Kaunas, places to visit?

The city with old charm and a modern heart

With a majestic brick fortress with towers that dominate the historic centre and a sixteenth-century Baroque town hall known as “the white swan” due to its white colour, Kaunas, Lithuania’s second city situated on the confluence of the rivers Nemunas and Neris, surprises for the beauty and harmony of its urban fabric.

The old and new town ok Kaunas

Among the old buildings present in the city, the Church of Vytautas and the House of Perkunas, the old Hanza merchants’ house, stand out for their originality and unique style. The well-preserved Old Town, located on a strip of land between the two rivers, is filled with historic monuments such as the castle, numerous churches, monasteries and elegant residences.

To the west it is joined to the decidedly larger New Town, the modern commercial and cultural heart of the city. The New Town is the centre of the banking, commercial and administrative sector of the city, the main area for shopping and home to most of the museums and principal entertainment venues. The city has characteristic and perfectly functional funicular railways. The pedestrian-only main street Laisves aleja (Street of Freedom) is a long treelined avenue of some 16 km and one of the most beautiful in all of Lithuania.

The artistic treasures of Kaunas

Kaunas is home to numerous museums: the museum dedicated to M. K. Ciurlionis, a genius of Lithuanian painting, the War Museum of Vytautas the Great, the Žilinskas Museum with works from all over the world, and the “Devil Museum”, the only one of its kind in the world with more than 3,000 sculptures and carvings of devils. During Soviet rule some nine military forts were built around Kaunas. The fort known as the “ninth” today houses a museum that remembers those who perished under Nazi rule and the genocide of the Lithuanian Jewish community.

The Pazaislis Monastery

The splendid Baroque Pazaislis Monastery, one of the greatest architectural and artistic treasures of the country, is situated in an isolated forest near the sea, in the far east corner of the city.

The Surroundinds of Kaunas: Rumsiskes e Klaipeda

The most popular trip from Kaunas is to Rumsiskes, which is located 25 km to the east, towards Vilnius. Here a large open-air Ethnography Museum can be found, which features 180 reconstructed buildings depicting rural life. Situated on the Baltic Sea at the entrance to the River Danè, Klaipeda is the third city in Lithuania. It is surrounded by lush green forests, and has an attractive Old Town and important port. With many large eighteenth-century buildings that were once merchants’ houses, customs buildings and goods stores, Klaipeda is known as the “city of warehouses“.

The Lithuanian coast is famous for its particularly beautiful white sandy beaches and dunes. Palanga, situated to the north of Klaipeda on the Baltic Sea, is the largest and best known seaside resort in Lithuania. One of the most beautiful places in Palanga is the Tiškeviciaus Palace, which houses the Museum of Amber.

From Kaunas to Vilnius

Vilnius can be comfortably reached by bus from Kaunas. The capital of Lithuania, Vilnius is well known for the variety of its architectural styles, magnificent churches, winding alleyways and Medieval courtyards. The Old Town of Vilnius is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and covers an area of 360 hectares. The symbols of Vilnius are the tower of the Castle of Gediminas (founder of the city), the Cathedral at the foot of the mountain and the main place of worship for Lithuanian Catholics, the Church of St Anne, considered a masterpiece of Gothic art, and the Church of St. Peter and Paul, a triumph of the Baroque style housing masterpieces of Italian and Lithuanian art.

The Gates of Dawn are one of the best known holy Catholic sites in the world. Vilnius is an innovative and expanding city with modern buildings, new skyscrapers and shopping centres, making it the business, political, educational and cultural centre of the country. The University of Vilnius, founded in 1579, is one of the oldest in eastern Europe.

Text by Federica Fusco

Updated by Alisè Vitri

Avion Tourism Magazine

Photos: Sisterscom.com, Shutterstock

Tourism Board

www.visit.kaunas.lt/en/ - www.lithuania.travel

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Where to sleep in Kaunas

Kaunas Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos

Kaunas is a welcoming city and offers different possibilities for accommodation.

To find the ideal hotel and the best offers you can do a search for the stars but also for districts or landmarks.

STARS

Hotels for stars, differentiated by type of services:

HAUSES, B&Bs, HOSTELS

Stays in houses, B&Bs and hostels:

DISTRICTS

Hotels in the districts

Old Town

LANDMARKS

Hotels in tourist areas

Napoleon's Hill and Jiesia Hill Fort

Kaunas Little Theatre

Kaunas Zalgiris Arena

Kaunas IX Fort Museum

Orthodox Church of the Annunciation

St. Michael the Archangel's Church

Kaunas Choral Synagogue

M. K. Čiurlionis Museum of Art

LANDMARKS

Hotels in tourist areas

Stumbras Museum

Statue of Liberty in Kaunas

Kaunas Castle

Žalgirio Arena

Lithuanian Book Smuggler Sculpture

VDU Grand Hall

Lithuanian Aviation Museum

Kaunas Historical Presidential Palace

Devils' Museum

Lithuanian Zoo

Shopping center Akropolis

Shopping and leisure center Mega

LANDMARKS

Hotels in tourist areas

Vytautas the Great War Museum

Kaunas City Museum

Ceramics Museum

AIRPORT

Hotels near the airport

Kaunas Airport

Where to go in kaunas

Monuments in Kaunas

KAUNAS HALL SQUARE

Kaunas Town Hall Square, in the heart of the Lithuanian city, is an architectural and cultural icon. Surrounded by historic and modern buildings, the square is a meeting place and hosts events such as markets and festivals. Dominated by Kaunas Town Hall, an imposing neoclassical structure from the 19th century, the square is also famous for its statue of the Lithuanian romantic poet Adam Mickiewicz.

FRANCIS XAVIER CHURCH OF JESUS

The Jesuit Church of Francis Xavier in Kaunas is a beautiful architecture dating back to the 17th century. Located in the historic center of the city, this Baroque church is known for its elaborate façade and richly decorated interior. Dedicated to Saint Francis Xavier, the church is an important place of worship and historical and artistic interest in Kaunas. Visitors can admire frescoes, sculptures, and ornamental altars.

VYTAUTAS CHURCH

The Church of Vytautas in Kaunas is an icon of Lithuanian history and architecture. Built in the 14th century and later reconstructed in the 18th century, the church is dedicated to the legendary ruler Vytautas the Great. With its imposing façade and decorated interiors, the church offers a unique visiting experience for visitors interested in Lithuania's history and culture. Located in the heart of Kaunas's Old Town, the Church of Vytautas is a place of spirituality and architectural beauty not to be missed during a visit to the city.

ARCHANGEL GABRIELE CATHEDRAL

The Cathedral of the Archangel Gabriel in Kaunas is a majestic architectural masterpiece that dominates the city's skyline. Built in the 19th century in neoclassical style, the cathedral is dedicated to the Archangel Gabriel, the patron saint of Kaunas. Its sumptuous interiors and imposing dome provide a glimpse into Lithuania's rich religious history. Located in the historic center of Kaunas, the Cathedral of the Archangel Gabriel is a symbol of faith and artistic beauty that deserves a visit during a city tour.

KAUNAS CASTLE

The Kaunas Castle, dating back to the 14th century, is an iconic fortress that dominates the skyline of the Lithuanian city. Situated on the Neris River, this majestic castle has a rich history, having witnessed numerous historical events. Today, the castle houses the Kaunas National Museum, where visitors can explore exhibitions on the history of the region, as well as enjoy a panoramic view from the castle tower. The Kaunas Castle is a must-visit destination for anyone touring the city.

PAZAISLIS MONASTERY

The Pažaislis Monastery, dating back to the 17th century, is an architectural gem on the banks of the Nemunas River in Kaunas. This monastery, surrounded by lush forests and landscaped gardens, offers an experience of peace and serenity. Also hosting the Church of St. Casimir, the monastery is an important spiritual and cultural center, known for its architectural beauty and history. Visitors can explore its majestic interiors, attend religious services, and admire its tranquil and charming atmosphere.

Museums in Kaunas

MUSEUM OF THE DEVIL

The Žmuidzinavičius Museum, also known as the Devil Museum, is a unique institution in Kaunas, Lithuania, dedicated to the collection and exhibition of devil sculptures and engravings from around the world. Founded by the artist Antanas Žmuidzinavičius, the museum originated from his personal collection and has expanded over the years, becoming a must-visit cultural destination. The extensive collection includes sculptures, masks, paintings, and more, representing a variety of styles and materials. In addition to being works of art, many of these devils are also functional objects, integrated into utensils and everyday items, while others reflect contemporary mythological and political themes.

MUSEUM OF THE HISTORY OF MEDICINE AND PHARMACY

The Museum of the History of Medicine and Pharmacy in Kaunas is a must-visit for enthusiasts of medical history and sciences. Located in the heart of the city, the museum offers a captivating and detailed overview of the evolution of medicine and pharmacy through the centuries. Founded in 1936, the museum's collection includes a wide range of ancient medical instruments, historical pharmaceutical equipment, and artifacts that narrate the history of treatments and remedies. With an educational and interactive approach, the museum invites visitors to explore the achievements and challenges in the field of health and to understand the impact of medicine on past and present societies.

Excursions in Kaunas

PALANGA

Palanga is a renowned seaside resort located along the western coast of Lithuania, on the Baltic Sea. Famous for its wide golden sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, the city welcomes tourists from all over the world during the summer months. In addition to its beaches, Palanga is also home to the Palanga Amber Museum, housed in the majestic Tiškevičiai Palace, and the Palanga Botanical Park, an oasis of peace and tranquility with a rich variety of exotic plants and trees. The lively main street of Basanavičiaus is bustling with shops, restaurants, and cafes.

KLAIPEDA

Klaipėda, located on the western coast of Lithuania on the Baltic Sea, is a port city rich in history and charm. Known for its multicultural character, Klaipėda boasts a charming old town with narrow cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and delightful squares. Klaipėda Castle, dating back to the 13th century, dominates the city skyline, while the Baltic Sea Museum offers a fascinating overview of the maritime history of the region. Along the waterfront, visitors can enjoy sandy beaches, fresh seafood restaurants, and enchanting sunsets over the sea.

RUMSISKES

Rumsiškės, situated on the banks of the Nemunas River in central Lithuania, is known for its Open-Air Ethnographic Museum, one of the largest and most significant in Eastern Europe. The museum features over 100 traditional Lithuanian buildings transported from various regions of the country and reconstructed to showcase rural and urban life from centuries past. Visitors can explore houses, farms, churches, and artisanal structures, immersing themselves in the authentic atmosphere.

VILNIUS

Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, is a city steeped in history and culture, with a UNESCO-listed Old Town. Its cobblestone streets and Gothic and Baroque buildings create a captivating atmosphere. The city is renowned for its numerous churches, including Vilnius Cathedral and the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul. Vilnius is also known as a significant cultural hub, with numerous art galleries, museums, and a vibrant music and theater scene.

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