What is worth seeing in Kaunas? What is useful for curious tourists to know? Čiurlionis National Museum

Our tourists visit the city of Kaunas most often on their way, and, as a rule, they do not stay there for a long time. Therefore, many people have the question of what to see, visit in Kaunas in one or two days.

It is for this purpose that we have prepared this article.

This article laid optimal route around the city of Kaunas, so that in a short time you can see all the beauties of the wonderful Lithuanian town of Kaunas.

Also in the article, along the route, places are listed where you can taste dishes of Lithuanian cuisine.

We decided that in this article we will not upload photos of sights and describe them, since all this can be found in ours. More details about each attraction are set out in articles, each of which is dedicated to a single attraction.

Let's start with the route for tourists who came to the city for one day. It is also suitable for tourists staying in Kaunas for two days, this will be their first day.

So,

Itinerary for tourists for one day

The first thing we think you need to see in Kaunas is that it is located not far from.

If you wish, and most importantly time, you can make a small circle, it will take about 30 minutes and take a walk along. Having visited the Church of Vytautas (Vytautas) the Great on the shore of the embankment, then also go to Town Hall Square with City Hall.

There is a wonderful restaurant of Lithuanian cuisine Forto Dvaras on the square. in which quite reasonable prices they serve zeppelins, live beer, tea with strawberries and sea buckthorn, the famous mushroom soup in bread, a variety of salads, main courses and snacks. The average check for dinner with salads, main courses and beer left us 700 - 900 rubles for two.

After that, right from the cathedral, take a walk along the pedestrian street Vilniaus (Vilniaus) of the old city. The street is very beautiful, completely given over to pedestrians, on both sides of which there are gingerbread houses and cafes with open terraces.

Walking along this beautiful street, after the pedestrian underpass, walking a little more, on the left side of the street you will come across a small establishment with Lithuanian donuts, coffee and tea. You should definitely try them, they are all very tasty. The institution is called DONUT, from Lithuanian - Donut.

If there is no more time, then this can be finished. And if it allows, then go further along the old city and you will come to such a famous wide. Vilniaus street (Vilniaus), turns right and flows into Laisvės alley.

Here, on the corner, opposite the burger place, there is an institution that serves the most delicious hot pies in the city with various fillings.

Walking along the alley you will come across the Church of St. Michael the Archangel. It simply cannot be otherwise. It is this cathedral that cuts the alley into two unequal parts.

There is also a place with Lithuanian donuts on the alley.

Behind the temple, the alley continues for another 350 meters, and then begins. There is time, take a look.

That's probably all. Enough for one day. I note that it does not matter where you start your route, from the beginning - from the old town and Kaunas Castle, or vice versa, from Laisves Alley and Oak Grove, your route will still run in this way.

Itinerary for tourists for two days

The first day is the same. Just be sure to make a circle and walk around Santakos Park and the Neman River embankment by visiting.

To the left of the bridge is a large supermarket Akropolis (AKROPOLIS). You can stop by and buy something tasty.

Lithuanian Kaunas is often compared to Russian St. Petersburg. He can rightly be considered cultural capital and soul of the country. Here, on every street to this day, the spirit of the Middle Ages reigns, and from the number architectural masterpieces and museums can make even seasoned travelers dizzy. At the same time, centuries-old buildings look almost perfect - Lithuanians are very kind to the past of their country and cherish everything connected with it.

Kaunas Castle

Kaunas Castle has been towering over the city for more than one hundred years, as if protecting it from any troubles and misfortunes. It was built in the 13th century: during the time of the crusaders, bloody wars and valiant knights. Unfortunately, today only one single tower reminds of them and not most of fortress wall - most of the castle was destroyed under the influence of external circumstances and time.

Lithuania has not been threatened by anything for a long time, and today, within the walls of the castle, there is historical Museum. In addition, the territory regularly hosts themed holidays, festivals and theatrical performances. One of the most popular is the operetta music festival.

Kaunas Castle is located in the central part of the city, at Pilies Street 17. Its doors are open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 10 am to 6 pm (Saturday is a short day, the castle closes an hour earlier). The cost of entrance tickets is quite affordable - 2.5 euros.

Kaunas Town Hall

As in any medieval European city, the center of life in Kaunas was the Town Hall Square. It was here that all significant events were held: fairs, holidays, and even executions. And in one of the main buildings of the square, the City Hall, all the governing bodies were located.

Kaunas Town Hall was built almost 500 years ago, but its original appearance was different from the current one. It has been rebuilt so many times that its history can rightfully serve as a textbook on architecture. Most different styles: gothic, classicism, baroque, renaissance succeeded each other, defining the appearance main square Kaunas.

Today, the Town Hall has not lost its purpose. Here, as before, important economic and political issues are resolved, solemn receptions of official guests are held. Only the basement floor, which houses the information center and the museum of ceramics, is given to tourists.

The Town Hall is located on Rotuses street at 15. You can visit the museum from Monday to Thursday from 10 am to 6 pm. At the same time, employees have lunch from 13-00 to 13-45. Free admission.

House of Perkunas (Thunder)

The gothic building in the center of Kaunas always attracts fans unusual architecture. It was built in the 15th century by order of the Hanseatic merchants. Today indoors unusual house there is a museum dedicated to the life and work of the famous Polish poet Adam Mickiewicz.

The first question that arises among tourists is where did this unusual name in honor of the god of thunder? In fact, everything is explained simply: during the reconstruction, in the 19th century, an unusual figurine was discovered in one of the walls. Her head looked like town square, legs were crossed, and in the hands were three fish. Historians and culturologists have come to the conclusion that this is the god Perkunas. But where such an unusual sculpture came from in the center of Lithuania is a mystery.

You can visit the museum located in the house of Perkūnas on Friday from 14:00 to 17:00. The rest of the time, excursions are held only for organized groups by prior arrangement. Entrance costs 1.2 euros.

Kaunas Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul

This is the only cathedral in Lithuania that has the status of a basilica. It was built in the 15th century. Either because of the originality of the architects, or because of some other factors, but the building turned out to be very unusual. It combines several architectural styles, among which the Gothic clearly predominates.

To see Kaunas Cathedral only from the outside means to see nothing. All the most interesting is inside. There are 9 luxurious altars, baroque frescoes, and paintings by famous artists. All this amazes and delights tourists. And believers turn their eyes to something completely different - they go to the miraculous icon of the Suffering Mother of God. The servants of the cathedral claim that she works miracles. This is evidenced by the numerous gifts brought by grateful parishioners.

The Main Cathedral of Kaunas is located on Vilniaus Street, building 1. You can visit it at any convenient time, but if you want to get to the service, it’s worth the fate that from Monday to Saturday they start at 07-00 and 18-00, on Sunday - at 08:00, 13:30 and 18:00.

Pazhaislis Monastery

The Pažaislis Monastery is a functioning monastery that attracts not only tourists, but also pilgrims from all over the world. The latter first of all go to the miraculous icon of the Camaldolian Virgin Mary. Every year on June 2, a religious procession is organized in her honor on the territory of the monastery.

The Pažaislis Monastery is of interest to tourists primarily from an architectural point of view. This is one of the best complex in the Baroque style not only in Lithuania, but throughout Europe. The interior decoration is just as attractive as the exterior. The premises were painted by the famous Italian artist Angelo Palloni, more than a hundred of his frescoes have been preserved.

Curious tourists can learn about the life of hermits in the museum operating at the monastery. Also regularly held on the territory music festivals during which you can enjoy symphonic and contemporary music.

National Art Museum M.K. Čiurlionis

Among the numerous museums of Kaunas, the art one occupies special place. It bears the name of one of the most famous Lithuanians in creative circles, Mykolojus Konstantinas Churlionis. This man, despite the fact that he did not live long, only 36 years old, managed to try himself as a composer, as an artist, and as a photographer. And he succeeded in all these fields. Numerous musical works remain in his memory, including the first Lithuanian symphony "In the Forest", and more than 300 paintings.

Čurlionis' works are only a part of the art museum's collection. In total, more than 300 thousand exhibits are exhibited in its halls. Special attention guests traditionally devote their attention to objects of applied art. You can complete the tour in a small lecture hall, where guests are invited to enjoy the wonderful music of Mykolojus Konstantinas.

One of best museums Kaunas is located on V.Putvinskio street, house 55. The day off is Monday. On Thursday at the art museum "long day", it is open from 11-00 to 19-00. The rest of the time - until 17-00. To enjoy the art you will have to pay 1.8 euros.

Kaunas funiculars

Kaunas is one of the few European cities where this original transport has been preserved. There are two funiculars in total - in the areas of Aleksotas and Zaliakalnis. From the observation decks of each open great views to the city.

In addition, the funiculars of Kaunas attract tourists with their authentic appearance: they look the same as in the early 20th century. Despite the fact that the restoration and modernization were carried out quite recently.

You can go on a funicular trip from two sites: from house number 6 along Amerikos lietuviu street (Alexotas) or from Ausros street, house 6 (Žaliakalnis). The Aleksotas funicular operates from Monday to Saturday. On weekdays from 07:00 to 16:00 with a break from 11:00 to 12:00, on Saturday from 10:00 to 16:00. The ticket price is 0.5 euros. The second funicular, Zaliakalnis, operates daily, on weekdays from 7:00 to 19:00, on weekends from 9:00 to 19:00. The ticket costs a little cheaper, 0.3 euros.

Kaunas Zoological Park

The zoo is one of the most popular places Kaunas, which attracts both adults and young guests. The Kaunas Zoo is always full of visitors. After all, it is the only one in all of Lithuania. Its history began in 1938, when the old oak grove became home to the first pets. Today, there are more than 3,000 inhabitants in the zoo. Among them are bears, kangaroos, giraffes, reptiles and many others.

The most popular among tourists are the unique Kaunas lamas. These smart and well-mannered animals not only entertain guests, but also participate in important city events. For example, parades. Children are delighted with the opportunity to visit the rural courtyard, feed the pets, ride a pony, have fun on the playgrounds and inflatable attractions.

The zoo is located on Radvilėnų Square. You can visit it any day from 9-00 to 19-00, there are no days off here. The ticket price is 4.3 euros.

Seawater aquarium

Kaunas Aquarium, located in the Mega shopping center, is one of the highest in Europe. It is inhabited by more than 30 species of fish and 6 Caribbean sharks. Feeding the latter is a real show, which is always popular among guests.

Aquarium staff are experienced biologists and divers who are happy to talk about their work and life under water.

Aquarium operates on the same schedule as shopping mall. The only thing to consider is that the sharks are fed strictly according to the schedule: at 10-00 and 17-00. Saturday - at 13:00.

Museum of Devils in Kaunas

Lithuanians treat the devil differently than it is accepted in the world. For them, this is a funny, and sometimes even kind character that brings good luck. There are figurines of horned ones in almost every home.

Not surprisingly, there is a museum dedicated to them in Kaunas. Its exhibits are wooden, plaster, stone and even metal devils of all stripes, of which more than 3 thousand live in a small room.

The most unusual museum in Kaunas is located on V.Putvinskio street, house 64. It is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 11:00 to 17:00. The exception is Thursday, when the doors are open until 19-00. Entrance to the magical world of the unclean costs 1.8 euros.

Museum of Folk Life of Lithuania

Not far from Kaunas is located ethnographical museum dedicated to the life and traditions of Lithuanians. It is considered the largest not only in the country, but throughout Europe.

On a vast territory there are more than 100 authentic buildings built in the 18-19 centuries. Many of them recreate the atmosphere in which a variety of families lived on farms - wealthy and not so, large and small. In the workshops, guests are invited to feel like a potter, weaver or practice woodcarving.

The museum often hosts National holidays, fairs and performances of folk groups. IN common days you can book a tour. However, before doing this, it is worth considering that the route is quite long - 7 kilometers.

It is located at the address: Rumsiskes village, L. Lekaviciaus street, 2. It is better to check the opening hours immediately before visiting - it depends on the season. The entrance ticket costs 2.9 euros.

What is useful for curious tourists to know?

When planning an acquaintance with the sights of Kaunas, you should pay attention to a few points that will make life easier, avoid unpleasant situations and help save a lot.

Since 2015, all settlements in Lithuania are carried out exclusively in euros, National currency completely out of circulation.
In the period from September 1 to July 1 on Wednesdays in the city - the day of museums. Any exhibition can be visited completely free of charge.
IN information center guests of the city are offered to purchase tourist map. For 20 euros, you will be able to visit all museums with a 50% discount and use public transport. True, such privileges are valid for only three days.
Many categories of citizens, including students and pensioners, upon presentation of the relevant document, can count on a 50% discount on museum tickets.

Instead of concluding...

Kaunas is a city where you want to return again and again. It attracts literally everyone: romantics, adventurers, and fans of history. Almost every street has the spirit of the Middle Ages. Even on the modern Laisvės Boulevard, which according to the results of public polls is recognized the best place for walks in Kaunas. Here you can not only admire the fountains and street sculptures, but also buy souvenirs or have a bite to eat in one of the many cafes. All in all, a great way to end a day full of sightseeing.

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Founded at the end of the 13th century, today it occupies the second largest and most important place in Lithuania, the city of Kaunas is rightfully considered a cultural and industrial center states. Located just a hundred kilometers from Lithuanian capital tourists are happy to visit the city.

Many of the travelers have limited time to stay, so it's worth considering in advance best option route around Kaunas, which will take only one day.

One day itinerary in Kaunas

Town Hall Square

On its territory you can see several sights of historical and artistic significance:

• snow-white Kaunas City Hall, which has proven itself to be the main city decoration, otherwise called the White Swan
• the largest in the city and the only one in the whole state gothic Cathedral, erected in honor of Peter and Paul;
• the church of St. Francis Xavier belonging to the Jesuit order, the building of which complements the monastery and gymnasium complex.

On the square surrounding the Town Hall, city holidays of various ranks, public concerts, festivals of representatives of musical art, fairs of handicrafts popular in the Baltics.

Kaunas Castle

Not a single tour of Kaunas is complete without a visit to the oldest in Lithuanian lands, built in the 13th century, Kaunas Castle. This significant monument of Lithuanian history and architecture is the first defensive fortress in the country and the only bastion in the entire territory of the country, which is distinguished by a double defensive wall.

It was not built by chance at this place - at the confluence of the two rivers Nemunas and Neris, where the best visibility from all sides.

During its existence, the castle has undergone several fierce sieges. One of them was in the middle of the 14th century, when, according to the will of the Pope of Rome, who wanted to plant Catholicism in Lithuania, knightly hordes gathered from all over Europe, led by Bishop Bartholomew, were gathered near Kaunas.

Since 1930, restoration work has been regularly carried out on the territory of the castle. Today, the building has been restored according to the plan of the Second Enclosing Castle.

In the round tower functions tourist centre. In the summer, it is possible to visit the castle catacombs.

Now the castle operates museum exposition about the history of the castle.

Time to visit the castle:

• Tuesday-Saturday – 10.00-18.00
• Sunday – 10.00-16.00

Duration is about 30 minutes.

Cost: adults - 2.50 euros, children - 1.20 euros

Vilniaus street

From the Town Hall Square, you can walk along the rather long pedestrian street of the Old Town called Vilniusskaya.

During a sightseeing walk, you can see mansions of the 16-17th centuries built on both sides of the road, replacing each other with cast-iron poles with glass lanterns, which have become unique telephone booths today.

Vilniusskaya Street ends with Laives Alley or Freedom Alley, the busiest and most popular among citizens and visitors.

Alley of Freedom

This place, like no other, is replete with architectural sights, in different places along its entire length equipped with fountains, cozy restaurants and cafes, as well as several museums and theaters.

Leisure at Laives Alley will delight fans of a healthy lifestyle and families with children with one important feature - there is the strictest ban for smoking.

Musical Theatre

There is a musical theater on Svoboda Alley, which attracts a large audience - founded by Pyotr Stolypin, successfully functioning in the City Garden.

defensive wall

A rather impressive part of the city defensive wall with a tower that has survived to this day, which contributes to the protection of self-government and the prosperity of Kaunas, can be seen within walking distance from the Musical Theatre.

Now you can sit in a cozy cafe here.

Funicular

In addition to pedestrian sightseeing tours every tourist who arrives in Kaunas has a rare opportunity to see the city from the height of the funicular.

Modern Kaunas is the only city in its state where it has survived to this day and functions flawlessly as municipal transport funicular created in 1931.

A couple of operating lines - Aleksotas and Zaliakalnis - have been declared a cultural monument in the country. The first of these cable car connects Old city with the top of the mountain of the same name, where a panoramic platform is equipped.

What to see with kids

Devils Museum

Adult travelers and impressionable children will be interested in visiting the unique Kaunas Museum of Devils, founded by Antanas Žmuidzinavicius, an artist known for his eccentricity.

Among the figurines he has collected over the course of 60 years, there are wooden, metal, plastic, leather, and textile figurines.

Today, the museum collection, which already has more than three thousand exhibits, is constantly replenished.

Working hours:

• Tuesday-Sunday – 11.00-17.00
• Thursday — 11.00-19.00

Entrance bidet: adults 3 euros, children 1.50 euros

Zoo

Families traveling with children are invited to visit the zoo. It can be easily reached from the old city, getting acquainted with the sights of several eastern quarters along the way, or using public transport.

Founded in 1938, the park is located in an oak forest. More than three thousand representatives of the fauna live on an area of ​​16 hectares. In addition to getting to know them in special enclosures, children can enjoy attractions and entertainment: you can ride a donkey or a pony, or simply pet a lama roaming freely around the garden, which is considered by the townspeople to be their pride and local landmark.

Kaunas- the second largest city in the world Republic of Lithuania. The city is relatively small by European standards, but at the same time it is unusually culturally developed. Numerous sights and museums will tell you everything about the history and development of the city, and if you want to relax, choose a theater, there are plenty of them too, just walk along the streets of the Old Town or visit one of the parks.

Kaunas opens its sights (feature with photo)

Kaunas - old City, former capital Lithuania, whose history of sights repeats the dramatic history of itself. Judge for yourself, because during its existence the city changed hands several times, was destroyed or burned and rebuilt again. In the same way, most of his temples were repeatedly leveled to the ground and rebuilt, performing various, sometimes completely unintended functions.

So, about the sights of Kaunas, my story.

The city was founded in XIII century at the place where the Neman River flows into the Neman River. The two main pedestrian streets of the city - Laisves-alley (Liberty alley) - central Street of the city, lined with lindens on both sides, and the Vilnius Street that continues it, along which you can get directly to the Old Town. There are traditionally many shops with souvenirs, bookstores, the best hotels are located, as well as restaurants, coffee shops and cafes. A monument to Prince Vytautas the Great was erected on Laisves Alley, who endowed the city with the Magdeburg Right at the beginning of the 15th century and is a revered and respected historical figure in Kaunas.

Sights of Kaunas

Of the most notable sights of the city, I want to mention:

• Kaunas Castle – oldest structure city ​​and the state as a whole, the first mention of it dates back to the 10th-11th centuries, earlier than the mention of Kaunas itself appeared. It performed the function of protection against attacks by the knights of the Teutonic Order. The castle had two rows of defensive structures, which was rare for that time. One of the towers of the castle, as well as part of its fortress wall, has survived to this day.
• Kovno fortress(By ancient name Kaunas - Kovno), one of the largest fortifications in Europe ( total area-65 sq. km). In total, the fortress consisted of 9 forts. Now the 9th fort is a museum, the exposition of which tells about the tragic events that took place here during the Second World War.
• City Hall of the 16th century It consists of a two-story building where the City Assembly was located, as well as a tower 53 m high. Today, the Town Hall building houses the wedding palace, and the city museum of ceramics is open in the basement. The Town Hall building, as before, remains central historic building Kaunas, and the spacious Town Hall Square is a traditional venue for city events, celebrations, and concerts.
• House of Perkunas- gloomy gothic building XV century, very well preserved and practically not destroyed during its existence. Now there is a museum of the famous poet A. Mickiewicz, as well as a Jesuit school.
• Of the new sights of Kaunas, one cannot fail to recall the so-called "House-Banknote", an interesting office building - a sample modern architecture. The project was developed by the Lithuanian architect R. Adomaitis. The exterior of the building looks like a banknote that was in circulation in Lithuania before the Soviet period. Today there are two banks operating here.

Kaunas Castle

Churches and churches in Kaunas

Kaunas is rich in the variety of its temples, which can be found at almost every step. I'll tell you about some of them.

• Church of St. Vytautas- the oldest temple in the country (XV century) with difficult history, it was destroyed several times and fell into disrepair. Nevertheless, today it is an active church belonging to the local episcopate. Located on the banks of the Neman River.
• Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul- a large temple of the XV century, made in gothic style. The height of its bell tower reaches 55 m. Inside the cathedral there is a magnificent interior with a multi-tiered wooden altar.
• Pazhaislis Monastery includes several buildings, the largest of which is the Church, built in the 17th century in the Baroque style and striking in its beauty. The monastery is located in woodland on the banks of the Neman. Despite the fact that this is a functioning convent, it is open to tourists.
• Church of St. Francis Xavier of the XVII century – majestic building in the Baroque style, located in the Old Town. On the tower of the church is Observation deck with a good view of the city.
• Church of St. Archangel Michael was built at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries and still impresses tourists with the scale of the building. For example, its height is 50 meters, and the central dome is the largest (16 m) in size in Lithuania for the whole known history construction of temples in this state. The temple was conceived and built as Orthodox Church, but after almost a hundred years from the time of construction it became a Catholic church.
• Church of the Resurrection of Christ- an example of later architecture of the 20th century.
• Church of St. Jurgis– Gothic stone building, one of the oldest in Kaunas – built in the second half of the 16th century.

Church of St. Vytautas

In Kaunas, along with Christian churches, a mosque and a choral synagogue function.

Museums in Kaunas

There are a lot of museums in Kaunas, and they are of absolutely different orientation. I'll tell you about the most interesting ones.

• Ethnographical museum located directly below open sky in the town of Rumsiskes near Kaunas. Here you can get acquainted with the way of life and life of the past, see samples of residential buildings and utility rooms.
• Military Museum of Lithuania named after Prince Vytautas the Great offers a collection of weapons, uniforms and military equipment for inspection.
• Čiurlionis Museum- National Art Museum, bearing the name of the Lithuanian avant-garde artist M. K. Ciurlionis, whose collection of works is central here. The uniqueness of his creative style is in the combination of painting and music. The museum also presents many (more than 300 thousand) works visual arts XIX century, as well as a collection of sculptures made of wood.
• At the Lithuanian Aviation Museum exhibited samples of aircraft.
• is located in a 16th century building on the Town Hall Square in Kaunas. Here are presented as exhibits medical instruments, pharmaceutical supplies, various medical equipment- more than 17 thousand items.
• Folk Museum musical instruments named after P. Stulgi located in the Old City.
• Zoological Museum of T. Ivanauskas(Laisves-alley).
• Devils Museum – unique museum There is no other like it in the world! The beginning of the museum's collection was laid more than 50 years ago by the artist Antanas Žmuidzinavičius. Today the collection unites about two thousand figurines and various images of devils from different countries peace.

Museum of Medicine and Pharmacy

Devils Museum

Theaters in Kaunas

Kaunas is big cultural center : there are 17 professional and amateur theater troupes, more than 20 libraries, the only professional circus in Lithuania - the Baltic City Symphony Orchestra, various music festivals are constantly held.
Existing professional theaters in the city:

• Kaunas state theater dframes;
• Kaunas State Musical Theater;
• pantomime theater;

• Kaunas State Puppet Theater;
• Kaunas interior theater;
• Aura dance theater.

Aura Theater

parks

Kaunas is rich in parks and squares, which in total occupy about 10 percent of the city's area. Be sure to visit:

• Ažuolinas park(63 ha) with a large oak grove almost in the center of the city;
• Botanical Garden with many interesting plants, a lake with swans;
• Alexotas Hill park on a hill with platforms for viewing the panorama of the city;
• Kaunas Zoo.