ŠANČIAI MILITARY CEME- 15 THE NINTH BATTERY OF 21 ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHAN- 27 THE RAILWAY STATION OF 31 IT’S FORTRESS GEL’S CHURCH OR THE THE FORTRESS TERY Ašmenos 1-oji g. 2, Kaunas KAUNASTIC Pelėdų kalnas, The Hill of Owls, GARRISON CHURCH J. Bakanausko g., Kaunas KAUNAS At the very end of the 19th century, the Aukštieji Šančiai military cemetery was estab- Kaunas Nepriklausomybės a. 14, Kaunas 750-millimeter wide railway network was built lished in 1891 for Kaunas garrison soldiers of The forts and batteries of - Some adore it and consider it the most impor- the tsar’s army outside Kaunas city limits at in Kaunas Fortress together with the fortifications for cannons - were arranged at tant symbol of Kaunas, yet others detest it - the time. During the interwar period, when narrow-gauge railway station building and approximately even distances (every 2–2.5 it was like that during the interwar period and the area was connected to the city, the FORTRESS km) in an almost exact oval shape. The still is today. Many call this neo-byzantine (to water tower. The first narrow-gauge railway cemetery grew but did not change its original OBJECTS batteries were built on the hills of a steep be reminiscent of the origins of Christianity) lines were built in , Freda, and military purpose. In total, seven quarters have slope, from which it was easy to see the building, that emerged just before the 20th Aukštojė Panemunė. Later, when it was historically formed in the cemetery. An amaz- surrounding areas. The Ninth Battery installed century among the administrative buildings of decided to build the second ring of Kaunas ing detail - the rows of graves in one of the THE EIGHT FORT here in Žaliakalnis did not stand the test of the fortress, Soboras. During the First Repub- Fortress forts, additional lines were built for quarters repeat the drawing of Columns of 1 THE FIRST FORT 8 time. During the interwar period, the first M. lic, Catholics were already praying here, and construction purposes. In Kaunas Fortress, the . People of various nations have Šiltnamių g., Noreikiškės, Kaunas Pryšmančių g. 2C, Kaunas K. Čiurlionis Gallery and Kaunas Art School in the 1960s the church was turned into a only overland fortress of the , been laid to eternal rest in this cemetery, and district The initial plan was to build 7 forts in Kaunas were erected on this hill, and the owls created museum, more precisely, Sculpture and the narrow-gauge railway network was perhaps the dearest for all the Lithuanians is The westernmost and least urbanized fort was but in the long run, it was decided to by Vincas Grybas, the student of the art Stained-Glass Gallery of the M. K. Čiurlionis suciently well developed and adapted after the grave of pilots Steponas Darius and Stasys severely damaged by German during strengthen the fortress. Concrete, not just red school gave the quarter its name. Today, the Museum. In the basement of the church that the regime change. Girėnas. the First World War. During the interwar bricks, was used in constructing this fortifica- largest tricolor in the city is flying above the has been returned to the faithful again, you former battery. It is a great symbol of the period, the fort was equipped with a gas tion. This is the first fort to have had electrical can find a museum Catacombs of the 21st city, which turned from the center of the Century where visitors can have an idea how FORTRESS MILL COMPLEX 32 MARVELĖ CASCADE chamber where death sentences were carried wiring. Interestingly, the fortification lost its 28 tsarist province into a fortress of Lithuanian the world is like when you don’t see it. H. ir O. Minkovskių g. 106, Kaunas Julijanavos g., Kaunas out. During the Soviet occupation, it was not meaning as soon as it was built, as it was inadvertently constructed on a low hill, thus freedom and culture, that hasn’t forgotten its maintained, and thus freely used for econom- The daily life of the fortress is not just lineups, The Marvelė River is the left tributary of the open to enemy fire from nearby heights. history. cannons, tactics. It also includes such essen- Nemunas, separating Kaunas and Kaunas ic purposes. As a result, some valuable facade 111TH DON INFANTRY REGI- Much of the fort and old equipment are 22 tial things as food. On the left bank of the district. The cascade was built in the elements were dismantled. Some of the fort’s MENT CHURCH/ underwater. The environment of the fort is THE COMPLEX OF THE Nemunas at the end of the 19th century, a approaches to the stone bridge in 1881 and premises were flooded. Currently, after the actively used by the residents of the surround- 16 THE GREAT WAR MUSEUM gas mill was built with grain storages, completely renovated a few years ago. It is tidying up of the territory, tours are taking KAUNAS FORTRESS’ CEN- ing area who have set up gardens here. They K. Donelaičio g. 64, Kaunas warehouses, barracks, etc., next to it. The fascinating all year round, so you must stop place there and various communal and art were recently joined by the younger genera- TRAL ARTILLERY WARE- quality of the bricks was excellent back then, by for a photo if you are visiting the First Fort

events are being organized. tion, which was attracted by the Šilainiai HOUSES ON THE LEFT In the 19th century, Vienybės Square was so although the wooden buildings of the mill because it is here that the road to it begins. Gardens initiative, which is a part of Šilainiai called novobazarnaya, i.e. “the new market”. complex did not survive, a considerable THE SECOND FORT Project. Poets can be found here and land art BANK OF THE NEMUNAS This is where the drill-hall of 111th Don Infantry “piece” of history, that hasn’t changed its 2 workshops with local and foreign artists are J. Bakanausko g. 99, Kaunas Regiment of the tsar’s army was built with a purpose, can be seen today while driving on 33 LINKUVA Pilviškių g. 24, Kazliškiai, Kaunas brick orthodox church next to it. That is being organized in the fort. Artillery was needed to defend the fortress H. ir O. Minkovskių Street or taking a walk in OF THE KAUNAS FORTRESS Unlike the First Fort, this one is heavily urban- where on February 16, 1921, the War Museum and it was made right here. During the Nemunas Island. Kėdainių g. 23, Josvainių g. 31A, ized, with Julijanava and Kazliškės settle- was solemnly opened (its “actual” building, 9 THE interwar period, some of the buildings were beloved and frequently visited by the towns- 31B, 31C, Kaunas ments around it. The pentagonal fort plan turned into tank manufactories. Today Žemaičių pl. 73, Kaunas people, emerged only over a decade after). COMMANDANT’S HOUSE According to the original design of the formed the network structure of the settle- Kaunas Fortress Park manufactories can be 29 However, the orthodox church did not survive. Gedimino g. 25, Kaunas fortress, the north-western side was unprotect- ments’ streets. This fort suered the most Perhaps the most modern fort of the Kaunas found on Lakūnų Rd. 63B. But even more After visiting the museum and getting ed, therefore, it was decided to design a during but was also aected Fortress, completed just before World War I, is interesting is the nearby former gunpowder A territory exclusive in its surroundings closed acquainted with the history of warfare, do not section of central fortification with a new during World War II when Aleksotas Airport probably best known to everyone, who depot, where the main gunpowder and part of to the public and full of history, located in the forget to check the cannons exhibited Eight Fort on the slopes of the and was bombed. traveled on the A1 highway. From it, you can arms stock were kept. The thickness of the very center of Kaunas is the current outside, some of them came from the forts of Nemunas river valleys. The fortification see the impressive monument for the victims concrete walls of this building is more than 2 headquarters of the . the Kaunas Fortress. surrounded Vilijampolė in a semicircle. of fascism erected in 1984 (sculptor Alfonsas meters. Once it was one of the safest Probably the most beautiful building of the THE THIRD FORT Ramparts, a battery, and two redoubts with 3 Ambraziūnas, architects Gediminas Baravykas structures in Kaunas. During the years of whole Kaunas fortress complex, the former Titnago g., Seniava, Kaunas District ammunition depots were installed utilizing the and Vytautas Vielius, artist Kazimieras occupation, this complex was a closed KAUNAS ORTHODOX Commandant’s house is a building of strictly 23 natural relief and above, the Eight Fort, which Compared to the first two, the Third Fort Morkūnas). In the interwar period, the fort military territory with Anti-Aircraft Defense symmetrical composition with an emphasized CHURCH OF THE EPIPHA- formed an integral defense section with the suered less during the conflicts. In it, you served as a punitive labor prison, in 1940-1941 Communication Headquarters. Now it is a portal, decorated with ornate cornices, Linkuva fortification line. The lower part of can still see the original details: doors, stairs, an NKVD prison and later a concentration space open for art. Imagine, an 80-me- NY OF THE LORD pilasters, windowsills, and attics. When the fortification was destroyed during the railings, etc. The fort is heavily urbanized. It is camp, where 30-50 thousand Lithuanian ter-long room of 400 square meters has no Radvilėnų pl. 1A, Kaunas Kaunas became the temporary capital, the Soviet occupation of due to the surrounded by residential areas and part of its citizens were killed. In 1958 a museum was partitions perfect acoustics for your ideas. Today and in the interwar period Radvilėnų commander of the Lithuanian Armed Forces construction of industrial enterprises. Howev- territory has been privatized. Currently, it is established in the fort exhibiting many Road was once also called Karinis, Kareivių, settled in the palace and later on Soviet, er, the section of the fortification north of the one of the best-preserved and most used artifacts of the Nazi and Soviet genocide. The and 16-osios divizijos. This road led to the 7th German, and then again Soviet army leaders WHAT ARTILLERY WAREHOUSE current Tilžės Street has survived. objects of Kaunas Fortress, tidied up and fort has been renovated and it is possible to 17 battery of the fort. The 7th Novorossiysk had made it their home. handed over to the needs of the public by an visit almost all of its premises, also via the COMPLEX IN ŠANČIAI Dragoon Regiment was stationed here. Four active local community. Before bats move in internet. (PARAKAS) large barracks, headquarters, ocers’ house, for the winter, various events initiated by the MILITARY TELEGRAPH 34 THE BLINDAGE OF THE Corner of L. Ivinskio g. and and other buildings, including this orthodox 30 local community take place in the fort, THE TENTH FORT church, stood here along the road. The BUILDING KAUNAS FORTRESS SURROUNDS US? visitors can see the permanent exhibition of 10 Prancūzų g., Kaunas church of Reform architecture style with brick Sargėnai, Kaunas Romainių g., Kaunas K. Donelaičio g. 25, Kaunas Lithuanian military uniforms and do a tour. decoration and a pediment with a mosaic was This object - a recent favorite of the people of Perhaps you noticed the stylish bicycle stands Kaunas Fortress was supposed to consists of hundreds of objects: The area of the fort can be reached by public Although the plan of this fort was approved culture - is a great example of the synergy used for its intended purpose until the transport. only in 1913 and it was still unfinished when interwar period. During the Soviet occupation, installed on K. Donelaičio Street a few years 35 THE BLINDAGE OF THE between military heritage and active commu- ago, decorated with the details of the forts, batteries, warehouses, hospitals, churches, barracks, admin- World War I broke out (it was planned to be nity. For many years, the gunpowder workshops were established in the church. KAUNAS FORTRESS relatively minimalist, having monolithic telegraph. They can be found right in front of THE FOURTH FORT (parakas) warehouse was invisible to the the former building of the military telegraph Domeikava, Kauno r. 4 concrete and reinforced concrete structures, naked eye but after people rolled up their istrative buildings, etc. For example, until 1891 alone, 195 brick Plytinės g. 15, Rokai, Kaunas FREDA MANOR station of the Kaunas Fortress, which was part More than ten interjacent barracks - blindag- and without decorative elements common in sleeves and cleared its approaches and the 24 Ž. E. Žilibero g. 6, Kaunas of its complex of administrative buildings and es - are hiding between Kaunas forts. Unfortu- The ocers of the tsar’s army planned that stone forts). Despite being unfinished it active- interior, it became a space for the visual and and 253 wooden military buildings were built in the territory of which was converted into a residential house nately, some of them are closed or dicult to this fort will be the first to counter the enemy ly participated in the war and inflicted heavy performing arts. The manor of Aukštoji Freda was founded in fire. However, the Fourth Fort was little damage on Germans. Eventually, it was blown 1795 when the lands were acquired by Juozas with the least possible changes made to its access. The most visible one can be seen the fortress; 11 million were spent on the construction of authentic elements in order to preserve the when traveling on the western bypass. You involved in the defense. The bunker is asym- up by the retreating tsar’s army, so what we ŠANČIAI MILITARY SETTLE- Godlevskis (who, by the way, was also the the fortress. At the beginning of the 20th century, first, second, metrical, rectangular. It is said to be one of see today right next to Kaunas Forest 18 founder and a “godfather” of Garliava). The history. can also safely enter the blindages in the best fortifications of its time. About Enterprise is just the remnants of an idea. MENT neoclassical manor house was built at the Sargėnai and Domeikava that are overseen third, fourth, and fifth forts were modernized and reinforced with 4,000 were killed in the fort during the Žemieji Šančiai, Kaunas beginning of the 19th century. A few decades by Kaunas Fortress Park. German occupation. In 1998-1999 the Fourth MARVA FORT As Kaunas was being surrounded by a chain later, the manor was expropriated for the concrete. However, when the conflict started, the Kaunas For- Fort was cleaned up and demined though 11 needs of Kaunas Fortress. Oskaras Klemas, Miško g., Akademija, Kaunas district of forts, the city itself was changing rapidly. If later the works had stopped due to discontin- the administration of the fortress was estab- the first commandant of the fortress lived in tress collapsed. Although it was the most modern one in the Rus- ued funding. In 2012, the territory was tidied The Eleventh Fort, which was never finished, is lished in the center, then the barracks were the manor house, and the other manor up again but some of the space and premises in the territory of Marva Manor. The remains located on the outskirts of Kaunas. The buildings housed soldiers. At present, the sian Empire, it was broken in 11 days because the enemy was remained flooded due to the damaged of structures - concrete fragments - can be largest military settlement was in Žemieji botanical garden is located in the territory of drainage system. Today you can often witness found on land and underwater. Recently, this Šančiai, where 365 multi-purpose buildings the manor with a blindage - a surviving simply more technologically advanced. After the war, the project contemporary art shows and practices at the object is taking on new colors - an active were erected in one decade. The buildings fragment of the central fortifications of Fourth Fort. local community is trying to bring it to life by contained two infantry regiments, an artillery Kaunas Fortress. lost its defensive purpose, leaving at least four forts unfinished. arranging picnics and cultural festivals. brigade, a pontoon battalion, the 28th artillery However, the fortress buildings were later used for military and THE FIFTH FORT brigade, the fire brigade of the fortress, and a 25 ORTHODOX CHURCH OF 5 DOMEIKAVA FORT war pigeon station. At the end of the 19th law enforcement purposes by both the First Republic and the Rūko g. 11, Zuikinė, Kaunas 12 century, A. Juozapavičius Avenue was built. ST. SERGEY OF RADONEZH The Kaunas Fortress building, located in a Parko g., Domeikava, Kaunas district To this day it is the main artery of the district. IN KAUNAS occupying forces. Today, about 250 objects have survived - both very picturesque place near the Kaunas The construction of this fort began in 1913 but Several red-brick barracks that have under- Ž. E. Žilibero g. 10, Kaunas gone a change are inhabited by new residents Lagoon (which appeared here later) is one of wasn’t completed. The fort, seriously damaged During the construction and strengthening of and various local businesses. in Kaunas and Kaunas district. Essential objects - forts - tradition- the most complex ones, as it was designed by Germans, is located in Kaunas district the fortress, the homestead of Freda Manor considering the mountainous terrain. That is which has 75 objects of the fortress and 44 of was reconstructed for military purposes. An ally receive the most attention but it is also fun to visit other why this fort became the most expensive them located in Domeikava eldership. What- 19 PANEMUNĖ MILITARY artillery yard was set up in it and a bit further Kaunas Fortress object at that time. It was ever is left of this fort lies underground and SETTLEMENTS - ramparts with one of the greater redoubts. objects, we only need to make sure it’s safe. barely touched during World War I, except a what we see above it are only barely noticea- Roads and railway lines were built in the few structures that we destroyed by retreating ble fragments. This place is also called St. Kareivinių g., Z. Gerulaičio g., Perlojos g., Plento g., Kaunas territory of the manor homestead, along with soldiers. During World War II, a large explo- John’s Park because the community has Freda cemetery, where the aforementioned sion took place in the fort, the exact circum- been celebrating Midsummer in it for many Panemunė was once a settlement on the O. Klemas is buried. That is where the ortho- stances of which are unknown. Currently the years. outskirts of Kaunas with the main street dox church of St. Sergey of Radonezh was fortifications are being tidied up; a large part (currently called Vaidoto), which, when built (as it is believed, in the place of a catho- MORE KAUNASTIC ROUTES of the territory is occupied by the active Kaunas was being fortified became a military lic church), which stands out to this day with sports club Legionas. 13 PALEMONAS (RAILWAY) Wondering what to do next? Great news – we’ve been publishing illustrated highway with three large military settlements its color solutions and a harmonious combina- FORT nearby. 73 military objects were built in tion of neoclassical and pseudo-Byzantine maps since 2015. Here are some of the themed routes available in English: Marių g., Amaliai, Kaunas Panemunė - barracks, warehouses, stables, 6 THE SIXTH FORT architecture; it was most actively used until K. Baršausko g. 101, Kaunas In 1912 the development plan of the fortress etc. - and the narrow-gauge railway line was World War I. After the Second World War, it Hi, envisaged the construction of a large fort brought here from the fortress. More than a became a gardening school and later even a

Welcome to Kaunas The City of Champions The fort was barely touched during the two near Pažaislis, however, later that spot was hundred-year-old history continues to this sports hall. The building is currently unused. Modernist’s Guide Culture Shock world wars. During the interwar period, it pushed towards the railway - hence the name day. Juozas Vitkus Engineering Battalion of welcome to the city surrounded by a fortress. What once served as a military prison, where the of the unfinished fort - the construction of the Lithuanian Armed Forces operates in Wallographer’s Notes Double Weekend so-called four communards accused of organ- which started just before the war. It was there Panemunė with headquarters and five 26 RAILWAY TUNNEL AND protected it from the enemy, has now turned into the layer The Litvak Landscape A Hanseatic Merchant’s story izing a coup were imprisoned and shot on that the military sta stayed in 1915, when the companies located in red-brick buildings. The BRIDGE December 27, 1926, on the orders of Antanas tsar’s army was leaving Kaunas, during the local residents have settled in the other M. K. Čiurlionio g., Kaunas of the past open to modern culture and history enthusiasts. The Litvaks of Slobodka Kaunas in Film Smetona. During the World War II, about buildings, right next to the battalion. last of the defense of the fortress. Later, The Sugihara Route 100 Years of Theatre 35,000 prisoners of war were killed in this construction work was carried out by locals Although the current Kaunas railway station The military stronghold surrounded Kaunas more than a fort. Later, a hill of crosses was formed here in and prisoners of war, under the conditions of THE SIXTH BATTERY OF was built after the Second World War, the Gastro Guide memory of thousands of victims. The exhibi- rearward. Now the fort has no status, some of 20 history of the railway itself dates back to the hundred years ago, anticipating the occurrence of World The Ethnic Trail tion of military equipment of Vytautas the the structures are located on private land and PANEMUNĖ second half of the 19th century. An interesting Great War Museum was moved to this fort have been destroyed by the passing time. Like Kiškių g. 22, Kaunas fact: the 1285-meter long tunnel dug under War I. At the end of the 19th century, when trying to Kid-Sized Kaunas from the capital and immediately liked by the every other fort, this one has its own unique- During the construction of Kaunas Fortress, Aukštieji Šančiai in the 30-meter tall hill is citizens and guests of Kaunas. For free publications, visit the Kaunas IN tourist information center ness too, which is the abundance of valuable south of the Vičiūnai village, the Sixth Battery one out of two such tunnels in Lithuania and defend the western border of the Russian Empire from the the only one working in the Baltic States. (Rotušės a. 15, Kaunas), or locations labeled with the “Tourism Information plant species listed in the Red Data Book in was set up with a military road leading to it enemies of a possible war (Germany and Austria-Hungary) 7 THE SEVENTH FORT its wild meadow. (currently Baterijos Road). The ammunition Along with the tunnel in Kaunas, a beam Friendly” or visit.kaunas.lt Archyvo g. 61, Kaunas and cannon depot was badly damaged during bridge called Žaliasis (green) was built. Back in 1862, a Japanese delegation traveled Tsar turned his attention to Kaunas, probably the most More of the “Kaunas Fortress“ and other kaunastic routes you can find in the KAUNAS FORTRESS COM- World War I. Later, it was supplemented by Part of the fort territory - moats and mounds 14 an annex, which houses the children’s creative through it, and one of its members, a transla- western part of the Russian Empire. A city located at the digital version on www.kaunastika.lt. - located near Hospital of Lithuanian Universi- MANDANT’S BLINDAGE studio Vėjo pagauti. Its visitors can literally tor Fukuzawa Yukichi - as important in Japan ty of Health Sciences Kaunas Clinics can be Perkūno al. 2A, Kaunas touch upon history, for example, see the old as Daukantas and Kudirka in Lithuania – confluence of two large rivers where water and land routes seen when driving along Sukilėlių Avenue. red bricks marked with inscriptions F 5. It is This bunker with the ironclad door, which was described the mission’s stop in Kaunas. By the There was never any military action in the possible that the bricks were made specifically way, the metal structures of the bridge were fortification. During the Nazi occupation, it supposed to guarantee the safety of the intersected (later supplemented by important railway lines) USEFUL HASHTAGS for the Fifth Fort. brought to Kaunas in 1859 via the was turned into the first concentration camp commandant, was installed in 1914. The #kaunastic #visitkaunas #kaunaspilnas where more than 5,000 Jews were killed. territory surrounding the blindage was given and the Nemunas. was to become a major point of defense. In 1879 Russian The fort suered the most during the years of the name of Vytautas Park during the years Soviet occupation: many original details were of the First Republic and that was also the Emperor Alexander II approved the military leadership’s destroyed during the reconstruction. At time when the townspeople became fond of TOURISM INFORMATION present, the fort has been privatized. It the park. After World War II, arrestees were proposal to build a fortress in Kaunas. All of Kaunas was contains a museum and provides informal held in this secret building. “KAUNAS IN” education for children. supposed to be turned into a fortress...

Rotušės a. 15, Kaunas | +36061650991 [email protected] | visit.kaunas.lt PUBLISHED 2020 KAUNAS FORTRESS 35 TODAY 12 At the moment, the maintenance and conserva- tion of Kaunas Fortress are carried out by Kaunas Fortress Park, a member of the European Federation of Fortified Sites, and Kaunas Fortress Association. Each fort has its own crew and they receive assistance from local community volun- teers. In the autumn of 2018, the first Baterija festival brought together dierent art branches 34 and diverse artists - some of them for the first 9 time - into the forts and surrounding objects. The forts oer tours and community gatherings. It has gardens and various artistic events take place there, and this is just the beginning! It is worth mentioning that in the summer of 2020, the long-awaited exhibition of military equipment was opened in the Sixth Fort. The ex- hibition, as well as the fort, is taken care of by 10 Vytautas the Great War Museum. The Seventh Fort is private, it oers informal education for children and has a museum that is subject to the 8 Ministry of Culture. 7

SHH! THE BATS 33

23 ARE SLEEPING 22 30 15 14 13 In October bats settle in the forts of Kaunas For- 6 tress and hibernate until April. In five of the forts, the hibernation areas of bats are protected inter- 29 nationally. Forts I, II, III, IV, and VIII are included 26 21 in the Natura 2000 network of protected areas of international importance. Eleven species of bats found in Lithuania are listed in the country’s 28 11 Red Data Book. As many as seven species hiber- 26 17 27 nate in Kaunas forts. Let’s be nature-friendly and 1 16 32 plan our walks or hikes responsibly.

31 20 MORE 25 24 18 In order for the trip around the Kaunas Fortress to be more than a walk - a meaningful activity 19 - we recommend looking at tours, educational programs, and workshops organized in each of 2 the forts or other objects. 4 5 More information: www.kaunotvirtove.lt www.vdkaromuziejus.lt 3 www.septintasfortas.lt www.silainiaiproject.com www.9fortomuziejus.lt