Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Sights in Kaunas (Part 1)

In my previous blog post I introduced you to Kaunas – second largest city in Lithuania. Today I will give you the list of the most interesting sights in Kaunas. All sights described in this article are in the old town and in the centre of Kaunas, so you can visit all of them in just a few hours and you can easily reach all of them on foot.
Kaunas Castle
Kaunas Castle was built in 14th century at the confluence of rivers Nemunas and Neris. It was the first stone castle in Lithuania and it is the oldest building in Kaunas now. This Gothic building helped to protect the town from Crusaders’ attacks.
Kaunas castle is in Papilio str. 17. Today tourism information center is located in Kaunas castle. You can visit exhibitions and buy souvenirs there.
Kaunas Castle

Town Hall
Town Hall’s construction began in 1542. This building with Gothic, Baroque and early Classicism elements is called the White Swan. Nowadays the Town Hall is the Wedding Hall, where marriages are registered. In the basement of the Town Hall Kaunas Ceramics museum is situated.
The address is Rotuses sq. 15.
Kaunas Town Hall

Kaunas Arch-cathedral Basilica
Kaunas Arch-cathedral Basilica is the largest Gothic church in Lithuania. It also has Renaissance and Baroque elements.
The address is Vilniaus str. 1.
Kaunas Arch-cathedral Basilica

Vytautas’ Church
This church officially is named The Church of Taking Holy Virgin Mary into the Heaven. For me, it is the most beautiful church in Kaunas. It is Gothic building built in 1400. Vytautas’ Church is the oldest church in the city.
The church is situated on the bank of the river Nemunas, Aleksoto str. 3.
Vytautas' Church

Vilniaus Street
Vilniaus street is the oldest and the most beautiful street in the Old Town of Kaunas. Most buildings there stand since 16th century. You can also see unique old telephone booths in Vilniaus street.
Vilniaus street in Kaunas

Vilniaus street in Kaunas

M. K. Ciurlionis National Art Museum
M. K. Ciurlionis (1875-1911) is probably the most famous Lithuanian artist and composer of all times. I believe he was a genius! In the museum you can see the exposition of his paintings and listen to the recordings of his music.
The address of M. K. Ciurlionis National Art Museum is V. Putvinskio str. 55.
The Painting of M. K. Ciurlionis

The Painting of M. K. Ciurlionis

Devils‘ Museum
Devils‘ Museum contains the Lithuanian artist's A. Zmuidzinavicius collection of sculptures and carvings of devils and a unique collection of devils from the whole world.
The address is V. Putvinskio str. 64.
The devil

In my following blog post I will give you the descriptions of more sights in Kaunas. 

1 comment:

Sjoerd said...

Very nice pictures of Kaunas, I am looking forward to see more of them. Nice city, by the way !