Kaunas

Kaunas is the second largest industrial, scientific and cultural centre of Lithuania. Kaunas is situated in the centre of Lithuania, at the confluence of the two biggest rivers the Nemunas and the Neris, 100 km from the capital Vilnius and 250 km from the port city Klaipeda. Kaunas is also known as a university town. There are over twenty-one thousand students studying at universities. Hundreds of years of cultural heritage is preserved in the historical and architectural monuments, museums, theatres, art galleries and churches of Kaunas.

Main attractions:

Kaunas Castle Kaunas Castle was built in the 13th century to repeal the attacks of Crusaders. It was the first defensive castle in Lithuania playing the significant role in the defensive system of the town. The residential area settled around it, and became a present city later.
Town Hall It is often called White Swan. Started to be built in 1542, it unites the architectural traits of Gothic, Baroque and early Classicism. Town Hall was the centre of Kaunas in the Middle Ages. After the last reconstruction of the building in 1970, Town Hall became the residence of the Wedding Palace, and Ceramic Art Museum was founded in the basement.
Jesuits Church and Monastery The Church in the late Baroque style was built at the beginning of the 17th century. In 1787, the Church was given to Franciscan Monk Order, and later it served as an Orthodox Church, A. Nevsky's Cathedral, and Technical College. The Jesuits' Community regained the Church in 1990.
Arch-Cathedral Basilica It is the only Gothic style church in Lithuania with basilica design. After several reconstructions, the Church has got architectural traits of Renaissance and Baroque. The Cathedral holds nine altars; the sacristy has crystal-type arches.
Vytautas Church This architectural monument in the Gothic style was owned by Franciscan monks; during Napoleon wars, the weapon warehouse was placed here; Orthodox cathedral was here in 1845-1953.
St. Michael the Archangel Church (Sobor) It is the building in Neo-Byzantine style with all architectural traits of the orthodox sanctuary. Later, the church was turned into an art Gallery. Catholic Church got the building and is functioning here now.