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d g i u CONTEMPORARY Kaunas 34 p. Interwar signs in Kaunas 50 p. Active tourism 61 p. 2 p. 40 p. Kaunas lagoon Intro to Kaunas Arts and culture 54 p. regional park 44 p. Water 28 p. attractions 66 p. Museums Festivals and Good to know! events 56 p. 30 p. Castles and Walking trails manors of through history Panemunė

WELCOME TO KAUNAS – the second city of Lithuania, where you will be welcomed by wonderful sights, unique architecture, a wide range of entertainment, and the unique atmosphere of a student-esque city! Kaunas radiates contemporary Bernardine monks in 2005. The church European attitude and its vast was decorated with baroque wooden in- history. It is strategically the most stallations in the 18th century: a pulpit, convenient meeting point in the organ choir with wooden galleries, and 8 country! Current architecture, altars. Some of them have survived to this impressive interwar modernism and day. The church interior is dominated by the old town rooftops all Gothic elements and Baroque features. complement each other. It‘s There is an operating monastery on the best to start your trip in the Old south side of the church and next to it is Town – enjoyable experiences the “Domus Pacis“ guest house. await! 3. SANTAKA PARK INTRO TO KAUNAS > OLD TOWN 1. KAUNAS CASTLE (Santakos g.) (Pilies g. 17) What we call the heart of Kaunas. Walk- www.kaunomuziejus.lt ing around it you can see how the Ne- The castle at the confluence of the Ne- munas and the Neris rivers converge. munas and Neris rivers was built in Santaka Park has plenty of tourist at- the 14th century to defend against the tractions: the altar that was used to onslaught of crusaders. This is not only perform pagan rituals, Pope Hill, where one of the first stone castles in Lithua- Pope John Paul II visited and held holy nia, but also the only one that has two mass in 1993, a statue of John Paul II, rows of defensive walls. A settlement St. George’s church and the Bernardine that grew into the current city was monastery ensemble, Kaunas Castle. created around the Gothic defences. Kaunas castle first mentioned in written 4. KAUNAS TOWN HALL AND sources in 1361. According to legend, SQUARE Queen Bona Sforza’s troops mysteriously (Rotušės a. 15) disappeared in the tunnels underneath. www.kaunomuziejus.lt Although it was restored multiple times, Kaunas was granted the Magdeburg rights the castle lost its importance in 1408 in 1408, which meant the city could have when Kaunas was granted Magdeburg self-government and control of trade. rights and the life of the whole city The marketplace and elected government moved to the Market (Town Hall) Square. (magistrate) headquarters comprised The castle was home to a prison in the the nucleus of the city. The main trade 16th century and the souls of the prison’s route went through the current Town inmates have not found peace to this Hall Square; there was a market, too. very day, haunting the castle still by Merchants’ families stayed around this night. At present, the castle houses the square, building houses and setting up Museum of Kaunas and annual cultural shop. When the city joined the Hanseat- events are held in and around it. ic League, the square became even more 2. ST. GEORGE THE MARTYR important because it operated as a com- CHURCH AND BERNARDINE mercial centre for the city and the sur- MONASTERY rounding area. The square is where trade took place, but also served as the venue (Papilio g. 7, 9) for publication of magistrate rulings and This is one of the oldest churches in the pillory to punish offenders. Artwork Kaunas, open since 1503. St. George the combining three stlistic periods – Gothic, Martyr Church was given to the Bernar- Renaissance, Classicism – stands at 29 dine monks settled in the city. The church Town Hall Square. There have been var- was destroyed by fire and war many times ious premises in the building: a pharma- Kaunas Old Town is the and had to be rebuilt. In 1812 Napoleon’s cy, post office, small workshop, shops, and oldest part of the city army turned it into a flour warehouse. residential houses. The most important covering 144 ha. Here you The last great reconstruction took place in building in the Town Hall Square is Town can easily find Gothic, 1936. Later, the Soviet government closed Hall. Construction began in 1542. The Renaissance and Baroque the church and turned it into a ware- stately building is filled with a Gothic, style buildings. house. The Church was returned to the Baroque, and early classicist spirit; at all,

2 3 6. THE HOUSE OF PERKŪNAS 8. VYTAUTAS THE GREAT BRIDGE (Aleksoto g. 6) Aka the longest bridge in the world. In www.perkunonamas.lt order to cross the bridge from one bank It is considered to be the only trading of the Nemunas to the other took 13 post in Lithuania that belonged to the days, because Kaunas belonged to the Hanseatic merchants. This is an old Russian Empire and Aleksotas to the monument to original Gothic architec- Prussian kingdom up to 1807. The dif- ture, built in the second half of the 15th ferent sides of the river had different century. It is a stone building with an calendars, which included a 13-day dif- ornate pediment and a spacious base- ference. During World War II the bridge

ment. The main facade of the building was blown up twice, only to be reborn INTRO TO KAUNAS > OLD TOWN is decorated with rectangular niches in 1948 (architect Levas Kazarinskis); the and a decorative solar symbol composed bridge retraction mechanism is still of of glazed stones. The real purpose of the use today. Having crossed the Nemunas house is unknown. Legend has it that a you can try the funicular and the climb sculpture of the god Perkūnas was dis- to the Aleksotas area where you will see covered in one of the walls here and that a breathtaking panorama of Kaunas. priestesses kept an eternal flame lit here. However, researchers have collected a number of items from the house and de- termined the bust to be purchased from Hanseatic merchants. Probably most homes were built for commercial affairs, and the name of the Perkūnas House Vytautas the Great Bridge was given to it later to point out Kaunas independence from foreign merchants and pay homage to ancient Lithuanian religious – pagan – traditions. The Ado- mas Mickevičius Museum is also located here; he was one of the most famous 9. THE ALEKSOTAS FUNICULAR slender tower like a swan’s neck sprouts in in the building for a while. A memorial romantic poets who lived in Kaunas. AND OBSERVATION DECK the sky the main facade. Town Hall is of- plaque to him is held by insect sculptures (Amerikos Lietuvių g. 6) 7. THE KAUNAS BLESSED VIRGIN ten referred to as the White Swan because depicting the director’s three main car- Kaunas is the only city in the Baltics MARY OF THE ASSUMPTION of its shape and colour. Its 53-meter-high toon characters: a stag-beetle, an ant, and where you can use this type of transpor- CHURCH (AKA THE VYTAUTAS tower is the tallest in the Old Town. The a grasshopper. tation. It is one of the oldest funiculars THE GREAT CHURCH) current Town Hall is not the first in in Europe, in operation since 1935, still 5. THE KAUNAS ST. FRANCIS Kaunas. The preceding one was destroyed (Aleksoto g. 3) used for transport, as well as an attrac- XAVIER CHURCH (JESUIT) by fire and then rebuilt. Through various This is oldest church in Kaunas, built in tion. The Aleksotas funicular connects centuries, the purpose of the Town Hall (Rotušės a. 8) 1400. It is the only Gothic-style church the old part of the city with the Alek- changed: this is where the city’s markets, The south side of Town Hall Square is with a crossshaped plan in Lithuania. sotas hillside overlooking the beautiful fairs, and trials took place; 9 wax melting dominated by a Baroque Jesuit church According to historians, the Lithuanian panorama of Kaunas Old Town. furnaces, a prison, and warehouses were with a convent and school buildings Grand Duke Vytautas was beaten up in operated under the Town Hall building on either side. Construction of this late battle with the Tatars at Vorskla and 10. BENEDICTINE MONASTERY cobblestones. Currently, the Town Hall Baroque style, rectangular, two-tow- almost drowned in the river. Upon his AND ST. NICHOLAS CHURCH holds ceremonies and official events. er church began in 1666, but it was rescue, to show his gratitude, Vytau- (Benediktinių g. 8) At the town hall entrance you can see only consecrated in 1759. The Jesuit tas promised the Virgin Mary to build The monastery complex is situated in a unique 15th century wax melting fur- monastery terrace operates a viewing a church on the bank of the river. The nace. Kaunas City Museum is located in the northern part of the Old Town in platform overlooking the Town Hall church first referred to in documents in Kaunas, on the Antakalnis hillside. The the Town Hall (www.kaunomuziejus.lt). Square and the beauty of Old Town. 1439, belonged to the Franciscans. The Its departments accumulate works of building complex consists of the church, Next to the school in the church waterfront at the Vytautas church was convent, and rectory. The Gothic church city history, science and industry, culture in 1819-1823, romantic poet Adomas equipped with a marina so that sail- and the arts, and archaeology, as well as of St. Nicholas was built in the 15th cen- Mickevičius taught and lived. This is boats could moor, and later steamers. In tury. In the beginning of the 17th cen- audiovisual materials. It is symbolic that confirmed by a memorial plaque on the 1877 a Nemunas water level gauging sta- the museum unveiled acommemorative tury, nobleman Andriejus Skorulskis of school building. At present, the school is tion was established next to the church. the Grand Duchy of Lithuania appaled plaque to Władysław Starewicz, a pup- a Jesuit Gymnasium. The station meter is installed on a pet animation pioneer, often called the to King Zigmantas (Sigismund) III ask- granite wall. Zero altitude is 20.8 meters ing the church to donate to the yet- European Walt Disney. Starewicz worked above sea level.

4 5 to-be Kulm Congregation Benedictine monastery. During the 18th century, the Holy Heart of Jesus Brotherhood was founded at the St. Nicholas Church and for some time the monastery operated a school for girls. Until the beginning of the 19th century the monastery was wooden; a stone monastery building was only built in the 19th century. There was a refectory on the first floor, as well as cells and various utility rooms; on the INTRO TO KAUNAS > OLD TOWN second floor there were more cells. After the closure of the monastery the church was used as a public library books repos- itory in 1948-1990. In 1990 the church was repaired and returned to the faithful; the Congregation of Benedictine Sisters returned to the monastery. The altar of Saint Benedict and three 18th-19th cen- tury paintings have survived from the old church facilities.

11. THE KAUNAS ST. PETER AND ST. PAUL CATHEDRAL (Vilniaus g. 1) www.kaunoarkikatedra.lt This was established by Duke Vytautas the Great in about 1413. In 1430 Vytautas granted funding to the church, providing it with income. Other Grand Dukes of Lithuania also cared for the parish Church: Aleksandras, Žygiman- tas Senasis, Zigmantas Vaza, Jonas Ka- zimieras Vaza, and Stanislovas Augustas Poniatovskis. The church was one of the first and oldest brick buildings in Kaunas. Gothic and Renaissance styles dominate the architecture, and in the interior the most prominent is the Baroque layer with historicism (neo-gothic, neo-baroque) and 20th-21st century complements. The Cathedral has nine altar. Especially valuable are the sacristy’s first and second floor crys- tal vaults. This is a late Gothic decora- tive design, the building of which was the highest testament of mastery to each craftsman who worked on it. This is one of the most extensive vaults in Europe. The western wall contains the grave of Jonas Mačiulis Maironis, priest and poet. Also burried in the chatedral are Žemaitija bishop Motiejus Valančius, as well as the first cardinol of Lithuania, Vincentas Sladkevičius. The Kaunas St. Peter and St. Paul Cathedral

6 7 12. VILNIAUS GATVĖ (VILNIUS closed with a new fence, which remains STREET) to this day. The first floor premises at the It is the central and most beautiful Presidential Palace had been designated street of the Old Town. It is the oldest for work, and the second floor had two street in the city, part of the former me- drawing rooms for official receptions. dieval road to Vilnius. Following recon- Official government delegation recep- struction it became exclusively pedestri- tions took place in the larger one, such an and continues to be the axis of the as foreign diplomats presenting letters old town. Many of the buildings on the of credence to the President. Nowadays road were wooden. Later came the red- the Museum of the Historical Presiden- brick houses of wealthy citizens, some of tial Palace in Kaunas is located in this INTRO TO KAUNAS > OLD TOWN which have survived to this day. building. Sculptures of the Presidents of the Republic of Lithuania who there 13. HISTORICAL PRESIDENTIAL worked can be seen in the courtyard. PALACE (Vilniaus g. 33) www.istorineprezidentura.lt Construction of the Presidential build- ing began in 1846. When Kaunas became the provisional capital (1919-1939), all the political, economic, and cultural life moved here. All three of the then-pres- idents of the Republic of Lithuania worked and lived in the Presidential Palace: Antanas Smetona, Aleksandras Stulginskis, and Kazys Grinius. In 1923- 1924, during Aleksandras Stulginskis’ presidency, the building was renovated. The first floor was turned into a resi- dence for the President’s family, central heating was put in, and the second floor gallery was encased in glass. During the ... and more presidency of Antanas Smetona, the ter- ritory of the Presidential Palace was en-

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Islandijos pl. 32, Kaunas. Highway A1 Vilnius-Klaipėda 101 km, +370 37 239 000, www.mega.lt

8 9 14. LAISVĖS ALĖJA (FREEDOM 16. KAUNAS STATE AVENUE) PHILHARMONIC TOWN When you visit Kaunas, you must (L. Sapiegos g. 5) walk down this important street in www.kaunofilharmonija.lt Naujamiestis (New Town), Kaunas, The place was built in 1928. It was de- which is one of the longest pedestrian signed by the architect Edmundas streets in Europe. The street is nearly 1.7 Frykas. The building is four stories high kilometers long and points exactly east and is neoclassical style with Art Deco and west. Walking down Laisvės Alėja elements. Initially, the building was you will have the unique opportunity intended only for the Ministry of Jus- to learn about the unique and plentiful tice, but later they decided to house the INTRO TO KAUNAS > NEW Kaunas interwar modernist architec- Seimas there too. Currently, national tural heritage, which is a reflection of professional music culture and tradi- the intelligentsia, industry, govern- tions are nurtured and developed at the ment, and diplomatic institutions that Philharmonic, Lithuanian and foreign once moved here. To this day, Kaunas music is performed, and the world of remains probably the only city in the musical culture is conveyed creatively. world where so many modernist, Ger- man Bauhaus style buildings were built 17. KAUNAS CHORAL and still stand: the Lithuanian Post, SYNAGOGUE Kaunas State Musical Theatre, Bank of (E. Ožeškienės g. 13) Lithuania, and many others. Also on www.kaunasjews.lt Laisvės Alėja you will see the monu- This is the only sur viving synagogue and ment of Vytautas the Great, as well as Jewish prayer house still in operation in a sculpture standing near the fountain Kaunas, built in 1872. The synagogue is of Danielius Dolskis, pop song pioneer called choral, because ceremonies are of the Lithuanian interwar period. The carried out there accompanied by the avenue is full of restaurants, cafés, and choir singing. The reformed choral syn- cosy shops. agogue is a neo-Baroque building. The interior is decorated in typical Jewish art plant and animal motifs. Kaunas synagogue is one of three currently op- erating synagogues in Lithuania (the others are in Vilnius and Klaipėda).

18. COURTYARD GALLERY (E. Ožeškienės g. 21A) More than a decade ago an artist Vyte- nis Jakas moved into a house in this courtyard and noticed that neighbours are distant and fail to remember the 15. ST. GERTRUDE CHURCH shared past of the courtyard. V. Jakas (Laisvės al. 101A) started transferring photos of Jewish www.gertrudosbaznycia.lt families that used to live here on build- ing walls and received great support. Built in the second half of the 15th One by one other objects appear in the century. This is one of the most exclu- courtyard, new artists leave their mark, sive Lithuanian Gothic monuments. neighbours’ celebrations take place, The crucifix sculpture, which has long tourists come round. However, let‘s not been famous for its graces, is the most forget that people who live here have the valuable sacred thing at the Church of right to peace and quiet. St. Gertrude. Next to the church in the candle shrine donors can light candles that burn for 7 days, during which peo- ple pray for each other. It teaches com- Freedom Avenue passion even to complete strangers.

10 11 COURTYARD GALLERY – is the only gallery in Lithuania open 24/7. Exhibits are beeing updated ALL THE TIME!

12 13 19. MONUMENT TO VYTAUTAS 21. KAUNAS STATE DRAMA THE GREAT THEATRE TOWN (Laisvės al.) (Laisvės al. 71) In 1930, to commemorate the 500th www.dramosteatras.lt anniversary of the death of Lithuanian The first professional stationary drama Grand Duke Vytautas, a monument theatre in Lithuania, called the Dra- was created by sculptor Vincas Grybas. ma Vaidykla in 1920-1922. The theatre The original soviet era sculpture disap- building became one of the most prom- peared. It was never found, so a copy was inent examples of 20th century social- made. It was erected in 1990. The history ist realism architecture in Lithuania. of Vytautas the Great is a stunning It is represented by a monumental and INTRO TO KAUNAS > NEW example of a political career. By the 14th theatrical decorative facade. There are century, Lithuania had already been at 6 different creative spaces for events at war with the Teutonic Order with the Kaunas Drama Theatre. support of the whole of Western Europe for one hundred and fifty years; the Crusades were isolating Lithuania from the rest of the Western countries. Jogai- la introduced Christianity in Aukštaiti- ja (the Highlands) and began to elimi- Kaunas State Musical Theatre nate the isolation, but turned control of the Lithuanian state over to Poland. In the year 1409, Vytautas the Great final- ly took back Žemaitija (the Lowlands) from the Teutonic Order, which he later christened. The greatest of Vytau- 23. DEVILS MUSEUM together with M. K. Čiurlionis museum, tas’ merits is considered to be routing (V. Putvinskio g. 64) the Military Museum is located in the the Teutonic Order at the Battle of Žalgi- www.ciurlionis.lt same building, only on the opposite side. ris (Battle of Grunwald) in 1410. Vytautas 22. CHAMBERS OF THE BANK Kaunas is home to the world’s only won global fame as the greatest military OF LITHUANIA 25. THE VYTAUTAS THE GREAT leader of a late medieval battle. (Maironio g. 25) Devils Museum. A collection of more than 3,000 devils is kept here. Museum WAR MUSEUM www.pinigumuziejus.lt 20. KAUNAS STATE MUSICAL exhibits come from Armenia, Yakutia, (K. Donelaičio g. 64) THEATRE AND THE CITY Designed by the architect Michael Son- Mexico, Cuba, Ukraine, Japan, and other www.kariuomene.kam.lt GARDEN gaila in 1924, it is one of the most lux- countries. The Military Museum collection con- urious and presentable buildings of sists of archaeological finds, weapons (Laisvės al. 91) interwar Lithuania. Classical elements 24. M. K. ČIURLIONIS NATIONAL www.muzikinisteatras.lt and firearms, ammunition sets, a col- of architecture, expensive materials, MUSEUM OF ART lection of foreign army uniforms, as Lithuanian professional theater arts – and works of art testify to the indepen- (V. Putvinskio g. 55) well as belongings and documents from theatre, opera, and ballet – were born dent Lithuania’s rising ambitions in the www.ciurlionis.lt the Lituanica flight across the Atlantic. in the hall of the theater and survived young state’s economic strength and The continuously updated expositions there throughout the entire period of faith in the country’s future. The third M. K. Čiurlionis was a globally recognized Lithuanian painter and composer. His and exhibitions will enable you to get independent interwar Lithuania. The floor of the building was Prime Minis- acquainted with Lithuanian and global first ballet was performed there in ter Augustinas Voldemaras’ apartment creative period lasted only a little more than a decade, but during this time he warfare from ancient times by noting 1948 and the first opera in 1951. Next with a library, office, formal reception the most important events in history. to the musical theatre is the city gar- hall and bank keepers’ apartments. The managed to create more than 400 works of music and painted more than 300 Construction of the museum began in den, which is decorated with busts of purpose of the chambers of the Bank 1919. At the same time the small garden Lithuanian composers, artists, and of Lithuania has not changed since pictures. The artistic ideas of romanti- cism, symbolism, and Art Nouveau are was planted honouring those who died singers. There is a monument built in their construction to the present day. for Lithuanian independence. You will the garden near Laisvės Alėja in honor The chambers also house a function- interlaced in the works of M. K. Čiurlio- nis. The museum contains the creative find a fieldstone monument to those of Romas Kalanta, known for his public ing monetary museum whose collec- who died for the freedom of Lithuania in self-immolation protesting Soviet re- tion consists of exhibits related to the legacy of the most famous Lithuanian composer and painter, M. K. Čiurlionis, this garden. Here stands the altar hold- gime in this spot. This act led to demon- history of money. ing lit the eternal flame, the tomb of strations in the city, people demanded Lithuanian folk art and artistic life in Lithuania archives, 15th-20th century the Unknown Soldier, as well as the fa- freedom for Lithuania. The monument mous Bernardas Bučas “Sėjikas” (“Seed- was unveiled in 2002. Lithuanian fine and applied art, foreign fine and applied art, arts of the ancient er”) sculpture, which seeds the night world, as well as numismatics. Today, sky with stars. The “Laisvės” (“Freedom”)

14 15 monument is the focal point of the gious community in 1989. The church garden and a symbol of the city. In the was consecrated just in 2004, 70 years TOWN garden of the museum you can hear after the beginning of construction. belfry carillon bells playing thirty-five different concerts and admire the wooden crosses memorializing those who died for the independence of Lithuania (Lithuanian cross crafting is a traditional Lithuanian branch of folk art entered into the UNESCO Humanity’s Oral and Intangible INTRO TO KAUNAS > NEW Cultural Heritge List in 2001). It features a small book smugglers’ garden, the “Knygnešys” (“Book Smuggler”) monument and wall in honour of the famous book smugglers. 28. MEMORIAL TO JAN ZWARTENDIJK 26. ŽALIAKALNIS FUNICULAR (In front of Laisvės al. 29) (Aušros g. 6) In June 2018 on the Freedom Avenue in www.kaunoliftai.lt Kaunas Willem Alexander of the Neth- The funicular is a unique vehicle still erlands, Zwartendijk‘s children, Lithua- used today with working traction, nian President Dalia Grybauskaitė and authentic pre-war wagons, wooden a hundred locals and visitors revealed benches, and station houses. Even a memorial by Dutch artist Giny Vos. today chairlift funicular raises people This light installation is a subtle, hang- up onto the mountain to see best views ing above the head construction that of the city skyline. You can reach the symbolises hope and lives saved from monumental Resurrection Church from the holocaust. the city centre by taking the Žaliakalnis funicular. This is a sort of short 29. KAUNAS PICTURE GALLERY railway with cables equipped on the (K. Donelaičio g. 16) steep hillside of Žaliakalnis. The funic- www.ciurlionis.lt ular railway has been running since Established in 1979. This place hosts 1931, accommodates 36 passengers, and Lithuanian and foreign artists’ exhi- moves 2 m/s. The trip takes 1 minute 38 bitions, educational programs, and a seconds. variety of artistic projects. Most of the art and iconography exhibition was do- 27. MONUMENTAL CHRIST’S nated to the city by Prof. Algimantas RESURRECTION CHURCH Miškinis. An interesting highlight of (Žemaičių g. 31B) the main hall galleries is the “Juodoji www.prisikelimas.lt skylė” (“Black Hole”) installation by Ay- When Lithuania regained its indepen- O, the famous Japanese artist, who dedi- dence in 1922, the people of the tempo- cated it to his associate Jurgis Mačiūnas rary capital decided to build a church (Kaunas-born pioneer of the avant-gar- as a symbol of giving thanks to God for de movement). the regained freedom. The architect Karolis Reisonas designed the church, and construction began in 1932 funded by donations; but in 1940 the church building was seized. Work was already coming to an end when Lithuania lost its independence, only the interior was yet to be installed and the outside was not plastered. A radio factory mechani- cal workshop was installed there in 1952. The building was returned to the reli- Monumental Christ’s Resurrection Church

16 17 32. GEORGE MAČIŪNAS SQUARE 35. OAK GROVE (Donelaičio g./ Parodos g./ Vytauto pr. (Sporto g., 3.6 km from the city centre) junction) The Kaunas Oak Grove is the largest in It‘s the first square in the world where Europe. Its total area is 84.42 ha. Here pedestrians can‘t get to and that isn‘t you can see the “Stumbras” (“Bison”) even visible to them. This idea was sculpture, walk through the valley of proposed and executed by painter Nag- the poet Adomas Mickevičius, admire INTRO TO KAUNAS lis Rytis Baltušnikas in July 2017. The the monument to the legendary flight square is painted in white paint at of the Lithuanian pilots Darius Steponas the foot of Parodos hill where Parodos and Stasys Girėnas, as well as visit the street, K. Donelaitis street and Vytau- “Dainų slėnis” (“Valley of Songs”). The tas avanue meet. On the road surface Oak Grove is a popular place for walks

PAŽINKITE KAUNĄ > NAUJAMIESTIS > KAUNĄ PAŽINKITE a Fluxus Aztec is drawn showing his and athletics. tongue. This particular place was cho- sen because Jurgis Mačiūnas lived in the 36. BOTANICAL GARDEN OF house number 1 on Parodos street when VYTAUTAS MAGNUS UNIVERSITY he was a child. He is one of the founders (Ž. E. Žilibero g. 6, 5 km from the city of Fluxus movement so the inaccessible centre) www. botanika.vdu.lt square was named after him. You can see the most diverse plant collections set up in the garden first 33. KAUNAS MOSQUE planted in 1923. Lithuania’s largest (Totorių g. 6) conservatory, a unique beauty of a It is the only stone mosque in Lithua- mature park with ponds and nia. Historicist forms and oriental mo- romantic bridges, the historic High The Kaunas Sobor, St. Michael the Archangel (Garrison) Church tifs highlighting the structure’s purpose Freda estate environment provides an intertwine in the compact, low-volume excellent space for recreation. mosque. The silhouette of the building forms typical architectural features of 37. STUMBRAS MUSEUM mosques, i.e. an elliptical dome and tall (K. Būgos g. 7, 3.2 km from the city 30. THE KAUNAS SOBOR, ST. 31. MYKOLAS ŽILINSKAS ART slimming square tower, or minaret. The centre) MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL GALLERY Kaunas mosque has only one entrance, This is a unique opportunity for you (GARRISON) CHURCH but two floors, the second of which is a to get acquainted with the history and (Nepriklausomybės a. 12) spacious balcony for women. Men pray (Nepriklausomybės a. 14) www.ciurlionis.lt evolution of the emergence of Lithua- on the first floor. nian alcohol production, as well as the A neo-byzantine-style building, stand- The gallery was built in 1989. The gal- 34. SUGIHARA HOUSE subtleties of tasting and the rules. The ing in the eastern part Laisvės Alėja, lery was named after Mykolas Žilinskas, equipment used for the production pro- was specially designed for the centre honoring the significant art collector (Vaižganto g. 30, 3.2 km from the city cess, the labels, packaging, and the pro- of the square. In 1895 Russian Czar Al- who enriched many Lithuanian art col- centre) cess of how Stumbras is produced and exander III ordered construction of the lections. The gallery houses the donated www.sugiharahouse.com bottled today are all presented here. Orthodox Cathedral for the Kaunas collection of Mykolas Žilinskas, the art Established in 1999. This was set up fortress garrison, as a representational he gifted to Kaunas: Ancient Egyptian through the efforts of Lithuanian and 38. KAUNAS FORTS structure, expressing luxury and official art, 17t-20th century European decora- Belgian intellectuals and businessmen (IX fort: Žemaičių pl. 73, 7 km from the status. The Sobor was designed by Rus- tive-applied art, 17th-18th century Ital- to commemorate the Japanese diplomat city centre) www.9fortomuziejus.lt sian architects and decorated by Peters- ian paintings, second half of 19th centu- Chiune Sugihara. The Japanese Consul- (VII fort: Archyvo g. 61, 3 km from the burg artists. In 1919 it was transformed ry and 20th century Western European ate operated in the building in 1939-1940. into a Catholic St. Michael the Archan- city centre) www.septintasfortas.lt paintings, first half of the 20th century Chiune Sugihara became famous when gel church garrison. In 1965 the church (VI fort: K. Baršausko g., 7 km from the Baltic paintings and sculptures. Pet- he saved the lives of ten thousand Lith- became a stained glass and sculp- city centre) www.atfort.kaunas.lt ras Mazūras’ famous sculpture, “Man”, uanian, Polish, and German Jews during ture gallery. After the restoration of On the eve of the First World War, Kaunas depicting a naked man stands in the gal- World War II. He issued them lifelong independence, the St. Michael the Arch- was surrounded by nine forts, batteries, lery courtyard. “Man” is clothed during visas to Japan without official Japanese angel Catholic Church is nowoperat- and other defensive fortifications there. playful promotions and in particular to government approval. ing again, and once again the once re- keep from freezing in winter. operating The Kaunas fortress reflects the era’s moved crosses are raised high. Church again, and once again the once removed engineering solutions and building music concerts and performances by crosses are raised high. Church music opportunities. The Seventh and Ninth actors are often held, and exhibitions are concerts and performances by actors forts have been adapted for visitors. continually on display. are often held, and exhibitions are con- They feature museums that present the tinually on display. history of the fortifications.

18 19 It is an absolute must to go to a Žalgiris basketball match! Feel the real emo- tions, the tears of joy and the love of supporters. ‘Žalia balta žalia balta’ (green white green white) is all you need to know.

20 21 39. ŽALGIRI0 ARENA (Karaliaus Mindaugo pr. 50) www.zalgirioarena.lt In 2011 Žalgiris arena in Kaunas was opened – it is the biggest multifunction- al arena in the Baltic states that can ac- INTRO TO KAUNAS commodate up to 17 500 people. Various events are held here: from basketball, handball, volleyball, indoor football, body-building, figure skating competi- tions to concerts, theatre performances, film festivals, exhibitions and private events. There’s also a cosy restaurant Sala. Žalgiris arena is the home arena of Kaunas Žalgiris basketball team which is the most beloved in Kaunas and the most accomplished in Lithuania as well as a team that takes part in the highest level European championship. For those, who want to find out more about arena’s architectural solutions, Žalgiris history, basketball and fans, excursions are or- ganised.

40. PAŽAISLIS (ST. VIRGIN MARY’S VISIT TO ELIZABETH CHURCH AND CAMALDOLESE ABBEY BUILDINGS) ENSEMBLE (T. Masiulio g. 31, 11 km from the city centre) www.pazaislis.org This is one of the most beautiful ba- roque ensembles in Lithuania. It was built in the 17th century for the Camal- dolese Monastery under the supervision of craftsmen from Florence (Michelan- gelo Palloni, Joan Merli, Pietro Perti). The beauty of the monastery was well- known in Europe. Swedish king Charles XII, as well as the Russian Emperors Alexander I and Nicholas I visited the monastery. International Pažaislis mu- sic festivals take place here every sum- mer since 1996. In the southern part of the complex is a monastery offici- na where you will find an open sacred Pažaislis monastery ensemble museum, and next to it a unique hospitality com- plex is situated in “Monte Pacis“, where you can taste historic monastic dishes with modern interpretations.

Pažaislis ensemble

22 23 KAUNAS DISTRICT days the manor is a venue for elite art events – concerts of the Pažaislis music 43. RAUDONDVARIS MANOR festivals, and art planers. The manor ENSEMBLE is famous for its collections of vintage (Pilies takas 1, Raudondvaris, Kauno r., transport collections. 9 km from Kaunas city centre) www.raudondvariodvaras.lt 45. THE OLD ST. JOHN BAPTIST CHURCH Located just nine kilometres from Kaunas and situated above the river (Muziejaus g. 1, Zapyškis, Kauno r., Nevėžys is the Raudondvaris manor ar- 20 km from Kaunas city centre) chitectural ensemble, the palace and In 1578, a voivada Povilas Sapiega, at other residential, outbuildings and a the time the owner of large areas of park. The officines, orangery, the stables land and woods, then built a church at

and an ice-cream parlour within the vi- his manor in Sapiegiškis that was lat- INTRO TO KAUNAS > KAUNAS DISTRICT cinity of the manor which immediately er renamed “Zapyškis”. The church to- attract every visitor’s attention. In the day is one of the oldest brick buildings period from the end of the 16th centu- in Lithuania, a unique structure, built ry until the beginning of the 20th cen- in bricks by local workers, a specimen tury the manor was owned, managed of the second half of the 16th century and elaborated upon by noble families gothic architecture. Since the beginning of Dzievaltaukiai, Kosakovskiai, Rad- of the 20th century the church has not vilos, Vorlovskiai, Zabielos and Tiškev- been used for worship services. In 2002, ičiai. Currently the manor building the church was assigned the status accommodates rooms and halls used of a monument of culture. In the past Lithuanian Folk Museum for high-profile events, concerts, cele- year the church became one of art and brations and marriage ceremonies. The culture centres. Northern section of the manor hous- es the Kaunas Region Museum, where 46. TADAS IVANAUSKAS the former ice cream parlour has been FARMSTEAD IN OBELYNĖ turned into the Kaunas district tour- (Obelynės g. 8, Akademija, Kauno r., 41. BIRŠTONAS RESORT their characteristic small architecture, ism and business information centre, 9 km from Kaunas city centre) (Birštonas, 46 km from Kaunas city as well as plantations. The buildings and the restored stables were adjusted Obelynė Park – a botanical park centre) reveal typical stylistic features, plan- for art incubator activities next to established by naturalist and Profes- ning, construction, and decor items Birštonas is one of the oldest and the the restaurant opened in the former sor Tadas Ivanauskas in his farmstead of different periods and social strata. most beautiful resorts for balneother- orangery. Akademija in the Kaunas district. Farmsteads are grouped into five sec- apy in Lithuania which is also famous In 1920, Prof. Ivanauskas purchased 8 ha tors according to ethnic region: Žemai- 44. ŽEMAITKIEMIS – BABTYNAS for its royal roots. The resort is rich in land plot from the former Marva man- tija, Aukštaitija, Dzūkija, Suvalkija, and MANOR natural resources – gushing mineral or, built a residential house and other Mažoji Lietuva (Lithuania Minor). The springs, therapeutic mud, fresh air and (Žemaitkiemio k., Kauno r., 34 km from structures and established there the most typical regional villages and farm- favourable climate. There are spas, cosy Kaunas city centre) Obelynės botanical garden. The name stead types have been rebuilt. That is all hotels and restaurants. www.senasdvaras.lt of the garden was derived from the of Lithuania in one place. From May to wild apple trees and hawthorns abun- 42. LITHUANIAN FOLK MUSEUM September you can even reach the mu- The right bank of the Nevėžis opens a dantly flowering in the slopes. Obelynės seum by boat. view to the white roofs of the Žemait- (L. Lekavičiaus g. 2, Rumšiškės, kiemis - Babtynas manor. The manor Park covers a territory of about 6.5 ha. Kaišiadorių r., 27 km from Kaunas city was established in the 16th c. by the The plant collection in the park counts centre) Šiukštos family. In the inter-war period, more than 300 species and forms of www.llbm.lt the manor was purchased by the gen- trees and bushes. The Obelynė Park is At the Lithuanian Folk Museum, locat- eral Vladas Nagevičius. In 1999, a busi- proud of one of the oldest trees on the ed in the open air Rumsiskes, you will nessman, Mindaugas Šventoraitis pur- planet – a Ginkgo biloba, and a dawn find an exposition of 17th-20th century chased the manor and started reviving redwood growing in the park since 1959. villages, towns, and estates buildings. this precious art and culture centre. In Typical residential and outbuilding ma- addition to restoring the buildings the terials have been carried over from all project included the replanting of regions of the country to the 174 hectare greenery, flower gardens, and the way- territory to rebuild historically based side shrines that had once marked the farmsteads and village facilities with corners of the manor’s territory. Nowa-

24 25 M. K. Čiurlionis National Museum of Art is the only place in the world that olds almost the whole collection of Lithuanian composer and painter M. K. Čiurlionis works.

26 27 12. Juozas Gruodis House 29. Kaunas Tadas Ivanauskas (Salako g. 18) Museum of Zoology (Laisvės al. 106) www.zoomuziejus.lt

13. Folk Music branch MUSEUMS (L. Zamenhofo g. 12) 30. Lithuanian Aviation Museum www.kaunomuziejus.lt (Veiverių g. 132) www.lam.lt 14. Maironis Lithuanian Literature 31. Museum of the History of Museum (Rotušės a. 13) Lithuanian Education and its subdivisions: (Vytauto pr. 52) www.lsim.lt 15. Balys and Vanda Sruogos 32. The House of Perkūnas House-Museum (B. Sruogos g. 21) (Aleksoto g. 6) www.perkunonamas.lt 16. Juozas Grušas Memorial 33. Pažaislis Monastery Museum Museum (Kalniečių g. 93) Exposition (T. Masiulio g. 31) www.pazaislis.org 17. Juozas Tumas-Vaižgantas Memorial Museum 34. Sugihara House (Aleksoto g. 10-4) (Vaižganto g. 30) www.sugiharahouse.com 18. Salomėja Nėris Memorial Museum (S. Nėries g. 7) 35. Stumbras Museum (K. Būgos g. 7) 19. Museum of Children’s Literature (K. Donelaičio g. 13) 36. Atomic Bunker www.maironiomuziejus.lt (Raudondvario pl. 164A) Kaunas City Museum, Folk Music branch www.atominisbunkeris.lt 20. Vytautas the Great War 37. Jewellery (Gemmology) Museum (K. Donelaičio g. 64) and its Museum subdivisions: (Kurpių g. 13) www.dusafyrai.com 21. Underground "AB" Printing 38. Museum of the History of Lith- House When traveling in Kaunas, visit at least a few museums. uanian Medicine and Pharmacy Besides the permanent expositions you will also see continually (Salių k., Domeikavos sen., Kauno r.) (Rotušės a. 28) www.lsmuni.lt www.kariuomene.kam.lt changing exhibitions. History, art, memorial, and other sorts of 39. Museum of Historical, Military museums all make it possible to get acquainted with the city 22. Kaunas District Museum Technology and region’s culture and history, broaden your horizons, and (S. Dariaus ir S. Girėno g. 29A) have a good time! (Pilies takas 1, Raudondvaris, Kauno r.) and its subdivisions: www.transportomuziejus.lt 23. Traditional Crafts Centre 40. Valdas Adamkus Presidential Library-Museum MUSEUMS IN KAUNAS: (Raguvos g. 66, Biliūnų k., Kauno r.) (S. Daukanto g. 25) 24. A. and J. Juškai Ethnic Culture www.adamkuslibrary.lt 1. National M. K. Čiurlionis Art 7. Liudas Truikys and Marijona Museum Museum (V. Putvinskio g. 55) Rakauskaitė Museum (Kauno Mažoji g. 2, Vilkija, Kauno r.) 41. The Kaunas Archdiocese and its subdivisions: (E. Fryko g. 14) Museum (M. Valančiaus g. 6) 25. Babtai Ethnography Museum www.kaunoarkivyskupija.lt/kam 2. Mykolas Žilinskas Art Gallery 8. Juozas Zikaras House and (Nevėžio g. 3, Babtai, Kauno r.) Museum 42. The Kaunas Puppet Theatre (Nepriklausomybės a. 12) 26. Tadas Ivanauskas farmstead in (J. Zikaro g. 3) Museum (Laisvės al. 87A) 3. Kaunas Picture Gallery Obelynė www.ciurlionis.lt www.kaunoleles.lt (K. Donelaičio g. 16) (Obelynės g. 8, Akademija, Kauno r.) 43. Lithuanian Sports Museum 4. Devils Museum 9. Kaunas City Museum www.krmuziejus.lt (Muziejaus g. 7, 9) (Rotušės a. 15) and its branches: (V. Putvinskio g. 64) 2 7. Seventh Fort of the Kaunas www.lietuvossportomuziejus.lt 5. Historical Presidential Palace 10. Kaunas Castle Fortress (Archyvo g. 61) (Vilniaus g. 33) (Pilies g. 17) www.septintasfortas.lt 11. Mikas and Kipras Petrauskas 6. The home of Adelė and Paulius 28. Kaunas Ninth Fort Museum House (K. Petrausko g. 31) Galaunės (Vydūno al. 2) (Žemaičių pl. 73) www.9fortomuziejus.lt

28 29 The settlement of the Nemunas reconstruction, complete Town Hall re- and Neris rivers, from which construction in 1781, Guest house was Kaunas arose, was first mentioned built in 1786, which can be called and in 1361. Then they built the castle the first hotel in the city, the city build- here to defend against the attacks ings were numbered in 1792, and bridges of the Teutonic Order, which were built over the Nemunas and Neris turned out to be vital not only for in 1794. the city but also for all of Unrest continues Lithuania. Kaunas fell to Czarist Russia after the third division of Lithuania and Poland Historians believe that early as 1408 in 1795. In 1801 another great fire rav- Lithuanian Grand Duke Vytautas grant- aged the city. Kaunas found itself in the ed Kaunas Magdeburg rights. It was midst of the Franco-Russian War of 1812. WALKING TRAILS THROUGH HISTORY on the basis of these rights that the The French Emperor Napoleon Bona- city formed its first council, a privilege parte himself moved his hundreds-of- which was later confirmed by all of the thousands-strong Grand Army over the Grand Dukes of Lithuania. A favourable Nemunas near the city. Kaunas was the geographical location played a signif- first city occupied by the French impe- icant role in the growth of Kaunas, as rial army in this war. It was devastated well as the waterways, Nemunas and twice during the war when the Grand Neris, which allowed the city merchants Army marched into town and during to gradually enter into trade with Dan- their retreat. zig, Toruń, and Konigsberg. From the 15th century Kaunas had customs au- Towards a modern city thorities that regulated all national In 1843 Kaunas became the centre of the trade over water and land routes with newly established province. Nicholas Av- neighbouring Prussia. Kaunas experi- enue started to turn into a boulevard in enced an economic boom in the 16th 1847 (what is now Laisvės Alėja). A rail- century. The first school, hospital-shel- way line built, as well as the first mod- ter and a pharmacy, and craftsmen ern railway bridge over the Nemunas workshops were launched here. An in 1862, and the first power plant was abundance of brick buildings in Kaunas launched in 1898. The Czarist govern- distinguished it from most of the other ment resolution regarding transfer of cities in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania the Žemaičiai (Telšiai) Bishopric centre at the end of century. In the first half of from Varniai to Kaunas in 1864 bright- the 17th century it was surrounded by a ened the city’s cultural life. Kaunas am- stone wall. Still, there were the mid-17th ateur Reading Society was founded in century wars and the six-year Russian 1870, which established the first public czarist military occupation (1655-1661), library in the city, but any proactive cul- because of which many of the towns tural expression was affected by Russian people were forced to flee to Prussia, and policies, which inhibited any national during which a fever epidemic struck activities. Kaunas was awarded Class a huge blow to the welfare of Kaunas. I fortress status by the Russian impe- The recovering Kaunas was once again rial border military in 1879. From 1882 smacked down by the Northern War until the First World War Kaunas was (1700-1721). In 1732 a great fire ravaged surrounded by fortifications, forts, and the city. Urban development was slowed a ring of batteries (an orthodox church by political turmoil in the state and the and military garrison sobor devoted to frequent presence of the Russian impe- the Russian soldiers in Kaunas was built Kaunas is the only rial army crew (1734, 1735, 1748, and 1767- in 1895). The Konke horse-drawn tram Lithuanian town which 1775). began operating under contract with became a member of the A flourishing town Swiss engineer Diuponu in Kaunas in Hanseathic League in 1441. 1892, a line stretching from the Town You could see signs of the city’s recovery Hall Square to the railway station. A 500 Every year we remember seen in the second half of the 18th cen- person occupancy city theatre was also this event in a town tury. It continued through the 1732 fire built that same year. celebration Kaunas Hansa that severely affected the parish church Days.

30 31 Kaunas – the temporary capital of THE HISTORY OF KAUNAS Lithuania FORTRESS During the First World War, Kaunas was occupied by Germans in 1915-1918. After Two of the largest Lithuanian rivers the First World War, Lithuania began to are situated in Kaunas; they have long build the Republic and because Vilnius played an important role in defence. was occupied by the Russians (1919), the The exceptional strategic position of State Council and the Cabinet of Minis- this place was appreciated by Russians ters were established in Kaunas. When taking over Lithuanian lands as far Vilnius was occupied by Poland, Kaunas back as 1795. Ever deteriorating relations became the temporary capital and most with neighbours forced us to consider important city of Lithuania in 1920. The strengthening our western border. Czar same year came the Constituent Assem- Alexander II signed a decree on the WALKING TRAILS THROUGH HISTORY bly met and laid the legal foundations construction of the Kaunas fortress for restored state. Kaunas remained in 1879, and by February 1880 long- the temporary capital until 1939. Hav- term fortification plans were drawn After 13 years of ing become the political, cultural, and up. The city was surrounded by 7 forts construction a three part economic centre of the country, Kaunas and a stationaryring of 12 batteries. came to life a little, taking on moder- Two years later, 24 April 1882, Kaunas sculpture rose in front of nity and Europeanism in the interwar fortress construction officially began. the IX Fort – it is a period. The city was decorated by new The forts were built in several stages: monument to Nazi victims. buildings (Kaunas interwar architec- first a road was laid to the fortifica- ture), the old ones were renovated, and tion the location where the work was bridges were built. Buses started run- to be carried out, including building ning in 1929. The city began to operate barracks, gunpowder warehouses, and the Žaliakalnis and Aleksotas funicu- other facilities. Construction of one lars improving transportation connec- fort took about 3-5 years. In addition to tions in 1931 and 1935. The opera the- the forts and batteries, construction of and 12 base stations forming a of the seventh and ninth forts and the atre opened in 1920. Two years later the central fortifications and the second, larger, 47.17 km long fortifi- museums operating there. national theatre opened. Also in 1922 central warehouses on both banks of the cation ring around the city. All work the University of Lithuania was estab- Nemunas began in 1885. Outside the stopped on 28 July 1914, with the lished, which was renamed Vytautas ring of forts, the fortress infrastructure beginning of the First World War. Seventh Fort Museum Magnus University in 1930. The first was built: commandant headquarters, Before the war, there was enough time Archyvo g. 61 national Olympiad took place in Kaunas intendant office, main headquarters, to fully complete the construction www.septintasfortas.lt in 1938, and the European basketball board of engineers and engineering of nine forts and ten batteries. The championship was organized in 1939, for headquarters, residential houses of Russian Empire’s 1st class terrestrial Ninth Fort Museum which a sports hall accommodating five officials and construction workers, Kaunas Fortress was occupied by Žemaičių pl. 73 thousand people was built. The Russian telephone-telegraph, electricity, water Germany on 18 August 1915. www.9fortomuziejus.lt army occupied Lithuania in June 1940. supply stations, military, railway Forts today Kaunas Fortress Park During the Second World War, the stations, elevators, mill, grain storage, Since the end of the war and the www.atfort.kaunas.lt Soviet army occupied Kaunas in 1944. war pigeons station, fire station, and restoration of Lithuania’s indepen- The second Soviet occupation began. harbours. Military towns grew in dence, Kaunas Fortress has never again After the restoration of Lithuania’s Žemieji Šančiai and Aukštoji Panemu- been used for its original purpose. The independence in 1990, Kaunas opened nė. Soldiers’ spiritual affairs were not administrative buildings of Kaunas up for development and cooperation forgotten: the Saints Peter and Paul Fortress were taken over by Lithuanian opportunities with foreign cities. Sobor was built in 1891-1895. Construc- state institutions and used for various tion of the eighth fort began the right other purposes: a prison, warehouses, bank of the Neris River in 1889. The archives, residents of apartments, etc. newest and most modern ninth fort During World War II Lithuania was arose in the highlands northwest of occupied by Nazi Germany, and the Kaunas in 1903-1913. This is the first fourth, seventh, and ninth forts were and only surviving fort of the Kaunas used for the mass murder of civilians. Fortress; they used masonry concrete Today Kaunas residents and guests for its construction. The plan to are invited to get acquainted with reinforce the fortress was approved these massive objects of defence – the 23 April 1913. It provides for the Kaunas Fortress – as well as the history construction of an additional 12 forts

32 33 EUROPE STARTS IN The interwar architecture is a KAUNAS OF 1919-1940 mental identity and a physical face. This Kaunas city icon. The city became is only the second architectural period Lithuania‘s centre in the first part (not counting baroque) when Lithua- of the twentieth century and is still nian architecture went hand in hand modern and forward-thinking. with the whole of Europe. An abundant EUROPEAN Kaunas interwar architecture accumu- HERITAGE LABEL After the First World War, with the res- lated over 20 years, its dense concentra- toration of Lithuania’s statehood, and tion in the city is a unique phenomenon due to other historical circumstances, in Europe; in the context of internation- namely the Polish army occupied the al modernism it reflects both the then INTERWAR SIGNS IN KAUNAS Lithuanian capital of Vilnius and the Bauhaus style trends and unique style of eastern part of the country, Kaunas be- Lithuanian nationalism which distin- came the most important city in Lithu- guishes a modern, highquality Kaunas ania. Public authorities and the intelli- interwar architecture from the Euro- gentsia rallied in Kaunas. Industry began pean mainstream. Kaunas is the only to develop. Kaunas took over the helm of city in the world where so much of the the national capital and became a mod- style of the buildings has survived to the ern symbol of independent Lithuania. present day. Thankful circumstances also contribut- ed to this: society was ready for change; the city needed various buildings, but INTERWAR BUILDINGS: they could only be designed by talented, gifted, learned architects who had stud- 1. Kaunas Central Post Office ied abroad and brought their knowledge (Laisvės al. 102) back to Lithuania to put to work. In car- rying out the functions of the state cap- 2. Kaunas State Musical Theatre ital in the first half of the 20th centu- (Laisvės al. 91) ry, Kaunas suddenly acquired a unique 3. Kaunas City Municipal Building significance on the map of Europe. The (the former Savings Bank) architects of our young state harmo- (Laisvės al. 96) niously integrated into the European context by developing an advanced city. 4. Kaunas State Philharmonic Individual buildings, neighbourhoods, (formerly the Ministry of Justice and complexes had a major impact on and Seimas (Parliament) Building) the entire city image emerging in the (L. Sapiegos g. 5) temporary capital. Kaunas became the 5. Chambers of the Bank of centre of science, culture, and educa- Lithuania tion: institutions such as the Universi- (Maironio g. 25) ty of Lithuania, the Art School, higher 6. The complex of buildings on education physical education courses, V. Putvinskio street theatres, opera houses, the radio, the (V. Putvinskio g. 52, 54, 56, 60, 62, 64, 66, Military Museum, and the astronomical 68, 70, 72) observatory were established. Industry developed rapidly in Kaunas, there was 7. M. K. Čiurlionis National Art an active European lifestyle about, and Museum and The Vytautas the The unique modernist Great War Museum architecture of Kaunas great attention was paid to culture and sport. In this regard, the sports hall (V. Putvinskio g. 55) (1919–1940) got the was built in 1939, where the Lithuanian 8. Žaliakalnis Funicular European Heritage Label men’s basketball team won the Europe- (Aušros g. 6) in 2015. European Heritage an Championship title for the second Label is a European Union time, as if hanging a wreath around the 9. Jesus Christ’s Resurrection initiative that seeks to neck of Kaunas. This transformation of Basilica in Kaunas hallmark the historical and Kaunas into a European city left a sig- (Žemaičių g. 31) cultural heritage sites and nificant mark in later Lithuanian state their importance to 10. Jonas Jablonskis High School development: due to the country’s will- (formerly an elementary school) Europe and European ingness to fight for freedom, break out of Union‘s creation. the Soviet occupation, the city formed a (Aušros g. 3)

34 35 11. The Former Headquarters of the 18. The Kaunas Children’s Pienocentras Company Recreation Centre (formerly the (Laisvės al. 55/S. Daukanto g. 18) Neo-Lithuania Centre) 12. The Former Office of Pažanga (Parodos g. 26) AB (Laisvės al. 53) 19. Lithuanian Academy of Physical Education 13. Romuva Movie Theatre (Sporto g. 6) (Laisvės al. 54) 20. Sports Hall 14. Officers club

INTERWAR SIGNS IN KAUNAS (Perkūno al. 5) (A. Mickevičiaus g. 19) 21. Kaunas City Museum, Mikas 15. The Jonas and Gediminas and Kipras Petrauskas House Lapėnas Apartment Building (K. Petrausko g. 31) (Kęstučio g. 38) 16. Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Medical Academy (A. Mickevičiaus g. 9) 17. Jonas Basanavičius, MD, Military Medical Service (Vytauto pr. 49)

Utenos g.

24 WOODEN ARCHITECTURE IN OBJECTS: 2 km KAUNAS 22. Architect Antanas Jokimas The tradition of wood construction was Villa (Minties Rato g. 2) widespread in Lithuania. Many old rural homes and wooden church have been 23. Soldier Antanas Gedmantas House 29 studied. Trees were a popular building (Žemuogių g. 2) Žemaičių g. material in interwar Kaunas because 24. Composer Juozas Gruodis Villa 10 masonry construction costs were too 9 23 (Salako g. 18) 22 high for many home owners. Today 21 6 the wooden architecture of the city is 25. Entrepreneur Pranas Urbonas 8 25 27 perceived as an aesthetic and ethical Villa (Žemaičių g. 20) 7 value. Wooden architecture experts see 30 32 4 26. Construction technician Jonas 5 19 the value of the houses; they discover it 11 km Varneckis Villa Šv. Gertrūdos g. 1 3 18 (Sietyno g. 17) 13 on the educational tours of Žaliakalnis, 20 Panemunė, Šančiai, and Vilijampolė as 27. Juozas and Stasė Geniušas Villa 11 12 Vaižganto g. well. For heritage lovers, the intrinsic 2 14 Perkūno al. (Tulpių g. 21) 15 value of wooden houses is indisputable. Without these houses the city would 28. Barbora and Kazys Zukauskas Villa (A. Smetonos al. 81) 16 lose a very important part of its Vaižganto g. K. Būgos g. cultural identity. Unfortunately, only a 26 29. Educator Jonas Dereškevičius small portion of the inter-war wooden 3.5 km House (Minties Rato g. 24) houses passed the test of time and 17 resisted the social and economic 30. General-doctor Pranas temptations, but they keep alive the Vaiciuška Villa interwar Kaunas suburban spirit. (J. Janonio g. 46, Kačerginė, Kauno r.) 31. Engineer Viktoras Rėklaitis Villa (Janonio g. 86, Kačerginė, Kauno r.) 32. Writer Pranas Mašiotas House (Janonio g. 38, Kačerginė, Kauno r.)

28 3.5 km

36 37 3. Former Ministers Cabinet of the 16. Polish Embassy Lithuanian Republic (Kęstučio g. 38) (K. Donelaičio g. 58) 17. British Embassy and Consulate 4. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kęstučio g. 29) (1919-1922) (Maironio g. 27) 18. Finnish Consulate 5. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kęstučio g. 8) (1922-1935) (S. Daukanto g. 25) 19. German Embassy 6. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Gedimino g. 19) (1935-1940) 20. Danish Embassy (Corner of K. Donelaičio g./ Vienybės a.) (Vytauto pr. 55/Griunvaldo g. 2) 7. United States Consulate and 21. Latvian Embassy Embassy (V. Putvinskio g. 68) (Vytauto pr./Kęstučio g.) 8. Czechoslovak Embassy and the Argentine Consulate 22. Italian Embassy (V. Putvinskio g. 60) (Vydūno al. 13) 9. Swedish Consul General 23. Japanese Consulate (V. Putvinskio g. 60) (Vaižganto g. 30) 10. Papal Nunciature Building (V. Putvinskio g. 56) INTERWAR SIGNS IN KAUNAS > THE ERA OF DIPLOMATIC KAUNAS 11. Honorary Consulate of Hungary Lithuania Presidential Palace (V. Putvinskio g. 54)

22 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Historical circumstances led to bly of Lithuania gathered in the cap- 3 the 1919-1940 period being named 4 ital, Kaunas, for its first meeting on 15 6 the era of diplomacy in Kaunas. 5 Paodos g. May 1920, in the the State Theatre, the 2 15 current Musical Theater. The country’s 1 14 Vaižganto g. Thanks to historical circumstances, most important institutions operated Perkūno al. 16 Kaunas became the temporary capital in Kaunas, among them the 18 of the reborn State of Lithuania (1918). Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 17 21 Lithuania took the first steps to which had a critical challenge to estab-

nationhood there: the country’s most lish diplomatic relations with foreign K. Būgos g. 23 important institutions and foreign countries and represent Lithuania in 19 20 Vaižganto g. diplomatic missions were founded. the international arena. Diplomatic Kaunas was never officially ratified missions gradually began to settle here. in writing as the temporary capital. First of all the diplomatic missions In diplomatic terms, Kaunas became of the great powers visited Kaunas – the de facto capital of Lithuania the US, Britain, and France – and later when the provisional government permanent embassies and consulates moved to here from Vilnius on 2 Jan- of these and other countries settled in. uary 1919. That same year, the cen- These government agencies and 12. Soviet Union Trade Embassy tral street of the town was renamed foreign representative offices operated (V. Putvinskio g. 42) Laisvės Alėja (Freedom Avenue), and in Kaunas in 1939: 13. French Embassy a street abutting it in honor of Feb- ruary 16th. And the streets still have 1. Lithuania Presidential Palace (V. Putvinskio g. 14) those names today. The first president (Vilniaus g. 33) 14. Honorary Consulate of Norway in the history of Lithuania was elected 2. Lithuanian Seimas Chambers (Nepriklausomybės a. 7) in Kaunas. On 4 April 1919, in Kaunas, the Council of Lithuania elected Anta- (Gimnazijos g. 3) 15. Metropolis Hotel nas Smetona. The Constituent Assem- (S. Daukanto g. 21)

38 39 KAUNAS – UNESCO DESIGN KAUNAS – THE EUROPEAN CITY CAPITAL OF CULTURE 2022

Launched in 2004, the UNESCO Creative The European Capital of Culture project Cities Network (UCCN) aims to strength- travelling from country to country, and en cooperation with and among cities from one city to another will in 2022

that have recognized creativity as a stra- make a stop in Kaunas – a city of excellent CULTURE AND ARTS tegic factor of sustainable development culture infrastructure and a well- as regards economic, social, cultural developed network of international and environmental aspects. By joining partnerships. the Network, cities acknowledge their Kaunas – European Capital of Culture commitment to sharing best practices, 2022 starts now! Starting from today we developing partnerships that promote are changing the TEMPORARY capital creativity and the cultural industrines, to the CONTEMPORARY one. If we want strengthening participation in cultural to be CONTEMPORARY, we need to over- life and integrating culture in urban come the confusion of our fragmented development plans. The UNESCO history and censored mentality, thus Creative Cities Network covers seven understanding that we live not only Creative fields: Crafts and Folk Arts, at the confluence of two largest rivers Design, Film, astronomy, Literature, in the country, but also at the junction Media Arts and Music. In December, 2015 of sometimes very different and some- Kaunas has joined the UNESCO Creative times even conflicting personalities and Cities Network and became the first ideas. We ultimately have to develop city in Eastern and Western European our consciousness so that we can pave the countries that received the Design City way to a more successful community Status. in the map of Europe. To us CON- Cities of Design Network TEMPORARY means our connection Design network includes such cities with the entirety of Europe, and the throughout the world, as Montreal (Can- creation of the new content our city, ada), Kobe (Japan), Helsinki (Finland), country and Europe. Time to log-in and Detroit (USA), Bilbao (Spain), Singapore establish a KAUNtact! (Singapore), Berlin (Germany), Bandung (Indonesia), Puebla (Mexico), Budapest www.kaunas2022.eu (Hungary), Curitiba (Brasil), Buenos Aires #kaunas2022 (Argentina), Shanghai (China), Nagoya (Japan), Seoul (South Korea), Saint-Éti- enne (France), Dundee (Scotland), Torino (Italy), and Graz (Austria).

More than 6000 buildings in Kaunas embody the spirit of interwar modernism. Unique historical windows and other small architectural details catch the eye of every passerby.

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V g Kometų Kaunas is a city surrounded by an exclusive aura becoming the European Capital of Culture in 2022. Art and creativity are accompanying Kaunas on several levels: music, theatre, dance, design, and many others.

The city constantly encourages the development of both public and private spaces. Explore the wide range of cultural facilities and projects, from works of art turned into buildings, to galleries, interior design, bohemian cafes, etc. A variety of events will also surprise you. If you just plan your visit you will have a good time! FESTIVALS AND EVENTS AND FESTIVALS Full of new sensations and discoveries, life in Kaunas is a modern and youthful gen- erator of culture so everyone who loves art in Kaunas will find his own corner. Every year Kaunas adds to immense events spaces. We look forward to seeing you at our well-established and brand new festivals! Certainly, this will contribute to the ambi- tion of Kaunas Modernist Interwar Architecture to join UNESCO World Heritage List.

ART GALLERIES PLACES OF EVENTS

Meno Parkas Gallery Kaunas State Philharmonic (Rotušės a. 27) www.menoparkas.lt (L. Sapiegos g. 5) Kaunas Photo Gallery www.kaunofilharmonija.lt (Rotušės a. 1 / Vilniaus g. 2) Kaunas State Musical Theatre www.kaunasgallery.lt (Laisvės al. 91) www.muzikinisteatras.lt Gallery “Post” Kaunas State Drama Theatre REKLAMA (Laisvės al. 51a) www.postgalerija.lt (Laisvės al. 71) www.dramosteatras.lt VDU 101 Gallery “Žalgirio“ Arena (Muitinės g. 7) www.galerija101.lt (Karaliaus Mindaugo pr. 50) 130x210 mm Mykolas Žilinskas Art Gallery www.zalgirioarena.lt (Nepriklausomybės a. 12) Raudondvaris Manor Arts Incubator www.ciurlionis.lt/zilinsko (Pilies takas 1, Raudondvaris, Kauno r.) Kaunas Picture Gallery www.raudondvariodvaras.lt (K. Donelaičio g. 16) www.ciurlionis.lt Art Form (Savanorių pr. 166) www.menoforma.lt

BUFFET DINING with LIVE COOKING STATION ONE PRICE for ALL YOU CAN EAT

Mon – Tues: Lunch 11:00 – 16:00 Wed – Fri: Lunch 11:00 – 16:00 Dinner 18:00 – 22:00 Sat: Lunch 12:00 – 16:00 FRESH BUFFET Dinner 18:00 – 22:00 Address: Jonavos str. 7, Kaunas, +370 687 54044

44 45 FESTIVALS AND EVENTS AND FESTIVALS

April

"KAUNAS JAZZ" youth choirs, instrumental ensembles, folk and modern dance groups where www.kaunasjazz.lt as many as a few thousand students The Kaunas Jazz Festival has been or- participate annually. ganized each spring for more than two decades inviting music fans to listen to the most prominent Lithuanian and May–July foreign jazz stars. The majority of urban spaces are filled with the spirit of jazz, INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL so spring is not only outside, but also in “OPERETĖ KAUNO PILYJE” people’s hearts. Every last weekend in (OPERETTA IN KAUNAS CASTLE) April this celebrations break free from This is the first operetta festival in the city that seems unable to contain it; Eastern Europe, with most beautiful KITE FESTIVAL “KITES FOR EARTH townspeople as the Puppet and Mask it is an international jazz scene at the performances by singers, musicians and Lithuanian jazz capital. AND SKY“ Parade, craftsmanship exhibitions, and seminars. orchestras from a variety of European The kite festival is held every spring in countries. INTERNATIONAL DOG CARTING Zapyškis, next to the Gothic church in SPORTS COMPETITION "KAUNAS HANSA DAYS" the Nemunas valley. The programme www.kaunas.lt The international dog carting sports of the festival includes working kite May–August competitions are organised every workshops, kite and plane competitions, More than 600 years ago Kaunas was spring in Jadagonys. While enjoying the large kite shows and other fun activities granted the Magdeburg rights. Kaunas "PAŽAISLIS MUSIC FESTIVAL" is the only city in Lithuania that is now competition the viewers get to know for the entire family. www.pazaislis.lt some rare dog breeds and can watch a member of the New Hanseatic League, traditional dog and children’s races. FESTIVAL-COMPETITION CYCLE which gives the celebration a medieval The best world-renowned musicians “KAUNAS CANTAT” identity and distinguishes this festival from classical, old music, jazz, and plenty of other project-based music and even www.kaunascantat.lt from all other Lithuanian city holidays. May Spectators are invited to get acquaint- more excitement throughout the The largest choral festival where high ed with the culture of the time, music, summer invite you to experience the "DESIGN WEEK" professionalism of various styles of dances, performances, games, crafts, Pažaislis Music Festival! choral music is delivered to the www.dizainoforumas.lt and knights who fight in international audience. tournament win a sword named for the Traditionally, on the first week of May Lithuanian Armed Forces. five Lithuanian cities Vilnius, Kaunas, INTERNATIONAL "SMILING Klaipėda, Šiauliai and Telšiai, plunge PUPPETS AND CHILDREN" KAUNAS SCHOOLCHILDREN into a design fiesta, during which guests PUPPETS THEATRES FESTIVAL SONG FESTIVAL are invited to take part in workshops, www.kaunoleles.lt www.vmlr.lt visit exhibitions, draw on expertise The festival of professional Lithuanian and share at international conferences; The festival features performances of and foreign ensemble performances, meanwhile developers present their various arts genres uniting children and exhibitions, is already recognized by the latest work.

46 47 FESTIVALS AND EVENTS AND FESTIVALS

October

INTERNATIONAL CONTEMPO- RARY DANCE FESTIVAL “AURA” www.aura.lt Recognized foreign choreographers and June troupe work, bringing together different art forms, techniques, and traditions “BIKE SHOW MILLENNIUM“ ners of youth contests to scene mas- are presented here. www.bikeshow.lt ters, guests from foreign countries and notorious ‘aliens’ from the rock, blue, The entire city takes joy in the festival country, pop and national music worlds. November that brings together the world’s greatest bikers and motor sports enthusiasts. JULY THE 6TH STATE DAY’S MODERN MUSIC FESTIVAL CELEBRATION AT THE INTERNATIONAL TRADITIONAL “IŠ ARTI” (FROM CLOSE) June–September RAUDONDVARIS MANOR AND CONTEMPORARY FOLK www.isarti.lt www.raudondvariodvaras.lt MUSIC FESTIVAL “SUKLEGOS” Presentation of the works of modern KAUNAS BIENNIAL www.suklegos.lt Lithuanian and foreign composers, www.bienale.lt September A contemporary glance at the folklore and international exchange programs, It is the largest international contem- festival includes a variety of musical lectures, workshops, and experiments. porary art event in the Baltic region “KAUNAS PHOTO“ styles and projects based on ethnic consisting of exhibitions, artist resi- www.kaunasphoto.com culture. December dency program, workshops, educational The Kaunas Photo Festival is the largest programs, as well as public and commu- and most important photography event CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING AND nity arts projects. September–October in the Baltics. The most frequented pho- A CHRISTMAS MARKET tography project takes place in a wide "KAUNAS INTERNATIONAL FILM www.kaunas.lt July range of outdoor and indoor spaces. It is FESTIVAL" organized every year in Kaunas. www.kinofestivalis.lt BARD FESTIVAL “ACACIA ALLEY“ Film art development trends are re- This Singing poetry festival brings to- flected in the most interesting of recent gether the most famous and talented international film successes all over the bards of the country ranging from win- world and in Lithuania.

48 49 Forget about every day worries and Challenge accepted! go for an adventure – Kaunas can The escape rooms is a great way to offer plenty of them: rock climbing, spend time with your friends, colleagues adventure parks, bungy jumping, or family. It‘s a place where your logical beach volleyball arena, the only thinking, imagination and attention race circuit in Lithuania, rope park, to detail help you find different clues TOURISM ACTIVE paintball and many other and solve problems in order to escape a possibilities for active free time! locked room. If you can‘t stay still, we suggest to pay a Activities in the nature trampoline park a visit. Here‘s no ground Santaka and Nemunas Island Parks are under your feet nor the fear of heights. among other places worth seeing in Kaunas. These parks are excellent rec- reational areas where you can not only go for a walk but also do some sport and take part in sport or entertainment events. Nemunas Island Park is open to everyone who is a beach volleyball enthusiast – there are four courts. Also in Santaka park there is a brand new skateboard, rollerblade and BMX park. In most of Kaunas parks there are equip- ment for outdoor fitness, children play- A day not to forget for the little grounds and chess tables. ones In Jadagoniai, a place near Kaunas, you Lithuanian Zoological Gardens in can try out rock climbing outdoors – it‘s Kaunas invites you to see more than a unique place in Lithuania where you 2000 animals. There are over 250 have to pull yourself up by grabbing dif- species in this collection many of ferent objects on trees or hold on a gi- which are in the Lithuanian and the ant web. You can also play some outdoor international The Red List of Threat- tennis, beach volleyball and check out ened Species. Many educational events the mud route. are organised in the zoo among which are the night at the zoo and others. Another site to visit is Tadas Ivanaus- kas Zoology Museum in Kaunas that has already been running for 100 years. You can find 14 000 items in 2500 square metres! You simply must find the time to explore them all. When one wants to play, experience, learn and feel at the same time, one must go to the CurioCity – the largest educational entertainment If you want to spend your free time centre for children in the Baltic states. actively without leaving the city, you Here you launch into the sky in a should head to an adventure park near- spaceship, slide on a rainbow, solve by Lampėdžiai lake. Here are various detective mysteries and accept other routes: from the fast route for the little challenges. ones where they can feel confident and In the warm seasons our city is strong to the 16 metre Dramliaskrydis full of soap bubbles; you just need to which lets you experience the free fall. go to the agreed location and enjoy It’s the largest waterpark in If you don’t mind getting wet, we suggest the dance of colourful bubbles! the Baltic states. On the water trampolines and the wakeboard- Don‘t forget to check the programmes east side of Lampėdžis lake ing park. of different city theatres – there‘s you can find park figures plenty of performances for children. that are up to 7 meters in height!

50 51 52 53 VANDENS PRAMOGOS

Water tourism in Kaunas offers volleyball, mini golf, or tennis. There is many opportunities to enjoy both also an adventure park here. Everyone the city and the beautiful outdoors. will find various water attractions and All that remains is to choose the other active leisure opportunities here! most suitable trip for you! Just do not forget to take care of tickets PANEMUNĖ BEACH in advance! (A. Smetonos al. 4) WATER ATTRACTIONS WATER www.visit.kaunas.lt Here you will find a newly built resort www.nemunoturas.lt with athletics courts and playgrounds, gazebos, and benches for cheerful and KAUNAS LAGOON 1ST AND 2ND purposeful recreation. BEACHES (T. Masiulio g.) KULAUTUVA BEACH At Kaunas Lagoon you can ride around (Nemuno g., Kulautuva, Kauno r.) in the water on a rented water bike or A beach established in the former gravel boat, enjoy a game of beach volleyball, or quarry offers playgrounds for children, enjoy an outdoor cafe. and other equipment required for quality leisure time. LAMPĖDŽIAI LAKE BEACH (Raudondvario pl. 161A) It is one of the favourite recreational and bathing places in Kaunas. There is camping here to, which makes it an ideal place for tourists. You can spend your time at Lampėdžiai quarry renting kayaks, water bikes, canoes, and wake- boards. The wakeboard park has one of the longest tracks in Europe. Its length is 287 meters. You can try canoeing with oars, too. This is a universal sport with no age limits, so everybody can join. You can also spend your time at Lampėdžiai playing basketball, beach

Don‘t miss the opportunity to go for a boat trip or take a water bee peddle boat for a spin in Kaunas Reservoir. Visit the “Love bay” and you might see a great blue heron!

54 55 1. RAUDONDVARIS which is divided into two parts, public Today, it is a cosy town in the middle and private, was restored in 1994. The of Lithuania, located on the confluence public area is a place where people who of the Nemunas and Nevėžis rivers. want to pray together with the nuns can Raudondvaris manor is mentioned in stay. The Carmelite Order name is asso- chronicles as early as the 17th century, ciated with the Carmel mountain range, run by and cherished by the Radvila located in the Holy Land, from where and Tiškevičius families. In its time, the prophet Elijah once lived in a hermit the manor was known as a cultural and community. artistic centre, and had a good art gal- lery and library. Raudondvaris manor 4. VILKIJA house (traditionally called a castle) is The whole town is a valuable architec- a reason for the town’s emergence and tural whole, starting from the 16th cen- current tourism attraction centre. The tury. The town’s old street dates from CASTLES AND MANORS OF PANEMUNĖ castle is only one of the architectural the 14th century; they are noteworthy ensembles of elements of Raudondvaris. and protected by the state. When you Everyone should take note of the offici- visit the town you also have to check out na, conservatory, and stables built next St. George’s church built in 1900-1908 and to the castle. All this is surrounded by the Antanas and Jonas Juška Brothers greenery, a park. Now a variety of con- Ethnic Culture Museum (Kauno Mažoji g. certs, festivals, exhibitions and other 2) located in the oldest building in town, events are often held here. The castle calculated to be ~300. Its walls are hung also houses the museum Kaunas Dis- with the works of well-known Lithua- trict. Raudondvaris church is the tallest nian artists, but the sharpest footprints and most visible building in town, with are left behind by the most famous Lith- neo-baroque and neoclassical features. uanian folk artist, Antanas Juška. The Right next to the church you can see spiritual riches of Lithuanian folk art design work contributed by the famous he accumulated impress us with their Italian architect Wawrzyniec Cezary abundance even today. Antanas Juš- Anichini. It was built in 1846-1857 by ka’s contemporaries had collected and the then-owner of the manor, Count put together a dictionary of more than Benediktas Emanuelis Tiškevičius. 70,000 old Lithuanian words, a song- book with 7,000 songs set out to about 2. KULAUTUVA 2,000 melodies, Vydūnas handwritten One of the most beautiful places in letters, Balys Buračas autographs books, Kaunas District located on the right dozens patterns of flashy fabric, chests, bank of the Nemunas. During the and hundreds of old household utensils. interwar period it became a prominent Each year, a Juška brothers traditional resort; Kulautuva still entices people song holidays is held here together with who want to relax in the evergreen pine exhibitions and meetings with interest- forest and tranquillity. Currently the ing people. During the summer season name Kulautuva is best-known by bard you can cross the Nemunas River with This rewarding route along fans, because every summer the town the Vilkija ferry. the Panemunė was formed becomes a bard capital. Every year in as the centuries elapsed. July a festival takes place here. During 5. SEREDŽIUS One side of the road is the summer, you can get to Kulautuva Seredžius has a mound, as do other surrounded by the by boat. The Kaunas-Kačerginė-Kulau- castle mounds; it is reminiscent of a picturesque valley of the tuva-Kaunas tourist-educational route bitter struggle with the Crusaders and Nemunas, the other by takes you around to show off local is called Palemonas Hill. This is one towering mounds. Check innovations to tourists interested in of the tallest and most picturesque out the Panemunė, visiting learning. Lithuanian mounds (about 40 m). all the natural, historical, According to legend, this mound was and cultural sites along the 3. PAŠTUVA CARMELITE established as a residence for the Roman way. We recommend to MONASTERY Empire’s Duke Palemonas, who escaped start the trip at the Kaunas The monastery of St. Joseph and St. with 500 Roman nobles to live there. Castle. Saint Thérèse of Lisieux in Paštuva, Palemonas sons and grandchildren

56 57 The second mound is called the Hill of Gediminas Grave. According to leg- end, Lithuania Grand Duke Gediminas died in Veliuona attacking Bayerburg and defending Veliuona castle, and the mound was poured over his body as a tomb. A monument built to Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas stands on the mound. The Classicist 19th century manor house built by Michael Zaleckis has survived in the town to the present day. They are wooden, with a fourcol- umn portico facade. Trees brought 9. PANEMUNĖ CASTLE from other countries grow in the man- CASTLES AND MANORS OF PANEMUNĖ Panemunė Castle name changed sever- or park. There was a school here, on and al times. It was first named Panemunė off, through the 20th century, where Manor for the land where it was built. the writer Petras Cvirka studied. The timber merchant Janušas Eperješas moved here from Hungary and started to build this castle in about 1604. The castle was not supposed to be a defensive for- tress, but rather a typical 17th century feudal castle with defensive equipment, as well as residential and farm buildings. Raudondvaris Manor Panemunė Castle was completed in 1610. The castle’s tower has a lockup cell in the basement where unlucky peasants ended up if they offended their masters. The longest term was three months. Seeing this place today will make your 8. RAUDONĖ skin crawl. Ghosts quietly speak of their ruled large territories and founded cities. the park there stands a small neo-goth- suffering. Panemunė Castle awaits you The grandson, Kernius, established fur- ic chapel: the mausoleum of Burba’s kin. During the 16th–17th century, once the on a high hill, cradled in an old park, ther away from Seredžius, on the right Although this place was once flashy, Nemunas became an important trade surrounded by five cascading ponds. bank of the Neris and the area called it shiny, beautiful, and luxurious, and artery, castles took on a new form: rich Kernavė. Peter of Duisburg’s “The Chron- now the chambers and other buildings men, merchants, and nobles began to 10. ŠILINĖ TAVERN icle of the Prussian Land” mentioned of the estate are almost completely ru- build castles type residences, where A few kilometres to the west of Pane- the mound castle in 1293. The Crusad- ined, and the park abandoned: this place the only decorations were shooting munė Castle stands the formerly ers attacked the castle from 1293 to 1363. radiates a special aura, and traveling to holes reminiscent of the previous more famous Šilinė tavern. This is a mid- That was the year the castle was burned visit Panemunė is a must. -functional castles. At the end of the 18th century wooden folk architecture and never rebuilt. The southern part of 16th century the castle was erected in building. At present, the former Šilinė the city has burial grounds dating back 7. VELIUONA this quadrilateral shape. You can ad- tavern is occupied by the Panemunė to the 3rd-4th century. mire the scenery and the curves of the Folks say that this is one of the oldest Regional Park and Information Centre Nemunas from a restored 33.5 m high 6. BELVEDERIS MANOR settlements in Lithuania. It is often and a nature school. The building has castle tower. The castle is surrounded referred to in history because it is next natural and the everyday life exposi- Belvederis Manor was built according to by an entire old park of rare trees. to the flowing Nemunas; that was a tions on display. You can devote some a design by the Italian Pietro de Rosio Unfortunately, the Gediminas oak tree, natural limit to the Prussian lands, time to the Medaus Slėnis (Honey around 1840 (Belvedere means beauti- under which, according to legend, Lith- which were established by the Teutonic Valley) educational program in Šilinė. ful view). Nobleman Kazimieras Burba Order as early as the 13th century. uanian Grand Duke Gediminas last ordered of the manor built according According to historical sources, Lithua- dined having arrived in Veliuona, no 11. JURBARKAS to simulate an Italian Tuscan villa. This nia Grand Duke Gediminas visited Veli- longer blooms. There is a stone mill two-story brick house withan irregular uona, as well as fought and died there. built in 1887 as a farm building and On the left bank of the Mituva River, the plan with a three-story tower was lux- In Veliuona, the Nemunas valley slope later equipped with a mill. Jurbarkas Regional Museum operates in uriously furnished inside. The manor offers a historic monument: an archaeo- the superb former manor buildings in included not only the chambers and logical complex of mounds. The western the large park, as well as the Grybas me- park. There was a huge residential and mound is called the Hill of Peace. This is morial museum and Tourism and Busi- farm building complex, which consisted a 32 m high steep frustoconical mound. ness Information Centre. The rebuilt of about twenty buildings. At the end of

58 59 portico decorates the central building foundations and attracts visitors. While visiting Jurbarkas you should also visit the Church of the Blessed Trinity and Jurbarkas mound, known as Bišpilis.

Tourism information on your way:

Kaunas District Tourism and Jurbarkas District Tourism and Business Information Centre Business Information Centre Pilies takas 1, Raudondvaris, Kauno r. Vydūno g. 19, Jurbarkas Tel. +370 37 548118 Tel. +370 447 51485 [email protected] [email protected] CASTLES AND MANORS OF PANEMUNĖ www.kaunorajonas.lt www.jurbarkotic.lt

ROUTE:

1 9 km 2 4 km 3 6 km 4 13 km 5 1 km 6

8 km 11 14 km 10 2 km 9 9 km 8 10 km 7

Regional Park was established to preserve the unique Kaunas Lagoon dam landscape complex, large outcrops, flooded Nemunas tributary estuaries, the unique architectural complex of the Pažaislis monastery, and other natural and cultural heritage. The park includes part of the city of Kaunas, as well as the dis- trict areas of Kaunas and Kaišiadorys. The Kaunas Lagoon Regional Park area is 9,869 ha.

60 61 9. DUBRAVA ARBORETUM time is about 2 hours, distance is 3 km. The route begins on Piliuonos Gatvė, The Dubrava arboretum is currently the spot is marked on an information the only one in Lithuania. Construction booth. of the Arboretum began in 1958 at the Dubrava forest research station in the 5. ARLAVIŠKIAI EDUCATIONAL village of Vaišvydava, Kaunas. Over 1,000 TRAIL taxonomic units of woody plants have Pedestrian trail with information been collected and analysed here (bo- stands and wooden benches on a slope tanical species, subspecies, forms, and edge stretching 1.3 km. The trail over- cultivars). looks not only the slope which runs Direction of Kaunas Lagoon Regional along Kadagiai (Juniper) Valley, but PARK REGIONAL LAGOON KAUNAS also the Kaunas Lagoon curled tail and Park / Visitors Centre Dabinta Island breaking through it. Miškininkų g. 2, Vaišvydava, Kauno r. Tel. +370 37 383070 6. DUBRAVA MINOR RESERVE [email protected] EDUCATIONAL TRAIL www.kaunomarios.lt The area of Dubrava Minor Reserve is 120 ha where pines, which a man is not capable to embrace, of 33 meters high grow. About a quarter of the Dubrava mi- nor reserve area are occupied by slender birch trees and small pine trees covered Arlaviškiai Educational Trail with moss and a tussock furrowed bog. The 1.9 km long educational trail with 8 information stands on the way introduce visitors to local flora and fauna features; it winds through all the most interesting places the Dubrava Reserve. 1. THE INTERNAL EXPOSITION OF World War Railway (Palemonas) fort KAUNAS LAGOON REGIONAL 7. MERGAKALNIS OBSERVATION bunkers circuit. The Fifth Fort was built DECK PARK in 1889 and is distinguished by its lay- The transformation of the Nemunas out: pentagonal-shaped, asymmetrical, Mergakalnis is the highest point above River into a lagoon is the main theme and adapted to the environment. Fort Kaunas Lagoon. They say that in ancient of the exposition, which combines a rich territory plantations and antiaircraft times promiscuous women were tied up and dramatic history of certain villages missile base buildings construct during in bags and thrown from the cliff at this and the most significant changes in the the Soviet period shape the territory point. This place is now a resort with a 20th century Lithuanian landscape. The landscape. The fort successfully pro- beautiful landscape. Beside is you will main highlight of the exhibition is the motes a paintball club at present. see the Dovainoniai barrows, which ac- layout on which the image is projected, cording to findings date back to the 9th- which, like a time machine, takes us to 3. ŽIEGŽDRIAI GEOLOGICAL 12th century. TRAIL a distant past: we will get to see how the 8. EXPOSURE OF last glaciers retreated, the formation of The 1.6 kilometre trail begins near CONGLOMERATES IN LAŠINIAI the Nemunas and its valley, and how it Žiegždriai village. For those interested eventually turned into Kaunas Lagoon. in genealogy it will be a great oppor- This is a geological natural heritage site tunity to learn to read the history re- in Strėva Landscape Reserve of Kaunas Lagoon Regional Park. On the right 2. FIFTH FORT OF THE KAUNAS corded in the edges of crustal layers. The FORTRESS bank of the river there is the Strėva educational trail shows you porous clay ravine rock outcrop in Lašiniai village, Alongside Kaunas Lagoon there are two and conglomerate outcrops, as well as Rumšiškės, Kaišiadorys District. A huge unique pieces of Eastern European forti- grottoes. Lašiniai stone stands on the edge out- fication architecture and military his- crop 200 meters south of the Strėva riv- tory within the monumental Kaunas 4. PAKALNIŠKIAI EDUCATIONAL erbank that opens up to the impressive TRAIL Strėva exposure where geologists have fortress ring: the Fifth Fort, reminiscent found traces of amber. of Imperial Russia, the two Vaišvydava We suggest this trail for those interested bunkers, and the remains of the First in flora, birds and forest fauna. Journey

62 63 5 Arlaviškiai Educational Trail

Arlaviškės Jakštonys

Arlaviškių Kadagių slėnis

3 6 Dubrava Minor Reserve Educational Trail

DUBRAVOS REZERVATINĖ Girionys APYRUBĖ pelkė ežeras

4

9 6 2 Kapitoniškės 1

3 Žiegždriai Geological Trail

7

Žiegždrių 5 miškas Leonavas 8 Lašiniai 4 Pakalniškiai Educational Trail Žiegždriai Arlaviškės Maisiejūnai Dabinta Girionys Laumėnai

Vaišvydava

64 65 famous all over the world for their suc- edged as the highest sculpture made cessful flight across the Atlantic in 1933 of plastic bottles in the world and was and plane crash under vague circum- included in the Guiness World Records. stances when less than a tenth of their trip was left. • “Fluxus Ministerija” operated in

Kaunas in 2012-2013. It is decorated with GOOD TO KNOW • The story goes that if one makes a the greatest graffiti drawings in Lithua- wish in lovers favourite Santaka park nia, „The Wise Old Man“ (by Tadas Šim- where the bends of two rivers, the river kus and Žygimantas Amelynas). This Nemunas (in other words, man) and the drawing decorates not only the facade river Neris (in other words, woman), join of the Ministry of Fluxus, but also the it will come true. The confluence of two Kaunas panorama: the design is near rivers is like the sacrament of marriage the Confluence and well-visible from when two rivers join and never separate. both rooftops and from both sides of the river. • Kaunas is called the capital of bas- ketball, because the basketball team • There is “Sėjikas” (Seeding man) sculp- Kauno “Žalgiris” has existed for almost ture in the garden of Kaunas War Muse- 70 years in this town. Such basketball um which sows stars at night. stars as Arvydas Sabonis, Rimas Kurti- Street art painting „The Wise Old Man“ naitis, Šarūnas Marčiulionis, Šarūnas Jasikevičius, Mantas Kalnietis, Žydrūnas Ilgauskas, Donatas Motiejūnas, Paulius Jankūnas and Linas Kleiza were brought up in the capital of basketball. Kaunas holds a number of secrets and extraordinary facts. It‘s impossible to write them all down on paper, however, we be- lieve that some are really worth knowing!

• In 2018 Kaunas purchased 85 new trol- leybuses that will replace the old Skodas • Kaunas is where you will find the Vy- acters of the cartoon were huge insects which were in use for 25 years. Kaunas tautas the Great Bridge, aka the longest stag beetles. Starevičius dried them, at- found an original way to say goodbye bridge in the world. In order to bridge tached mechanical legs and joints and to the old trolleys – all of them became the transition from one bank of the Ne- moved them in front of the camera. street art and decorated the city streets munas to the other took 13 days, because • The business centre “1000” in Kaunas for more than half a year. Kaunas belonged to the Russian Empire • There was a horse-drawn tram in got into the Top 11 of the most unusual and Aleksotas to the Prussian kingdom Laisvės avenue until 1929 which was buildings of Europe composed by CNN. up to 1807. The different sides of the river called this way because a tram on a rail- com and took a respectable second had different calendars, which included ing (Lith. konkė) was drawn by horses. place. In 2010 the prestigious album of a 13-day difference. architecture “Collection: Offices” includ- ed it into the list of the 300 best world’s • It would probably be difficult to find office buildings. In 2009 Lithuanian a out when a Lithuanian drank the first record registration agency “Factum” re- mug of beer but breweries were known corded that a banknote of one thousand in Lithuania from the oldest times. The litas depicted on the building is the big- beginning of brewage in Kaunas was the gest stained glass in our country. steam beer and malt factory built by the merchant I. B. Volfas in 1853 where • The most beautiful Christmas trees “Volfas beer” was brewed for the first are in Kaunas. According to the people time. of Lithuania. Four years in a row the • S. Darius and S. Girėnas Airport, which most originally decorated Christmas • In 1910 the first puppet cartoon in the still operates until the present day trees are the decoration of the Kaunas world “Fight of Stag Beetles” was created which was established in honour of pi- Old Town. In 2012 an emerald 16 me- in Kaunas. The author of the cartoon is lots Stasys Darius and Steponas Girėnas, tre high Christmas tree was acknowl- Vladislovas Starevičius. The main char-

66 67 Exercises for LITHUANIA Yes – taip strengthening neck Capital: Vilnius No – ne Currency: Euro (EUR) Sorry – atsiprašau and back muscles Time Zone: UTC +2/Summertime UTC +3 Cheers – į sveikatą Climate: average annual temperature Nice to meet you – malonu susipažinti

+7.2° C, July +18.4° C. GOOD TO KNOW USEFUL PHRASES Religion: Roman Catholic Long walks in a big city certainly exhaust not only your legs, but Internet top-level domain extension: .lt The Old Town – senamiestis the back as well. Besides fatigue, neck, back muscles get tense as Telephone code: +370 Do you speak English? – Ar kalbate an- well, so it is necessary to relax and strengthen them. Everyone can gliškai? KAUNAS I don’t understand – nesuprantu do that simply at home. Help yourself avoid back pain, feel wonder- How much (does it cost)? – Kiek (kain- ful, and continue strolling along Kaunas streets! The city’s foundation date: 1361 (men- tioned in written sources for the first uoja)? time) What’s your name? – Koks tavo vardas? City area: 158 km2 Where is...? – Kur yra...? Sitting position, straight back, Population: 288363 Could you help me? – Ar galėtumėte palm over the ear. Ethnicity: 93% Lithuanian, man padėti? Breathe in; breathe out and simultaneously 4% Russian, 3% other. Tea – arbata push the head into the palm Official city website: www.kaunas.lt Coffee – kava Beer – alus (resist this movement with the palm). PUBLIC HOLIDAYS Shop – parduotuvė Repeat for the other side. (NON-WORKING DAYS) January 1 - New Year, Lithuanian Flag ADVICE Sitting position, straight back, Day lock hands behind your neck. Breathe in; February 16 – Lithuanian Independence EMERGENCY NUMBER breathe out and simultaneously push the head Day back (resist this movement with your hands). March 11 - Lithuanian Independence In case of an accident or if you need the Restoration Day help of the police, a doctor or firefight- ers, call 112. An additional code is not Sitting position. May 01 - International Labour Day June 24 - Rasos (Dew Day – pagan ver- necessary when calling from mobile or Stretch forward with your straight arms sion of St. John’s Day) fixed phone. clasped (tilt your head toward your chest), July 06 - State Day (Coronation of King hold for 15 sec and relax. Mindaugas of Lithuania) GROUND FLOOR August 15 - Žolinės (Grass Day – pagan The ground floor in Lithuania is known Back-lying position, knees bent. version of Assumption of Mary) as the first floor. Raise the pelvis upward, hold it for 4-5 sec and November 01 - All Saints Day, Day of the Dead SMOKING IN PUBLIC go back to the starting position slowly. December 24 - Christmas Eve December 25-26 – Christmas Smoking is banned in cafes, restau- Back-lying position, knees bent. rants, and public buildings. Smoking UNDERSTAND LITHUANIAN is also prohibited in some urban areas Breathe in; breathe out marked by special signs. (exhalation time 5 sec) and The Lithuanian language is the state simultaneously push the waist down. language of Lithuania and an official TIPS language of the European Union. Most Lithuanians speak this language. The It is not obligatory to leave tips. However, it On all fours. Lithuanian alphabet consists of 32 capi- is recommended to leave about 10 % of the Lower your buttocks on the heels, tal and small Latin letters. sum for good service. simultaneously stretching DRINKING IN PUBLIC PLACES your arms forward, POLITE EXPRESSIONS hold this position for 15 sec. Hello – labas (informally) Drinking alcohol in public places Hello – laba diena (formaly) (streets, parks and public transport) is Goodbye – iki (informally) prohibited. You may savour alcoholic Goodbey – viso gero (formally) drinks in bars, cafés or restaurants. The Please – prašau sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited Thank you – ačiū from 8 p.m. until 10 a.m. (I-VI) and from 3 p.m. until 10 a.m. on Sundays (except in bars, cafés, restaurants, etc.). More information on sanatorija.lt 68 69 TASTE IT! TAKE IT HOME

BLACK BREAD BLACK BREAD It is the pride of Lithuanian cuisine. It was Lithuanians special pride which was the highly valued and even called “sacred”. main meal in Lithuanian villages up to

From old times Lithuanians related it the 20th century. The types of tradi- GOOD TO KNOW with magic and superstitious beliefs. tional Lithuanian bread are the follow- ing: rye bread, wheat bread and triticale COLD BEETROOT SOUP bread. "ŠALTIBARŠČIAI" AMBER Traditional pink cold soup made of beetroots and served with boiled pota- It is called “Lithuanian gold”. Amber toes. This dish is especially popular in is used to create unique jewellery and summer. unusual art works; it is distinguished for its stimulating and strengthening POTATO DUMPLINGS properties. Therefore, from old times it "CEPELINAI" has been used not only for decoration This dish made of grated and/or mashed but also for treatment. Lithuanians’ an- boiled potatoes with meat, curds or oth- cestors protected themselves from the er things, also called “big dumplings”. dark powers by wearing amber amulets. It is an inseparable part of traditional Amber therapy is becoming more and cuisine. more popular: amber spirits and prepa- rations with amber acid, oil or powder BAROQUE TREE CAKE "ŠAKOTIS" are made, healing and strengthening amber tea is drunk. This high branchy hollow baked prod- uct which resembles a fir is one of the FLAX most popular confectionery products in Lithuanian cuisine. Lithuanian monas- Also called “North silk”. Through the teries started to bake "Šakotis" in 20th centuries Lithuanians have cherished century. It’s a great dessert! traditions of flax growing and process- ing which are valued not only in Lithua- nia. We suggest that you buy flax textile products of high quality in specialized shops.

WOOD You may buy unique wooden craftwork the stock of which is really large: from housewares up to jewellery.

Cold70 beetroot soup "Šaltibarščiai" 71 ARRIVAL

KAUNAS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Oro uosto g. 4, Karmėlava, Kauno r. www.kaunas-airport.lt

KAUNAS BUS STATION Vytauto pr. 24, Kaunas www.autobusubilietai.lt

KAUNAS TRAIN STATION M. K. Čiurlionio g. 16, Kaunas www.litrail.lt

IN THE CITY

CITY BEE Car and bike sharing service on your phone!

TAXIFY Transportation network in Kaunas. With a promo code KAUNASIN get a 7 Eur discount for your first journey.

TRAFI Follow the public transport movement in real time with Trafi app or on the internet.

LUGGAGE STORAGE

AT THE TRAIN STATION www.litrail.lt

AT KAUNAS BUS STATION www.siuntosautobusais.lt

AT KAUNAS AIRPORT www.packandfly.lt

Photo authors: A. Aleksandravičius, A. Bykovas, G. Česonis, K. Čyžiūtė, S. Jankauskas, N. Paluckas, M. Stasiulionytė.

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