CONTEMPORARY Kaunas E N - Visit Kaunas
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CONTEMPORARY
Kaunas
33 p.
Interwar signs
in Kaunas 51 p.
Active tourism 60 p.
2 p. 39 p. Kaunas lagoon
Intro to Kaunas Arts and culture 53 p. regional park
Water
26 p. 46 p. attractions 65 p.
Museums Festivals and Good to know!
events 55 p.
29 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
INTRO TO KAUNAS > OLD TOWN
the church and turned it into a ware-
European attitude and its vast house. The Church was returned to the
history. It is strategically the most Bernardine monks in 2005. The church
convenient meeting point in the was decorated with baroque wooden in-
country! Current architecture, stallations in the 18th century: a pulpit,
impressive interwar modernism and organ choir with wooden galleries, and 8
the old town rooftops all altars. Some of them have survived to this
complement each other. It‘s day. The church interior is dominated by
best to start your trip in the Old Gothic elements and Baroque features.
Town – enjoyable experiences There is an operating monastery on the
await! south side of the church.
1. KAUNAS CASTLE 3. SANTAKA PARK
(Pilies g. 17) (Santakos g.)
www.kaunomuziejus.lt What we call the heart of Kaunas. Walk-
The castle at the confluence of the Ne- ing around it you can see how the Ne-
munas and Neris rivers was built in munas and the Neris rivers converge.
the 14th century to defend against the Santaka Park has plenty of tourist at-
onslaught of crusaders. This is not only tractions: the altar that was used to
one of the first stone castles in Lithua- perform pagan rituals, Pope Hill, where
nia, but also the only one that has two Pope John Paul II visited and held holy
rows of defensive walls. A settlement mass in 1993 and Pope Francis in 2018, a
that grew into the current city was statue of John Paul II, St. George’s church
created around the Gothic defences. and the Bernardine monastery ensem-
Kaunas castle first mentioned in written ble, Kaunas Castle.
sources in 1361. According to legend,
Queen Bona Sforza’s troops mysteriously 4. KAUNAS TOWN HALL AND
disappeared in the tunnels underneath. SQUARE
Although it was restored multiple times, (Rotušės a. 15)
the castle lost its importance in 1408 www.kaunomuziejus.lt
when Kaunas was granted Magdeburg
Kaunas was granted the Magdeburg rights
rights and the life of the whole city
in 1408, which meant the city could have
moved to the Market (Town Hall) Square.
self-government and control of trade.
The castle was home to a prison in the
The marketplace and elected government
16th century and the souls of the prison’s
(magistrate) headquarters comprised
inmates have not found peace to this
the nucleus of the city. The main trade
very day, haunting the castle still by
route went through the current Town
night. At present, the castle houses the
Hall Square; there was a market, too.
Museum of Kaunas and annual cultural
Merchants’ families stayed around this
events are held in and around it. Near
square, building houses and setting up
the castle stands an almost 7-meter high
shop. When the city joined the Hanseat-
bronze sculpture “Freedom Warrior”.
ic League, the square became even more
important because it operated as a com-
2. ST. GEORGE THE MARTYR
mercial centre for the city and the sur-
CHURCH AND BERNARDINE
rounding area. The square is where trade
MONASTERY
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
Kaunas Old Town is the dine monks settled in the city. The church Town Hall Square. There have been var-
oldest part of the city was destroyed by fire and war many times ious premises in the building: a pharma-
covering 144 ha. Here you and had to be rebuilt. In 1812 Napoleon’s cy, post office, small workshop, shops, and
can easily find Gothic, army turned it into a flour warehouse. residential houses. The most important
Renaissance and Baroque The last great reconstruction took place in building in the Town Hall Square is Town
style buildings. 1936. Later, the Soviet government closed Hall. Construction began in 1542. The
2 3
termined the bust to be purchased from
INTRO TO KAUNAS > OLD TOWN
Hanseatic merchants. Probably most
homes were built for commercial affairs,
and the name of the Perkūnas House
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
romantic poets who lived in Kaunas.
7. THE KAUNAS BLESSED VIRGIN
MARY OF THE ASSUMPTION
CHURCH (AKA THE VYTAUTAS
THE GREAT CHURCH)
(Aleksoto g. 3)
This is oldest church in Kaunas, built in
1400. It is the only Gothic-style church
with a crossshaped plan in Lithuania.
According to historians, the Lithuanian
Grand Duke Vytautas was beaten up in
battle with the Tatars at Vorskla and
almost drowned in the river. Upon his
rescue, to show his gratitude, Vytau-
tas promised the Virgin Mary to build
a church on the bank of the river. The
Vytautas the Great Bridge church first referred to in documents in
1439, belonged to the Franciscans. The
waterfront at the Vytautas church was
equipped with a marina so that sail-
boats could moor, and later steamers. In
stately building is filled with a Gothic, the museum unveiled acommemorative Mickevičius taught and lived. This is
1877 a Nemunas water level gauging sta-
Baroque, and early classicist spirit; at all, plaque to Władysław Starewicz, a pup- confirmed by a memorial plaque on the
tion was established next to the church.
slender tower like a swan’s neck sprouts in pet animation pioneer, often called the school building. At present, the school is
The station meter is installed on a
the sky the main facade. Town Hall is of- European Walt Disney. Starewicz worked a Jesuit Gymnasium.
granite wall. Zero altitude is 20.8 meters
ten referred to as the White Swan because in the building for a while. A memorial
above sea level.
of its shape and colour. Its 53-meter-high plaque to him is held by insect sculptures 6. THE HOUSE OF PERKŪNAS
tower is the tallest in the Old Town. The depicting the director’s three main car- (Aleksoto g. 6)
8. VYTAUTAS THE GREAT BRIDGE
current Town Hall is not the first in toon characters: a stag-beetle, an ant, and www.perkunonamas.lt
Kaunas. The preceding one was destroyed a grasshopper. Aka the longest bridge in the world. In
It is considered to be the only trading order to cross the bridge from one bank
by fire and then rebuilt. Through various post in Lithuania that belonged to the
centuries, the purpose of the Town Hall 5. THE KAUNAS ST. FRANCIS of the Nemunas to the other took 13
Hanseatic merchants. This is an old days, because Kaunas belonged to the
changed: this is where the city’s markets, XAVIER CHURCH (JESUIT) monument to original Gothic architec-
fairs, and trials took place; 9 wax melting (Rotušės a. 8) Russian Empire and Aleksotas to the
ture, built in the second half of the 15th Prussian kingdom up to 1807. The dif-
furnaces, a prison, and warehouses were The south side of Town Hall Square is century. It is a stone building with an
operated under the Town Hall building ferent sides of the river had different
dominated by a Baroque Jesuit church ornate pediment and a spacious base-
cobblestones. Currently, the Town Hall calendars, which included a 13-day dif-
with a convent and school buildings ment. The main facade of the building
holds ceremonies and official events. ference. During World War II the bridge
on either side. Construction of this late is decorated with rectangular niches
At the town hall entrance you can see was blown up twice, only to be reborn
Baroque style, rectangular, two-tow- and a decorative solar symbol composed
a unique 15th century wax melting fur- in 1948 (architect Levas Kazarinskis); the
er church began in 1666, but it was of glazed stones. The real purpose of the
nace. Kaunas City Museum is located in bridge retraction mechanism is still of
only consecrated in 1759. The Jesuit house is unknown. Legend has it that a
the Town Hall (www.kaunomuziejus.lt). use today. Having crossed the Nemunas
monastery terrace operates a viewing sculpture of the god Perkūnas was dis-
Its departments accumulate works of you can try the funicular and the climb
platform overlooking the Town Hall covered in one of the walls here and that
city history, science and industry, culture to the Aleksotas area where you will see
Square and the beauty of Old Town. priestesses kept an eternal flame lit here.
and the arts, and archaeology, as well as a breathtaking panorama of Kaunas.
Next to the school in the church However, researchers have collected a
audiovisual materials. It is symbolic that in 1819-1823, romantic poet Adomas number of items from the house and de-
4 5
9. THE ALEKSOTAS FUNICULAR
INTRO TO KAUNAS > OLD TOWN
providing it with income. Other Grand
AND OBSERVATION DECK Dukes of Lithuania also cared for the
(Amerikos Lietuvių g. 6) parish Church: Aleksandras, Žygiman-
Kaunas is the only city in the Baltics tas Senasis, Zigmantas Vaza, Jonas Ka-
where you can use this type of transpor- zimieras Vaza, and Stanislovas Augustas
tation. It is one of the oldest funiculars Poniatovskis. The church was one of
in Europe, in operation since 1935, still the first and oldest brick buildings in
used for transport, as well as an attrac- Kaunas. Gothic and Renaissance styles
tion. The Aleksotas funicular connects dominate the architecture, and in the
the old part of the city with the Alek- interior the most prominent is the
sotas hillside overlooking the beautiful Baroque layer with historicism
panorama of Kaunas Old Town. (neo-gothic, neo-baroque) and 20th-21st
century complements. The Cathedral
10. BENEDICTINE MONASTERY has nine altar. Especially valuable are
AND ST. NICHOLAS CHURCH the sacristy’s first and second floor crys-
(Benediktinių g. 8) tal vaults. This is a late Gothic decora-
tive design, the building of which was
The monastery complex is situated in the highest testament of mastery to
the northern part of the Old Town in each craftsman who worked on it. This
Kaunas, on the Antakalnis hillside. The is one of the most extensive vaults in
building complex consists of the church, Europe. The western wall contains the
convent, and rectory. The Gothic church grave of Jonas Mačiulis Maironis, priest
of St. Nicholas was built in the 15th cen- and poet. Also burried in the chatedral
tury. In the beginning of the 17th cen- are Žemaitija bishop Motiejus Valančius,
tury, nobleman Andriejus Skorulskis of as well as the first cardinol of Lithuania,
the Grand Duchy of Lithuania appaled Vincentas Sladkevičius.
The Kaunas St. Peter and St. Paul Cathedral
to King Zigmantas (Sigismund) III ask-
ing the church to donate to the yet- 12. VILNIAUS GATVĖ (VILNIUS dence for the President’s family, central learn about the unique and plentiful
to-be Kulm Congregation Benedictine STREET) heating was put in, and the second floor Kaunas interwar modernist architec-
monastery. During the 18th century, gallery was encased in glass. During the tural heritage, which is a reflection of
the Holy Heart of Jesus Brotherhood was It is the central and most beautiful
street of the Old Town. It is the oldest presidency of Antanas Smetona, the ter- the intelligentsia, industry, govern-
founded at the St. Nicholas Church and ritory of the Presidential Palace was en- ment, and diplomatic institutions that
for some time the monastery operated street in the city, part of the former me-
dieval road to Vilnius. Following recon- closed with a new fence, which remains once moved here. To this day, Kaunas
a school for girls. Until the beginning to this day. The first floor premises at the remains probably the only city in the
of the 19th century the monastery was struction it became exclusively pedestri-
an and continues to be the axis of the Presidential Palace had been designated world where so many modernist, Ger-
wooden; a stone monastery building was for work, and the second floor had two man Bauhaus style buildings were built
only built in the 19th century. There was old town. Many of the buildings on the
road were wooden. Later came the red- drawing rooms for official receptions. and still stand: the former Lithuanian
a refectory on the first floor, as well as Official government delegation recep- Post, Kaunas State Musical Theatre,
cells and various utility rooms; on the brick houses of wealthy citizens, some of
which have survived to this day. tions took place in the larger one, such Bank of Lithuania, and many others.
second floor there were more cells. After as foreign diplomats presenting letters Also on Laisvės Alėja you will see the
the closure of the monastery the church of credence to the President. Nowadays monument of Vytautas the Great, as well
was used as a public library books repos- 13. HISTORICAL PRESIDENTIAL
PALACE the Museum of the Historical Presiden- as a sculpture standing near the foun-
itory in 1948-1990. In 1990 the church was tial Palace in Kaunas is located in this tain of Danielius Dolskis, pop song pio-
repaired and returned to the faithful; (Vilniaus g. 33)
www.istorineprezidentura.lt building. Sculptures of the Presidents neer of the Lithuanian interwar period.
the Congregation of Benedictine Sisters of the Republic of Lithuania who there The avenue is full of restaurants, cafés,
returned to the monastery. The altar of Construction of the Presidential build- worked can be seen in the courtyard. and cosy shops.
Saint Benedict and three 18th-19th cen- ing began in 1846. When Kaunas became
tury paintings have survived from the the provisional capital (1919-1939), all the 14. LAISVĖS ALĖJA (FREEDOM 15. ST. GERTRUDE CHURCH
old church facilities. political, economic, and cultural life AVENUE) (Laisvės al. 101A)
moved here. All three of the then-pres- www.gertrudosbaznycia.lt
11. THE KAUNAS ST. PETER AND idents of the Republic of Lithuania When you visit Kaunas, you must
ST. PAUL CATHEDRAL worked and lived in the Presidential walk down this important street in Built in the second half of the 15th cen-
(Vilniaus g. 1) Palace: Antanas Smetona, Aleksandras Naujamiestis (New Town), Kaunas, which tury. This is one of the most exclusive
www.kaunoarkikatedra.lt Stulginskis, and Kazys Grinius. In 1923- is one of the longest pedestrian streets Lithuanian Gothic monuments. The
1924, during Aleksandras Stulginskis’ in Europe. The street is nearly 1.7 kilo- crucifix sculpture, which has long been
This was established by Duke Vytautas meters long and points exactly east and famous for its graces, is the most valu-
the Great in about 1413. In 1430 Vytautas presidency, the building was renovated.
The first floor was turned into a resi- west. Walking down Laisvės Alėja you able sacred thing at the Church of St.
granted funding to the church, will have the unique opportunity to Gertrude. Next to the church in the can-
6 7
dle shrine donors can light candles that
INTRO TO KAUNAS > NEW TOWN
burn for 7 days, during which people
pray for each other. It teaches compas-
sion even to complete strangers.
16. KAUNAS STATE
PHILHARMONIC
(L. Sapiegos g. 5)
www.kaunofilharmonija.lt
The place was built in 1928. It was de-
signed by the architect Edmundas
Frykas. The building is four stories high
and is neoclassical style with Art Deco
elements. Initially, the building was in-
tended only for the Ministry of Justice,
but later they decided to house the Sei-
mas there too. Currently, national pro-
fessional music culture and traditions
are nurtured and developed at the Phil-
harmonic, Lithuanian and foreign mu-
sic is performed, and the world of musi-
cal culture is conveyed creatively.
17. CHORAL OHEL YAAKOV SYN-
AGOGUE IN KAUNAS
(E. Ožeškienės g. 13)
www.kaunasjews.lt
This is the only surviving synagogue and
Jewish prayer house still in operation in
Kaunas, built in 1872. The synagogue is
called choral, because ceremonies are
carried out there accompanied by the
choir singing. The reformed choral syn-
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
shared past of the courtyard. V. Jakas
started transferring photos of Jewish
families that used to live here on build-
ing walls and received great support.
One by one other objects appear in the
courtyard, new artists leave their mark,
neighbours’ celebrations take place,
tourists come round. However, let‘s not
Kaunas State Philharmonic
forget that people who live here have the
right to peace and quiet.
8 9
COURTYARD GALLERY –
is the only gallery in
Lithuania open 24/7. Exhibits
are beeing updated
ALL THE TIME!
10 11
19. MONUMENT TO VYTAUTAS 21. KAUNAS STATE DRAMA
INTRO TO KAUNAS > NEW TOWN
THE GREAT THEATRE
(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
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 22. CHAMBERS OF THE BANK
Crusades were isolating Lithuania from OF LITHUANIA
the rest of the Western countries. Jogai- (Maironio g. 25)
la introduced Christianity in Aukštaiti- Designed by the architect Michael Son-
ja (the Highlands) and began to elimi- gaila in 1924, it is one of the most lux-
nate the isolation, but turned control of urious and presentable buildings of
the Lithuanian state over to Poland. In interwar Lithuania. Classical elements
the year 1409, Vytautas the Great final- of architecture, expensive materials,
ly took back Žemaitija (the Lowlands) and works of art testify to the indepen-
from the Teutonic Order, which he dent Lithuania’s rising ambitions in the Kaunas State Musical Theatre
later christened. The greatest of Vytau- young state’s economic strength and
tas’ merits is considered to be routing faith in the country’s future. The third
the Teutonic Order at the Battle of Žalgi- floor of the building was Prime Minis-
ris (Battle of Grunwald) in 1410. Vytautas ter Augustinas Voldemaras’ apartment
won global fame as the greatest military pictures. The artistic ideas of romanti- warfare from ancient times by noting
with a library, office, formal reception cism, symbolism, and Art Nouveau are the most important events in history.
leader of a late medieval battle. hall and bank keepers’ apartments. The interlaced in the works of M. K. Čiurlio- Construction of the museum began in
purpose of the chambers of the Bank of nis. The museum contains the creative 1919. At the same time the small garden
20. KAUNAS STATE MUSICAL Lithuania has not changed since their
THEATRE AND THE CITY legacy of the most famous Lithuanian was planted honouring those who died
construction to the present day. composer and painter, M. K. Čiurlionis, for Lithuanian independence. You will
GARDEN
Lithuanian folk art and artistic life in find a fieldstone monument to those
(Laisvės al. 91) 23. DEVILS MUSEUM Lithuania archives, 15th-20th century who died for the freedom of Lithuania in
www.muzikinisteatras.lt (V. Putvinskio g. 64) Lithuanian fine and applied art, foreign this garden. Here stands the altar hold-
Lithuanian professional theater arts – www.ciurlionis.lt fine and applied art, arts of the ancient ing lit the eternal flame, the tomb of
theatre, opera, and ballet – were born Kaunas is home to the world’s only world, as well as numismatics. Today, the Unknown Soldier, as well as the fa-
in the hall of the theater and survived Devils Museum. A collection of more together with M. K. Čiurlionis museum, mous Bernardas Bučas “Sėjikas” (“Seed-
there throughout the entire period of than 3,000 devils is kept here. Museum the Military Museum is located in the er”) sculpture, which seeds the night
independent interwar Lithuania. The exhibits come from Armenia, Yakutia, same building, only on the opposite side. sky with stars. The “Laisvės” (“Freedom”)
first ballet was performed there in Mexico, Cuba, Ukraine, Japan, and other monument is the focal point of the
1948 and the first opera in 1951. Next countries. 25. THE VYTAUTAS THE GREAT garden and a symbol of the city. In the
to the musical theatre is the city gar- WAR MUSEUM garden of the museum you can hear
den, which is decorated with busts of 24. M. K. ČIURLIONIS NATIONAL (K. Donelaičio g. 64) belfry carillon bells playing thirty-five
Lithuanian composers, artists, and MUSEUM OF ART www.vdkaromuziejus.lt different concerts and admire the
singers. There is a monument built in (V. Putvinskio g. 55) wooden crosses memorializing those
the garden near Laisvės Alėja in honor The Military Museum collection con-
www.ciurlionis.lt sists of archaeological finds, weapons who died for the independence of
of Romas Kalanta, known for his public Lithuania (Lithuanian cross crafting
self-immolation protesting Soviet re- M. K. Čiurlionis was a globally recognized and firearms, ammunition sets, a col-
lection of foreign army uniforms, as is a traditional Lithuanian branch of
gime in this spot. This act led to demon- Lithuanian painter and composer. His folk art entered into the UNESCO
strations in the city, people demanded creative period lasted only a little more well as belongings and documents from
the Lituanica flight across the Atlantic. Humanity’s Oral and Intangible
freedom for Lithuania. The monument than a decade, but during this time he Cultural Heritge List in 2001). It features
was unveiled in 2002. managed to create more than 400 works The continuously updated expositions
and exhibitions will enable you to get a small book smugglers’ garden, the
of music and painted more than 300 “Knygnešys” (“Book Smuggler”)
acquainted with Lithuanian and global
12 13
INTRO TO KAUNAS > NEW TOWN
monument and wall in honour of the above the head construction that sym-
famous book smugglers. bolises hope and lives saved from the
holocaust.
26. ŽALIAKALNIS FUNICULAR
(Aušros g. 6) 29. KAUNAS PICTURE GALLERY
www.kaunoliftai.lt (K. Donelaičio g. 16)
The funicular is a unique vehicle still www.ciurlionis.lt
used today with working traction, Established in 1979. This place hosts
authentic pre-war wagons, wooden Lithuanian and foreign artists’ exhi-
benches, and station houses. Even bitions, educational programs, and a
today chairlift funicular raises people variety of artistic projects. Most of the
up onto the mountain to see best views art and iconography exhibition was do-
of the city skyline. You can reach the nated to the city by Prof. Algimantas
monumental Resurrection Church from Miškinis. An interesting highlight of
the city centre by taking the Žaliakalnis the main hall galleries is the “Juodoji
funicular. This is a sort of short skylė” (“Black Hole”) installation by Ay-
railway with cables equipped on the O, the famous Japanese artist, who dedi-
steep hillside of Žaliakalnis. The funic- cated it to his associate Jurgis Mačiūnas
ular railway has been running since (Kaunas-born pioneer of the avant-gar-
1931, accommodates 25 passengers, and de movement).
moves 1,4 m/s. The trip takes 1 minute
40 seconds. 30. THE KAUNAS SOBOR, ST.
MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL
27. MONUMENTAL CHRIST’S (GARRISON) CHURCH
RESURRECTION CHURCH (Nepriklausomybės a. 14)
(Žemaičių g. 31B) A neo-byzantine-style building, stand-
www.prisikelimas.lt ing in the eastern part Laisvės Alėja,
When Lithuania regained its indepen- was specially designed for the centre
dence in 1922, the people of the tempo- of the square. In 1895 Russian Czar Al-
rary capital decided to build a church exander III ordered construction of the
as a symbol of giving thanks to God for Orthodox Cathedral for the Kaunas
the regained freedom. The architect fortress garrison, as a representational
Karolis Reisonas designed the church, structure, expressing luxury and official
and construction began in 1932 funded status. The Sobor was designed by Rus-
by donations; but in 1940 the church sian architects and decorated by Peters-
building was seized. Work was already burg artists. In 1919 it was transformed
coming to an end when Lithuania lost into a Catholic St. Michael the Archan-
its independence, only the interior was gel church garrison. In 1965 the church
yet to be installed and the outside was became a stained glass and sculp-
not plastered. A radio factory mechani- ture gallery. After the restoration of
cal workshop was installed there in 1952. independence, the St. Michael the Arch-
The building was returned to the reli- angel Catholic Church is nowoperat-
gious community in 1989. The church ing again, and once again the once re-
was consecrated just in 2004, 70 years moved crosses are raised high. Church
after the beginning of construction. music concerts and performances by
actors are often held, and exhibitions are
28. MEMORIAL TO JAN continually on display.
ZWARTENDIJK
(In front of Laisvės al. 29)
In June 2018 on the Freedom Avenue in
Kaunas Willem Alexander of the Neth-
erlands, Zwartendijk‘s children, Lithua-
nian President Dalia Grybauskaitė and
a hundred locals and visitors revealed a
memorial by Dutch artist Giny Vos. This The Kaunas Sobor, St.Monumental
Michael the Christ’s
Archangel (Garrison) Church
Resurrection Church
light installation is a subtle, hanging
14 15
37. BOTANICAL GARDEN OF
INTRO TO KAUNAS
forms typical architectural features of
mosques, i.e. an elliptical dome and tall VYTAUTAS MAGNUS UNIVERSITY
slimming square tower, or minaret. The (Ž. E. Žilibero g. 6, 5 km from the city
Kaunas mosque has only one entrance, centre)
but two floors, the second of which is a www. botanika.vdu.lt
spacious balcony for women. Men pray The botanical garden, founded in 1923,
on the first floor. invites you to a magical introduction
to the stunning world of plants. The
34. SUGIHARA HOUSE biggest rosarium in Lithuania, the or-
(Vaižganto g. 30, 3.2 km from the city angery that dates back to the interwar
centre) period, a mature park of unique beauty
www.sugiharahouse.com with romantic bridges, the historical
Established in 1999. This was set up surrounding of Aukštoji Freda Manor –
through the efforts of Lithuanian and all this comprises a perfect space for
Belgian intellectuals and businessmen relaxation and worthwhile activities.
to commemorate the Japanese diplomat
38. KAUNAS FORTS
Chiune Sugihara. The Japanese Consul-
ate operated in the building in 1939-1940. (IX fort: Žemaičių pl. 73, 7 km from the
Chiune Sugihara became famous when city centre) www.9fortomuziejus.lt
he saved the lives of six thousand Lith- (VII fort: Archyvo g. 61, 3 km from the
uanian, Polish, and German Jews during city centre) www.septintasfortas.lt
World War II. He issued them lifelong (VI fort: K. Baršausko g., 7 km from the
visas to Japan without official Japanese city centre) www.kaunotvirtove.lt
government approval. On the eve of the First World War, Kaunas
was surrounded by nine forts, batteries,
35. OAK GROVE and other defensive fortifications there.
George Mačiūnas Square
(Sporto g., 3.6 km from the city centre) The Kaunas fortress reflects the era’s
The Kaunas Oak Grove is the largest in engineering solutions and building
Europe. Its total area is 84.42 ha. Here opportunities. The Seventh and Ninth
31. MYKOLAS ŽILINSKAS ART 32. GEORGE MAČIŪNAS SQUARE forts have been adapted for visitors.
you can see the “Stumbras” (“Bison”)
GALLERY (reconstruction) (Donelaičio g./ Parodos g./ Vytauto pr. They feature museums that present the
sculpture, walk through the valley of
(Nepriklausomybės a. 12) junction) history of the fortifications.
the poet Adomas Mickevičius, admire
www.ciurlionis.lt It‘s the first square in the world where the monument to the legendary flight
The gallery was built in 1989. The gal- pedestrians can‘t get to and that isn‘t of the Lithuanian pilots Darius Steponas 39. ŽALGIRI0 ARENA
lery was named after Mykolas Žilinskas, even visible to them. This idea was and Stasys Girėnas, as well as visit the (Karaliaus Mindaugo pr. 50)
honoring the significant art collector proposed and executed by painter Nag- “Dainų slėnis” (“Valley of Songs”). The www.zalgirioarena.lt
who enriched many Lithuanian art col- lis Rytis Baltušnikas in July 2017. The Oak Grove is a popular place for walks In 2011 Žalgiris arena in Kaunas was
lections. The gallery houses the donated square is painted in white paint at and athletics. opened – it is the biggest multifunction-
collection of Mykolas Žilinskas, the art the foot of Parodos hill where Parodos al arena in the Baltic states that can ac-
he gifted to Kaunas: Ancient Egyptian street, K. Donelaitis street and Vytau- 36. STUMBRAS MUSEUM commodate up to 17 500 people. Various
art, 17t-20th century European decora- tas avanue meet. On the road surface (K. Būgos g. 7, 3.2 km from the city events are held here: from basketball,
tive-applied art, 17th-18th century Ital- a Fluxus Aztec is drawn showing his centre) handball, volleyball, indoor football,
ian paintings, second half of 19th centu- tongue. This particular place was cho- body-building, figure skating competi-
This is a unique opportunity for you
ry and 20th century Western European sen because Jurgis Mačiūnas lived in the tions to concerts, theatre performances,
to get acquainted with the history and
paintings, first half of the 20th century house number 1 on Parodos street when film festivals, exhibitions and private
evolution of the emergence of Lithua-
Baltic paintings and sculptures. Pet- he was a child. He is one of the founders events. There’s also a cosy restaurant
nian alcohol production, as well as the
ras Mazūras’ famous sculpture, “Man”, of Fluxus movement so the inaccessible Sala. Žalgiris arena is the home arena of
subtleties of tasting and the rules. The
depicting a naked man stands in the gal- square was named after him. Kaunas Žalgiris basketball team which
equipment used for the production pro-
lery courtyard. “Man” is clothed during is the most beloved in Kaunas and the
cess, the labels, packaging, and the pro-
playful promotions and in particular to 33. KAUNAS MOSQUE most accomplished in Lithuania as well
cess of how Stumbras is produced and
keep from freezing in winter. operating (Totorių g. 6) as a team that takes part in the highest
bottled today are all presented here.
again, and once again the once removed It is the only stone mosque in Lithua- level European championship. For those,
crosses are raised high. Church music nia. Historicist forms and oriental mo- who want to find out more about arena’s
concerts and performances by actors tifs highlighting the structure’s purpose architectural solutions, Žalgiris history,
are often held, and exhibitions are con- intertwine in the compact, low-volume basketball and fans, excursions are or-
tinually on display. mosque. The silhouette of the building ganised.
16 17Nothing is likely to evoke more excitement and
a burst of emotions than a visit to a Euroleague
basketball game in Žalgiris Arena. It is an absolute
must, when visiting Kaunas! And if your first visit
is to a home game of Žalgiris – you are likely to
remember it for the rest of your life. Enhance your
impression with the package #ZALGIRISVIRGIN. The
game schedule and tickets
are available at: www.zalgiris.lt
18 1940. PAŽAISLIS (ST. VIRGIN
INTRO TO KAUNAS
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
20 2144. ŽEMAITKIEMIS – BABTYNAS Akademija in the Kaunas district.
MANOR In 1920, Prof. Ivanauskas purchased 8 ha
INTRO TO KAUNAS > KAUNAS DISTRICT
INTRO TO KAUNAS > KAUNAS DISTRICT
(Žemaitkiemio k., Kauno r., 34 km from land plot from the former Marva man-
Kaunas city centre) or, built a residential house and other
www.senasdvaras.lt structures and established there the
The right bank of the Nevėžis opens a Obelynės botanical garden. The name
view to the white roofs of the Žemait- of the garden was derived from the
kiemis - Babtynas manor. The manor wild apple trees and hawthorns abun-
was established in the 16th c. by the dantly flowering in the slopes. Obelynės
Šiukštos family. In the inter-war period, Park covers a territory of about 6.5 ha.
the manor was purchased by the gen- The plant collection in the park counts
eral Vladas Nagevičius. In 1999, a busi- more than 300 species and forms of
nessman, Mindaugas Šventoraitis pur- trees and bushes. The Obelynė Park is
chased the manor and started reviving proud of one of the oldest trees on the
this precious art and culture centre. In planet – a Ginkgo biloba, and a dawn
addition to restoring the buildings the redwood growing in the park since 1959.
Lithuanian Folk Museum project included the replanting of
greenery, flower gardens, and the way- 47. RESORT TERRITORY
41. BIRŠTONAS RESORT of Lithuania in one place. From May to side shrines that had once marked the The resort territory in Kaunas District,
(Birštonas, 46 km from Kaunas city September you can even reach the mu- corners of the manor’s territory. Nowa- which embraces Kačerginė, Kulautu-
centre) seum by boat. days the manor is a venue for elite art va and partially Zapyškis town, invites
Birštonas is one of the oldest and the events – concerts of the Pažaislis music visitors for relaxation. The towns are
most beautiful resorts for balneother- festivals, and art planers. The manor joined by cycling paths on both banks of
apy in Lithuania which is also famous KAUNAS DISTRICT is famous for its collections of vintage the Nemunas, an opportunity to spend
for its royal roots. The resort is rich in transport collections. leisure time in an active way, to admire
natural resources – gushing mineral 43. RAUDONDVARIS MANOR beautiful views and to learn the objects
springs, therapeutic mud, fresh air and ENSEMBLE 45. ZAPYŠKIS OLD CHURCH OF of nature and cultural heritage on the
favourable climate. There are spas, cosy (Pilies takas 1, Raudondvaris, Kauno r., ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST way. During the tourism season, there
hotels, restaurants and one of the high- 9 km from Kaunas city centre) (Muziejaus g. 1, Zapyškis, Kauno r., is a ferry taking pedestrians and cyclists
est observation towers in Lithuania (55 www.raudondvariodvaras.lt 20 km from Kaunas city centre) on the route Zapyškis-Kulautuva-Zapy-
meters) Located just nine kilometres from In 1578, a voivada Povilas Sapiega, at the škis, whereas the wellness trails of Ku-
Kaunas and situated above the river time the owner of large areas of land and lautuva and Kačerginė Trails of Springs
42. LITHUANIAN FOLK MUSEUM Nevėžys is the Raudondvaris manor ar- woods, then built a church at his manor will be perfect for walking in the fresh
(L. Lekavičiaus g. 2, Rumšiškės, chitectural ensemble, the palace and in Sapiegiškis that was later renamed air.
Kaišiadorių r., 27 km from Kaunas city other residential, outbuildings and a “Zapyškis”. The church today is one of
centre) park. The officines, orangery, the stables the oldest brick buildings in Lithuania,
www.llbm.lt and an ice-cream parlour within the vi- a unique structure, built in bricks by
At the Lithuanian Folk Museum, locat- cinity of the manor which immediately local workers, a specimen of the second
ed in the open air Rumsiskes, you will attract every visitor’s attention. In the half of the 16th century gothic architec-
find an exposition of 17th-20th century period from the end of the 16th centu- ture. The church has not been used for
ry until the beginning of the 20th cen- religious purposes since the beginning
villages, towns, and estates buildings.
Typical residential and outbuilding ma- tury the manor was owned, managed of the 20th century. In 2002 it was grant- A creative approach to tradition
terials have been carried over from all and elaborated upon by noble families ed a status of cultural monument. After and healthy modern food trends.
regions of the country to the 174 hectare of Dzievaltaukiai, Kosakovskiai, Rad- completion of its restoration in 2020, the
territory to rebuild historically based vilos, Vorlovskiai, Zabielos and Tiškev- church was turned in to a space that is
farmsteads and village facilities with ičiai. Currently the manor building better adapted to tourism, concerts,
their characteristic small architecture, accommodates rooms and halls used festivals and other cultural events. Ev-
as well as plantations. The buildings for high-profile events, concerts, cele- ery year an impressive Kite Festival
reveal typical stylistic features, plan- brations and marriage ceremonies. The is held in the vicinity of the church.
ning, construction, and decor items Northern section of the manor hous-
of different periods and social strata. es the Kaunas Region Museum, where 46. TADAS IVANAUSKAS
Farmsteads are grouped into five sec- the former ice cream parlour has been FARMSTEAD IN OBELYNĖ
tors according to ethnic region: Žemai- turned into the Kaunas district tour- (Obelynės g. 8, Akademija, Kauno r.,
tija, Aukštaitija, Dzūkija, Suvalkija, and ism and business information centre, 9 km from Kaunas city centre)
Mažoji Lietuva (Lithuania Minor). The and the restored stables were adjusted Obelynė Park – a botanical park Restaurant Plomo,
most typical regional villages and farm- for art incubator activities next to established by naturalist and Profes- Laisvės al. 15, Kaunas
stead types have been rebuilt. That is all the restaurant opened in the former sor Tadas Ivanauskas in his farmstead www.plomocafe.lt
orangery.
22 23M. 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.
24 2511. Mikas and Kipras Petrauskas 28. Kaunas Ninth Fort Museum
MUSEUMS
House (K. Petrausko g. 31) (Žemaičių pl. 73) www.9fortomuziejus.lt
12. Juozas Gruodis House 29. Kaunas Tadas Ivanauskas
(Salako g. 18) Museum of Zoology
(Laisvės al. 106) www.zoomuziejus.lt
13. Folk Music branch
(L. Zamenhofo g. 12) 30. Lithuanian Aviation Museum
www.kaunomuziejus.lt (Veiverių g. 132) www.lam.lt
31. Museum of the History of
14. Maironis Lithuanian Literature Lithuanian Education
Museum (Rotušės a. 13) (Vytauto pr. 52) www.lsim.lt
and its subdivisions:
32. The House of Perkūnas
15. House-Museum of B. and V. (Aleksoto g. 6) www.perkunonamas.lt
Sruogos (B. Sruogos g. 21)
33. Pažaislis Monastery Museum
16. J. Grušas House-Museum Exposition
(Kalniečių g. 93) (T. Masiulio g. 31) www.pazaislis.org
17. J. Tumas-Vaižgantas Apart- 34. Sugihara House
ment-Museum (Vaižganto g. 30)
(Aleksoto g. 10-4) www.sugiharahouse.com
18. House-Museum of S. Nėris and 35. Stumbras Museum
B. Bučas (S. Nėries g. 7) (K. Būgos g. 7)
Kaunas City Museum, Folk Music branch 19. Museum of Children’s Literature www.stumbras.lt
(K. Donelaičio g. 13) 36. Atomic Bunker
www.maironiomuziejus.lt (Raudondvario pl. 164A)
www.atominisbunkeris.lt
20. Vytautas the Great War
Museum (K. Donelaičio g. 64) and its 37. Jewellery (Gemmology)
When traveling in Kaunas, visit at least a few museums. subdivisions: Museum
Besides the permanent expositions you will also see continually (Kurpių g. 13) www.dusafyrai.com
changing exhibitions. History, art, memorial, and other sorts of 21. Underground "AB" Printing
museums all make it possible to get acquainted with the city House 38. Museum of the History of Lith-
and region’s culture and history, broaden your horizons, and (Salių k., Domeikavos sen., Kauno r.) uanian Medicine and Pharmacy
have a good time! www.vdkaromuziejus.lt (Rotušės a. 28) www.lsmuni.lt
39. Exposition “To the 100th Anni-
22. Kaunas District Museum versary of Establishing Diplomacy”
MUSEUMS IN KAUNAS: (Pilies takas 1, Raudondvaris, Kauno r.) (K. Donelaičio g. 58)
and its subdivisions:
1. National M. K. Čiurlionis Art 6. A. and P. Galaunė 40. Valdas Adamkus Presidential
Museum (V. Putvinskio g. 55) House-Museum (Vydūno al. 2) 23. Traditional Crafts Centre Library-Museum
and its subdivisions: (Raguvos g. 66, Biliūnų k., Kauno r.) (S. Daukanto g. 25)
7. L. Truikys and M. Rakauskaitė 24. A. and J. Juškai Ethnic Culture www.adamkuslibrary.lt
2. Mykolas Žilinskas Art Gallery House-Museum
(reconstruction) Museum 41. The Kaunas Archdiocese
(E. Fryko g. 14) (Kauno Mažoji g. 2, Vilkija, Kauno r.)
(Nepriklausomybės a. 12) Museum (M. Valančiaus g. 6)
8. J. Zikaras House-Museum 25. Babtai Ethnography Museum www.kaunoarkivyskupija.lt/kam
3. Kaunas Picture Gallery (J. Zikaro g. 3)
(K. Donelaičio g. 16) (Nevėžio g. 3, Babtai, Kauno r.) 42. The Kaunas Puppet Theatre
www.ciurlionis.lt
4. A. Žmuidzinavičius Creation 26. Tadas Ivanauskas farmstead in Museum (Laisvės al. 87A)
and Collections Museum/Devils 9. Kaunas City Museum Obelynė www.kaunoleles.lt
Exposition (Rotušės a. 15) and its branches: (Obelynės g. 8, Akademija, Kauno r.) 43. Lithuanian Sports Museum
(V. Putvinskio g. 64) www.krmuziejus.lt (Muziejaus g. 7, 9)
10. Kaunas Castle
(Pilies g. 17) www.lietuvossportomuziejus.lt
5. Historical Presidential Palace 27. Seventh Fort of the Kaunas
(Vilniaus g. 33) Fortress (Archyvo g. 61)
www.septintasfortas.lt
26 27The settlement of the Nemunas reconstruction, complete Town Hall re-
WALKING TRAILS THROUGH HISTORY
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.
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
rial army crew (1734, 1735, 1748, and 1767- in 1895). The Konke horse-drawn tram
1775). began operating under contract with
Swiss engineer Diuponu in Kaunas in
A flourishing town
1892, a line stretching from the Town
You could see signs of the city’s recovery
Hall Square to the railway station. A 500
seen in the second half of the 18th cen-
person occupancy city theatre was also
tury. It continued through the 1732 fire
built that same year.
that severely affected the parish church
28 29WALKING TRAILS THROUGH HISTORY
Žemieji Šančiai and Aukštoji Panemu-
WALKING TRAILS THROUGH HISTORY
nė. Soldiers’ spiritual affairs were not
forgotten: the Saints Peter and Paul
Sobor was built in 1891-1895. Construc-
tion of the eighth fort began the right
bank of the Neris River in 1889. The
newest and most modern ninth fort
arose in the highlands northwest of
Kaunas in 1903-1913. This is the first
and only surviving fort of the Kaunas
Fortress; they used masonry concrete
for its construction. The plan to
reinforce the fortress was approved
23 April 1913. It provides for the
construction of an additional 12 forts
and 12 base stations forming a
second, larger, 47.17 km long fortifi-
cation ring around the city. All work
stopped on 28 July 1914, with the
beginning of the First World War.
Before the war, there was enough time
There is a three part to fully complete the construction
sculpture rose in front of of nine forts and ten batteries. The
the IX Fort – it is a Russian Empire’s 1st class terrestrial
monument to Nazi victims. Kaunas Fortress was occupied by
Germany on 18 August 1915.
Forts today
Kaunas – the temporary capital of the University of Lithuania was estab- Alexander II signed a decree on the Since the end of the war and the
Lithuania lished, which was renamed Vytautas construction of the Kaunas fortress restoration of Lithuania’s indepen-
During the First World War, Kaunas was Magnus University in 1930. The first in 1879, and by February 1880 long- dence, Kaunas Fortress has never again
occupied by Germans in 1915-1918. After national Olympiad took place in Kaunas term fortification plans were drawn been used for its original purpose. The
the First World War, Lithuania began to in 1938, and the European basketball up. The city was surrounded by 7 forts administrative buildings of Kaunas
build the Republic and because Vilnius championship was organized in 1939, for and a stationaryring of 12 batteries. Fortress were taken over by Lithuanian
was occupied by the Russians (1919), the which a sports hall accommodating five Two years later, 24 April 1882, Kaunas state institutions and used for various
State Council and the Cabinet of Minis- thousand people was built. The Russian fortress construction officially began. other purposes: a prison, warehouses,
ters were established in Kaunas. When army occupied Lithuania in June 1940. The forts were built in several stages: archives, residents of apartments, etc.
Vilnius was occupied by Poland, Kaunas During the Second World War, the first a road was laid to the fortifica- During World War II Lithuania was
became the temporary capital and most Soviet army occupied Kaunas in 1944. tion the location where the work was occupied by Nazi Germany, and the
important city of Lithuania in 1920. The The second Soviet occupation began. to be carried out, including building fourth, seventh, and ninth forts were
same year came the Constituent Assem- After the restoration of Lithuania’s barracks, gunpowder warehouses, and used for the mass murder of civilians.
bly met and laid the legal foundations independence in 1990, Kaunas opened other facilities. Construction of one Today Kaunas residents and guests
for restored state. Kaunas remained up for development and cooperation fort took about 3-5 years. In addition to are invited to get acquainted with
the temporary capital until 1939. Hav- opportunities with foreign cities. the forts and batteries, construction of these massive objects of defence – the
ing become the political, cultural, and central fortifications and the Kaunas Fortress – as well as the history
economic centre of the country, Kaunas central warehouses on both banks of the of the seventh and ninth forts and the
came to life a little, taking on moder- THE HISTORY OF KAUNAS Nemunas began in 1885. Outside the museums operating there.
nity and Europeanism in the interwar FORTRESS ring of forts, the fortress infrastructure
period. The city was decorated by new was built: commandant headquarters, Seventh Fort Museum
buildings (Kaunas interwar architec- Two of the largest Lithuanian rivers intendant office, main headquarters, Archyvo g. 61
ture), the old ones were renovated, and are situated in Kaunas; they have long board of engineers and engineering
bridges were built. Buses started run- www.septintasfortas.lt
played an important role in defence. headquarters, residential houses of
ning in 1929. The city began to operate The exceptional strategic position of officials and construction workers, Ninth Fort Museum
the Žaliakalnis and Aleksotas funicu- this place was appreciated by Russians telephone-telegraph, electricity, water Žemaičių pl. 73
lars improving transportation connec- taking over Lithuanian lands as far supply stations, military, railway www.9fortomuziejus.lt
tions in 1931 and 1935. The opera the- back as 1795. Ever deteriorating relations stations, elevators, mill, grain storage,
atre opened in 1920. Two years later the with neighbours forced us to consider war pigeons station, fire station, and Kaunas Fortress Park
national theatre opened. Also in 1922 strengthening our western border. Czar harbours. Military towns grew in www.kaunotvirtove.lt
30 31EUROPE STARTS IN
INTERWAR SIGNS IN KAUNAS
KAUNAS OF 1919-1940
The interwar architecture is a tion, the city formed a mental identity
Kaunas city icon. The city became and a physical face. This is only the sec-
Lithuania‘s centre in the first part ond architectural period (not counting
of the twentieth century and is still baroque) when Lithuanian architecture
EUROPEAN
HERITAGE LABEL modern and forward-thinking. went hand in hand with the whole of
Europe. An abundant Kaunas interwar
After the First World War, with the res- architecture accumulated over 20 years,
toration of Lithuania’s statehood, and its dense concentration in the city is a
due to other historical circumstances, unique phenomenon in Europe; in the
Kaunas became the most important context of international modernism
city in Lithuania. Public authorities and it reflects both the then Bauhaus style
the intelligentsia rallied in Kaunas. In- trends and unique style of Lithuanian
dustry began to develop. Kaunas took nationalism which distinguishes a mod-
over the helm of the national capital ern, highquality Kaunas interwar archi-
and became a modern symbol of inde- tecture from the European mainstream.
pendent Lithuania. Thankful circum-
stances also contributed to this: society
was ready for change; the city needed INTERWAR BUILDINGS:
various buildings, but they could only
be designed by talented, gifted, learned 1. The Central Building of former
architects who had studied abroad and Lithuanian Post Office
brought their knowledge back to Lithu- (Laisvės al. 102)
ania to put to work. In carrying out the 2. Kaunas State Musical Theatre
functions of the state capital in the first (Laisvės al. 91)
half of the 20th century, Kaunas sud-
denly acquired a unique significance on 3. Kaunas City Municipal Building
the map of Europe. The architects of our (the former Savings Bank)
young state harmoniously integrated (Laisvės al. 96)
into the European context by developing 4. Kaunas State Philharmonic
an advanced city. Individual buildings, (formerly the Ministry of Justice
neighbourhoods, and complexes had and Seimas (Parliament) Building)
a major impact on the entire city im- (L. Sapiegos g. 5)
age emerging in the temporary capital.
Kaunas became the centre of science, 5. Chambers of the Bank of
culture, and education: institutions Lithuania (Maironio g. 25)
such as the University of Lithuania,
6. The complex of buildings on
the Art School, higher education phys-
V. Putvinskio street
ical education courses, theatres, opera
(V. Putvinskio g. 52, 54, 56, 60, 62, 64, 66,
houses, the radio, the Military Museum,
and the astronomical observatory were 68, 70, 72)
established. Industry developed rapidly 7. M. K. Čiurlionis National Art
in Kaunas, there was an active Europe- Museum and The Vytautas the
an lifestyle about, and great attention Great War Museum
The unique modernist was paid to culture and sport. In this (V. Putvinskio g. 55)
architecture of Kaunas regard, the sports hall was built in 1939,
(1919–1940) got the where the Lithuanian men’s basketball 8. Žaliakalnis Funicular
European Heritage Label team won the European Championship (Aušros g. 6)
in 2015. European Heritage title for the second time, as if hanging 9. Jesus Christ’s Resurrection
Label is a European Union a wreath around the neck of Kaunas. Basilica in Kaunas
initiative that seeks to This transformation of Kaunas into a (Žemaičių g. 31)
hallmark the historical and European city left a significant mark in
cultural heritage sites and later Lithuanian state development: due 10. Jonas Jablonskis High School
their importance to to the country’s willingness to fight for (formerly an elementary school)
Europe and European freedom, break out of the Soviet occupa- (Aušros g. 3)
Union‘s creation.
32 3311. The Former Headquarters of the 18. The Kaunas Children’s
INTERWAR SIGNS IN KAUNAS
Pienocentras Company Recreation Centre (formerly the
(Laisvės al. 55/S. Daukanto g. 18) Neo-Lithuania Centre)
(Parodos g. 26)
12. The Former Office of Pažanga
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
(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)
Ut
en
24
os
WOODEN ARCHITECTURE IN OBJECTS:
g
.
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
studied. Trees were a popular building House (Žemuogių g. 2)
29
material in interwar Kaunas because
24. Composer Juozas Gruodis Villa
Že
masonry construction costs were too
m
10
(Salako g. 18)
ai
23
čių
9 high for many home owners. Today
22
g.
21
6 8 27
the wooden architecture of the city is 25. Entrepreneur Pranas Urbonas
25
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
Šv. Gertrūdos 1 18 on the educational tours of Žaliakalnis, Varneckis Villa (Sietyno g. 17)
g. 3
13
Panemunė, Šančiai, and Vilijampolė as 27. Juozas and Stasė Geniušas Villa
11 12 20
well. For heritage lovers, the intrinsic (Tulpių g. 21)
Vai
2 14
15 value of wooden houses is indisputable.
Pe
žga
rk
nto
28. Barbora and Kazys Zukauskas
ūn
Without these houses the city would
o
al
g.
.
lose a very important part of its Villa (A. Smetonos al. 81)
16
cultural identity. Unfortunately, only a 29. Educator Jonas Dereškevičius
26
Va
K. Būgo
small portion of the inter-war wooden
iž
House (Minties Rato g. 24)
gan
3.5 km
houses passed the test of time and
to
s g.
g.
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
34 35You can also read
