Culture of Kaunas. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

In terms of the number of historical, architectural and natural attractions Kaunas is no less rich than the capital of the country. This is a beautiful modern city, which has managed to preserve its unique heritage and medieval charm. During a walk in the streets of the city tourists will see a lot of old churches and cathedrals, as well as buildings constructed in the end of the 19th – the beginning of the 20th centuries. Kaunas Castle has been the main symbol of the city for centuries. This is a beautiful and powerful defensive structure built in the beginning of the 14th century.

The castle had great a strategic importance, and it even played a crucial role in the Battle of Grunwald. The fortress remained impenetrable until the 17th century. Steadily it lost its importance, and in 1655 the castle was almost entirely destroyed by the Russian army. Only several elements of the beautiful building have survived till our days - the tower and a part of the fortification wall. Most of excursion sites are located in the historic district of Kaunas. Do not forget to include a visit to the local town hall in your cultural program. The town hall was built in the 16th century, but it is still open to public.

The House of Perkunas is located nearby. This is a beautiful red-brick building of an unusual architectural form. Originally the house belonged to a merchant cooperative. This part of the city is the location of very important religious landmarks - the Church of the Holy Trinity and Vytautas Cathedral located near the church. These buildings were built in the 15th century and are internationally renowned as beautiful monuments of the Gothic style. Modern districts of Kaunas are also very interesting if taken into consideration their attraction in terms of the number of sights. Zaliakalnis Quarter is especially popular with holidaymakers. Buildings of the early 20th century can be seen right at every step here. Tourists will also be amazed by variety of architectural styles found in this part of the city. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Laisves Street is simply the best place for walking. One of the main streets of the city, it is known for numerous beautiful fountains and sculptures. Tourists will also find dozens of museums and galleries in the city. The most famous among them is certainly the Museum of Devils. This museum has become a kind of "tourist fetish" as simply no excursion program is possible without visiting it. All exhibits present in this original museum are somehow connected with evil spirits. This is the place where guests will find impressive collections of ancient paintings and sculptures.

Lietuvos Medicinos ir Farmacijos Istorijos Muziejus stands out among other local museums. Here visitors can expand their horizons and learn many interesting things about the history of medicine. Each museum room is dedicated to a certain era, among the exhibits are medicine glass, books of recipes, pill making mechanisms. The most memorable part is pulling out a scroll with a traditional recipe, a kind of “prediction game”. Getting acquainted with the traditional way of life of local people's ancestors, trying local food, horseback riding, and just having a good time - all this can be done in Lietuvos Liaudies Buities Muziejus. Learn more about the times of the Soviet Union in KGB Atominis Bunkeris where equipment once used by KGB agents is presented.

Vytauto Didžiojo Karo Muziejus is another interesting cultural institution in Kaunas. Here, visitors are offered fascinating tours into the world of Lithuanian military history in different periods - from the Middle Ages to the Second World War. Its collection includes military equipment that was used in certain periods. For those who dream of the sky and want to learn a lot of interesting information about aircraft, there is no better place than Lietuvos Aviacijos Muziejus. Another important cultural institution is Kauno Tado Ivanausko Zoologijas Muziejus, which tells and shows the evolution of animals. A superb collection of butterflies and insects is particularly impressive.

The unique Kauno Muziejus Neregiams allows visitors to feel blind and experience the world as blind people do. Participants of the exciting adventure get an experience they've never got anywhere else before. The Stumbras Museum will appeal to those who wish to learn about alcoholic beverages production as much as possible. It is clearly, succinctly, and fascinatingly described here. The thing that many visitors like the most is the last stage - tasting. Those who want to touch the high art and see some priceless works must visit Nacionalinis M. K. Čiurlionio Dailės Muziejus.

A splendid monument of sacred architecture is Kauno Šv.Apaštalų Petro ir Povilo Arkikatedra Bazilika, which is the largest Catholic cathedral in all of Lithuania. The basilica's unique Gothic style of architecture is not the only thing that attracts hundreds of tourists to the shrine. It is also famous for its rich history that began after its construction in 1655 (although construction works started back in 1413). Besides, many travelers enjoy visiting the temple because of its decoration - the magnificent stucco, sculptures, an altar. Another significant shrine is Pažaislio Vienuolynas ir Bažnyčia famous for its magnificent park. The building dates back to 1664, it has a rich history, which is necessarily mentioned during tours of the monastery.

A significant historical monument and an instructive example for visitors is the Ninth Fort. Originally built as a fortification, later it was turned into a prison. First, after the First World War, it was a Lithuanian prison, and then, in Soviet times, it was used by the NKVD. In the years of the Second World War, mass shootings took place in this building. A museum in memory of this tragic event was opened on site (Kauno IX Forto Muziejus). While in Kaunas, be sure to attend one of the magnificent theatrical performances at Kauno Valstybinis Muzikinis Teatras.