, known as state peasants, worsened due to increased military duties and taxes. During the Russian Empire’s rule, Gardamas and the surrounding villages became part of the Russian border.
During the press ban period, the border was strictly guarded, with border guards stationed along the Naumiestis–Gardamas–Švėkšna road, which was considered a secondary border line. In the late 19th century, Gardamas became a center of book smuggling, where forbidden Lithuanian publications were secretly distributed.
The present-day Church of St. Roch was built in 1932. In the early 20th century, a miraculous Lourdes Shrine was built on a hillside next to the church. The niche, made of fieldstones, is about 1.8 meters high. There are various stories about the origin of the shrine. Some say that the Virgin Mary appeared at the site, while others claim that a man whose child was miraculously healed after he had doubted God built it as a sign of gratitude.
In front of the Lourdes Shrine, there is a well that never freezes or dries up. To the right of the shrine, stone steps lead up to the church—there are 14 steps, symbolizing the 14 Stations of the Cross. Elderly residents say that climbing these steps is equivalent to walking the Stations of the Cross.
Lourdes is a place where flowers always bloom, candles always burn, and people silently express their sorrows and joys. The holy water offers hope and renewal to those who visit.