KAUNAS CASTLE

The castle at the confluence of the Nemunas and Neris rivers was built in the 14th century to defend against the onslaught of crusaders. This is not only one of the first stone castles in Lithuania, but also the only one that has two rows of defensive walls. A settlement that grew into the current city was created around the Gothic defences. Kaunas castle first mentioned in written sources in 1361. According to legend, Queen Bona Sforza’s troops mysteriously disappeared in the tunnels underneath. Although it was restored multiple times, the castle lost its importance in 1408 when Kaunas was granted Magdeburg rights and the life of the whole city moved to the Market (Town Hall) Square. The castle was home to a prison in the 16th century and the souls of the prison’s inmates have not found peace to this very day, haunting the castle still by night. At present, the castle is a Kaunas city museum branch and annual cultural events are held in and around it.

Santaka Park which is next to Kaunas Castle is called the heart of Kaunas. Here you can see the confluence of the rivers Nemunas and Neris and many places of interest: the altar where pagan rituals took place, Pope Hill visited by Pope John Paul II where he celebrated Mass in 1993, in 2018 here Mass was celebrated by Pope Francis, the Statue of Pope John Paul II, St. George the Martyr Church and Bernardine Monastery.

Near Kaunas castle has uncovered the Vytis (state emblem of Lithuania) sculpture – “the Soldier of Freedom” in 2018. Authors: sculptor Arūnas Sakalauskas, artists Boris Krylov and Olesius Sidorukas from Ukraine.  

SHOPPING AND ENTERTAINMENT CENTER „AKROPOLIS“

The Capital of Shopping and Entertainment AKROPOLIS|Kaunas – is situated in the very heart of the city, whose contemporary space pulsating with the latest fashion trends and innovations. Center is distinguished by a unique architecture: modern interior of AKROPOLIS incorporates historical buildings – brick walls of the old manufactories of Kaunas or their fragments, all of which provides shopping center with completely unique exclusivity in Lithuania. Even the central lane of the factory has survived and now it is the main alley for the guests of the center, constantly live with shoppers – from devoted fashionistas, families, youth to tourists from different parts of the world.

At SC AKROPOLIS|Kaunas you can find the most popular local and international fashion brands. Six out of eight high fashion brands of INDITEX, one of the world’s largest clothing retailers, are located here: “Zara”, “Zara Home”, “Pull&Bear”, “Massimo Dutti” “Bershka” and “Stradivarius”. And there are plenty more – from eco foods and children’s goods to high end home décor and exclusive perfumes and cosmetics: one will find it all under one roof. More than 20 restaurants and cafés, ranging from local to Asian cuisine, offer a wide selection of meals and snacks for any time of day and occasion. One of the most advanced new generation cinema centers in the Baltic States – “Forum Cinemas” – invites cinema lovers – 7 cinema halls, exclusive interior design, modern cinema technology, high-quality video and sound – everything you need for great cinematic impressions. Among other things, the beauty, finance, telecommunications and travel services companies here offer a wide range of services to the client.

Wide range of shops, restaurants, entertainment and service-provision placespresents an array of lifestyle experiences for every tastes, styles, needs and opportunities.

KAUNAS CITY MUSEUM – FOLK MUSIC BRANCH

The first and only museum in Lithuania dedicated to folk music culture. It contains over 7000 exhibits, from Lithuanian and international musical instruments to audio recordings, photographs, letters and posters. In the interactive and modern exposition, you will be able to learn how kanklės (chordophone) are made, to sing a sutartinė (Lithuanian multipart song), play some instruments or hear some folk music performed by contemporary bands.

Kaunas City Museum represents the history of the city and commemorates its’ legendary citizens. The museum has five departments: Kaunas Castle, Kaunas Town Hall, Folk Music Branch, Mikas and Kipras Petrauskas House, and Juozas Gruodis House.

KOKO BOUTIQUE

Lithuanian fashion at its best, together with best picks from around the Baltics and beyond. Great perfume selection, too.

NATIONAL KAUNAS DRAMA THEATRE

The National Kaunas Drama Theatre is the oldest professional theatre in Lithuania which was founded on the 19th of December, 1920.

During its years of existence, this cradle of professional drama survived the change of different names. In November of 2012 it gained the status of the national theatre for nurturing national dramaturgy, consistent educational activity and repertoire which distinguished by its idiosyncratic creative touch. Thus, now this theatre is called The National Kaunas Drama Theatre.

The history and the present of this theatre is marked by names of such eminent directors such as H. Vancevičius, J. Jurašas, J. Vaitkus, G. Padegimas and G. Varnas. Directors of younger generation such as A. Jankevičius, A. Areima, V. Bareikis, E. Kižaitė are also actively and productively creating and realizing their ideas. The theatre’s troupe consists of 33 actors as well as visiting actors.

The theatre was established instead of the former “Metropolitan” cinema which was situated in an Art Deco style building, dating 1928. At present the interior of this building is revived and has changed after the renovation. Yet, it has not lost the aura of the former theatre. Spectators see the redecorated interior, new spaces for performances and the cafe. The main Stage Lobby is used for art exhibitions. After the renovation of workshops and the Main Stage, the modernization of stage equipment, sound and lighting systems and the establishment of a hall for rehearsals, the theatre has deserved the status of the most modern theatre in the entire Baltic region.

At present four stages located in the main building and the smaller stages in wing building are used. They are the Main Stage, the Small Stage, Ruta’s Hall, the Long Hall. Each season about 350 events take place and 60 000 spectators visit the National Kaunas Drama Theatre. During a season spectators can enjoy 5 to 6 openings, an educational festival for young people „Dive Into the Theatre” and at least one international festival or project. In collaboration with BA and MA technical translation students from Kaunas University of Technology, some plays of the theatre are provided with a simultaneous translation, and in collaboration with the Institute of Languages, Literature and Translation Studies, Kaunas Faculty, Vilnius University, some plays are adapted for people with visual and hearing impairment.

The repertoire consists of 30 plays for children, young people and adults. The active season of the theatre lasts from September till June. 

MONTE PACIS

Apparently, the best deal would be visiting Pažaislis monastery for dinner and then staying for the night (or the weekend) at the Monte Pacis hospitality complex. Spiced with insights and creative secrets of monks, the dishes are often made from products grown right here and the beverage list deserves applause.

ALI ŠOKOLADINĖ

The tasty, sweet desserts – showcased like jewels in a bright white space – make you forget all New Year’s resolutions. Time is obsolete here.

UOKSAS

Uoksas restaurant constantly developing a vision of what could be the new Lithuanian kitchen.

“For our courses we use seasonal products of local (Baltic region) products, with the help of modern techniques and the Nordic aesthetics, which is appealing to us, we strive to give a sense for the traditional tastes in the new and unique expressions.

This peculiarity distinguishes us and makes uoksas interesting for tasters, gourmets and assessors of restaurants from Lithuania, as well as from foreign countries.”

SENIS IR JŪRA

PUPA RAW