Kaunas city hall – a house of contrasts
Constructed in XVI this city hall has an unusual, but interesting history. Originally it was built as a city hall and housed prison, trial, magistrate office, city’s treasure and archive at the same time. However thing changed fast when Lithuania was occupied by Russia. Russians then turned this building into Orthodox Church, later ammunition storage and after that into residence for Russian czars. To say the least this building has seen a lot of renovations. It actually combines four architecture styles gothic, renaissance, baroque and classicism at the same time.
Today building belongs to Kaunas government and Catholic Church. It houses a Museum of Ceramics in cellar. Main floor is used for the wedding ceremonies, signing of agreements and other official events.
Vytautas the great church
Built at the beginning of XV century in the right bank of the Neman River it is one of the oldest churches in Kaunas city. Who was Vytautas the great? Why is this church named after him? He was the grand duke of Lithuania and some say the best leader that ever ruled Lithuania. Many times he led Lithuanian and foreign armies to victory in famous and cruel medieval battles. However he has seen dark times too. In 1399 his army faced a crucial defeat in Battle of the Vorskla River. Incredibly he managed to escape alive, to him this was a sign from gods, he felt grateful and founded this church for saving his life.
This church is clearly in Gothic style, which was very popular in Lithuania during late medieval, however the Latin cross layout of the church is rare in Lithuanian architecture. Although church many times suffered from floods, it is thought that it looks the same as it originally looked when it was built. Only thing that was changed is the tower that was extended, so it could be used as a lighthouse in XVI century.
Historical Presidential Palace
Originally this superb looking Neo-baroque building was founded by a local aristocrat as a resident palace in 1846. However this house soon was nationalized by occupant Russian government ever since then this house served as a governmental building. Lithuania established its independence in 1918, but no one, but new government had claims on this building, so it remained government’s property. Soon after Lithuania’s independence was established war between Lithuania and Poland broke out. Poland occupied Vilnius region and Kaunas became the temporary capital of Lithuania. Only then, in 1920 this building was turned into presidential palace and remained so until Soviet occupation. The Last Meeting of the government of Lithuania took place here on the night from June 14 to 15 of 1940.
Now this palace is a museum memorizing leaders of interwar Lithuania. Garden is a public park with statues of three Lithuania’s presidents that worked here Smetona, Grinius and Stulginsis.
Built in early 14th century this is the oldest still standing castle in region. Situated very close to the confluence of Nemunas and Neris rivers many times it suffered from major floods. In 1362 Teutonic order overtook this castle after three weeks of siege. Lithuanians soon got the castle back, but it was greatly damaged, a major reconstruction started that shaped the castle the way we see it today. In 1410 Teutonic order was defeated in Grunewald battle, Lithuanian borders were moved far away from Kaunas and castle lost its importance. It wasn’t used for military purposes until 17th century when Swedish army invaded Polish-Lithuanian commonwealth.
Lithuania felt under Russian occupation in 18th century. Lack of care meant that castle was slowly destroyed by ongoing floods. Now only less than a half of castle remains. Castle renovations started in 2010. The castle is open to tourism it hosts festivals and concerts during Kaunas city days, Kaunas Jazz or other major event in Kaunas. Castle’s round tower was turned into museum/art gallery. Several memorials have been built around castle in memory of those who have died defending this castle throughout the ages. Overall a must see sight in Kaunas.
House of Perkūnas
House of Perkunas earned its fame because of its original, archaic Gothic look. In 1440 Hanseatic merchants built it as their office in Kaunas. Later building was sold to Jesuits that turned the house into chapel. Amazingly building’s outside wasn’t changed at all. The building remains Jesuits property to this day. The building behind house of Perkunas is nowadays Kaunas Jesuits Catholic gymnasium.
Why is it called house of Perkunas? Perkunas is ancient Lithuanian pagan god, it is said that before Hanseatic merchants build their office, this place was a temple dedicated to Perkunas. Several stories exist about Perkunas god returning to this place and haunting as a punishment for switching from Paganism to Catholicism. Architecture and scary story lovers will like this building.
Built in early XVth century this gothic style beauty has seen some rough times. Although it was many times renovated, often fires and wars have damaged the church greatly. You can tell it by one look at the church – it is missing one tower.
For people who are interested in architecture I would offer to walk around the church few times, just to see how amazing it looks from different angels. The church has this rare massive and elegant look at the same time. Church also has an impressive interior, with one of the biggest and most beautiful altar in the whole country.
