Kaunas is the second largest city of Lithuania after Vilnius, the country’s capital, and one of the largest cities of the Baltic states: Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.
Lithuania frequently is overlooked by tourists, not to mention Kaunas, the city which always falls behind Vilnius on the visittors’ lists of places to visit. And it’s such a shame!
Let’s uncover the beauty of this city together, exploring its incredible churches, museums, and architectural masterpieces!
1. Kaunas fortress
Originally Kaunas fortress was constructed in the middle of the 14th century close to the Nemunas river as a defense against Teutonic order but the knights destroyed it. The second caste was built in the early 14th century under the rule of Grand Duke Vytautas, and the city started developing around it. Then again the castle was badly damaged during the wars with Russia in the 17th century.
After that, the Neris river flooded the castle on a number of occasions, and a large part of it was destroyed by water. Now part of the castle is restored and since 2011 it has housed a museum inside, and various events take part just outside of it.
You can explore the cellars there, a collection of historical artefacts including a huge bearskin, and the view from the tower is fantastic!
2. St George the Martyr Church and Bernardine monastery
St George the Martyr Church and Bernardine monastery is a complex of two adjoining Gothic buildings made out of red bricks and dating back to the late 15th century (the construction ended in early 16th century).
Sadly the original outlook of the church has been constantly changing because of the fires, pillage by Napoleon army and later redesigns, however it was restored. The interior is really worth seeing despite the reconstruction works going on there: there are 16 altars inside!
3. Town square
The Town hall square is the very heart of Kaunas and, as you see, during our visit it was under a massive restoration right: it’s closed for the pedestrians but you can still admire some of its highlights.
As the name suggests, the main one is the Town hall, and others worth mention are the Jesuit Monastery and Church of St. Francis Xavier.
4. Town hall and the Kaunas City museum
The Town Hall of Kaunas dates to the 16th century (it sits on the site of a previous Town Hall) and now it functions as a museum and as a wedding venue. For its outstanding architectural features and 53metre tall tower it’s nicknamed ‘White Swan’. And what a view you get from the balcony or the top floors of it!
The Kaunas City museum inside the town hall is really worth visiting!
It’s informative, modern and very well made, and they have a great adventure trail for kids and adults alike, with a plethora of historical and cultural exhibits and creative trails.
5. Kaunas Cathedral Basilica of the Apostles St Peter and St Paul
Kaunas Cathedral Basilica of the Apostles St Peter and St Paul is believed to have been founded by Grand Duke Vytautas in the 15th century.
Although it was constructed in Gothic style, it acquired other architectural elements through later modifications (Renaissance. baroque etc). It’s the largest Gothic basilica in the country! The church also contains many notable Lithuanian burials.
6. Vytautas’ the Great Church of the Assumption of The Holy Virgin Mary
Vytautas’ the Great Church of the Assumption of The Holy Virgin Mary is another gorgeous Catholic Church. It’s actually one of the oldest churches in the city. It sits on the river bank and with its 27,5 metre high tower it makes a wonderful sight. Although it was minimally influenced by the fires of Kaunas, other buildings were destroyed by flooding and wars. Now it’s beautifully restored. Pop inside to observe its wonderful interiors, stained glass and religious figurines.
In front of it there’s a statue of catholic priest, and writer Juozas Tumas (aka Vaižgantas) who was lobbying for independent Lithuania – he was the one who promoted the restoration of the church as well.
7. Street art
Kaunas is famous for its street art, monuments and graffiti. Just walk around and see them scattered around the city. Make sure not to miss this Cat – it is one of the most famous ones!
8. Nemunas river
A walk by the Nemunas river is also a great activity you must do if you love picturesque views! This river historically played an important role in different events as it serves as a border for various countries. See a mighty Vytautas the Great Bridge built in 1930 and recently renovated (for the views of the city climb the Aleksotas!).
Admire the promenade of both rivers in Kaunas, you won’t regret it.
9. Church of St. Gertrude
Church of St. Gertrude is one of the oldest churches of Kaunas dating to the 15th century – come through a gate on the Laisvės alėja, or Freedom Avenue, and this beauty will be right in front of you! It, again, has suffered from fires, wars and occupation, and has been fully restored just in the 1990s.
You’ll also see a cross under a glass on a wall in front of the church: it’s believed to be the oldest in Kaunas.
10. House of Thunder
This gorgeous late Gothic building is nicknamed The House of Thunder, or Perkino namas, because of Perkunas statue (a pagan god of thunder) found during a restoration. This house dates to the 15th century and originally belonged to the Hanseatic league or one of the Kaunas’ rich inhabitants, then it was transferred to Jesuits and later housed the first theatre of the city.
What else to see in Kaunas?
Spot St. Michael the Archangel’s Church or the Garrison Church built in Neo-Byzantine style by Russians; walk through the Laisvės alėja, or Freedom Avenue, one of the main pedestrian street with cafes, and learn about the Jewish history in Kaunas: visit the Ninth fort and the holocaust museum, spot the Kaunas Synagogue and explore the story behind Chiune Sugihara, a Japanese vice-consul in Kaunas who issued around 6000 visas for Jews that helped them flee the border and escape death from Nazis.
Check my other blogs about Lithuania too!
Hope, you liked my blog,
Yours,
Anna xxx
