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Strolling Through Beautiful Castles Lithuania

Castles and fortresses in Lithuania

By Rasma RaistersPublished 7 months ago 4 min read
Birzai Castle

Birzai Castle

Birzai Castle was built in the 1500s to defend the Birzai Dutchy from invaders coming from the North. The castle was strategically built to control the trade and the region. At one time it was destroyed by the Swedes but then rebuilt. The white arched and alcoved facade is one of the most striking features here. Today it is part of an open-air museum where visitors can learn about its history and how people once lived.

Kaunas Castle

This castle is among the most iconic landmarks in Lithuania. The red brick castle dates back to the 14th century and has been rebuilt many times. It is situated at the junction of two rivers. For fantastic views you can climb up to the observation points. Inside is a museum with relics and artifacts from a bygone era.

Klaipeda Castle

Klaipeda Castle was built by the Teutonic Knight in the 13th century. It served as a stronghold for centuries. Today, all that remains from the outside is the mound where it once stood, some of the walls and an entrance way to the museum (which is housed inside the mound). Inside Klaipeda Castle Museum you can learn more about the history of the city and its people. You’ll see exhibits of ancient artifacts here. You’ll also discover how Klaipeda became a major port and trading hub on the Baltic Sea.

Medininkai Castle

Medininkai Castle was built in the 14th century to protects the country from invaders. The grounds surrounding this fortress definitely saw many battles and events that helped shape Lithuania’s history. Today the castle has been restored and among its most stricking features is the huge red brick square tower in one corner.

Norviliskies Castle

Norviliškės Castle, also known as Norviliškės Monastery, is a masterpiece of 16th-century fortified Renaissance architecture. It sits surrounded by pine woodland in the south-easternmost part of Lithuania withing the Dieveniskes Loop next to the Lithuanian-Belarusian border. That means it’s on the edge of the European Union, giving it a unique historical and geopolitical significance. Inside, are arcaded walkways and various outbuildings. The most striking view is from the front with two rotund towers framing either side of the building.

Palace Of The Grand Dukes Of Lithuania

The palace is located in the capital Vilnius and was constructed in the 15th century for the rulers of the Grand Dutchy of Lithuanis and the future Kings of Poland. For four centuries the palace was the political, administrative, and cultural centre of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. It was demolished in 1801. Construction on a new palace was started in 2002 on the site of the original and was completed in 2018. During Lithuania's presidency of the Council of the European Union, the palace was used as one of the main venues for the meetings of heads of European countries.

Panemune Castle

This castle is an impressive monument located on the Nemunas River near Vytenai in the western part of Lithuania. It was built in the 1600s as a fortress. Now it has been restored with iconic looking towers. Today the artworks of Vilnius Art Academy students are exhibited in the castle and there is also a museum. Rooms are available for accommodation.

Raudondvaris Castle

This is a stately castle that was built in the 17th century combining Gothic and Renaissance styles. It was a pagan fortress that resisted the Teutonic Knights in 1392. Today it is a museum showcasing the cultural heritage of Lithuania. Visitors can wander around the extensive grounds and interior. Inside you’ll find beautiful frescoes, sculptures, paintings and furniture that decorate the castle. The castle’s most prominent feature is the rotund tower that dominates one end of the building.

Raudone Castle

This is a lovely red-brick castle dating back to the 19th century. Originally built as a residential castle. Today it’s used as a public school. It is located on the bank of the Nemunas River and has an impressive 35-meter-tall tower.

Siesikai Castle

This castle was built in the 16th century in the Renaissance style but seen transformation throughout history. The facade is a mix of architectural styles. The castle is located near the town of Siesikai and is built on an island in Lake Siesikai. It was built by Gabrielius Daumantas-Siesickis in the 16th century in the Renaissance style

Trakai Island Castle

Not far from the capital of Lithuania, Vilnius this iconic castle was built as a medieval fortress. It is located surrounded by Lake Galve. Its history dates back to the 14th century and it was once the home of Lithuanian kings and nobles, and the scene of many important events. The castle today is a reconstruction and houses a museum that displays artifacts and tells stories about Lithuania’s past, culture, and the castle’s role in it.

Vilnius Castle

Vilnius Castle sits atop a hill overlooking the capital, Vilnius. The Vilnius Castle Complex is located on the left bank of the Neris River, near its confluence with the Vilnia River.The complex consisted of three castles: the Upper, the Lower, and the Crooked, but after it was destroyed the Crooked was never rebuilt. It was built in the 14th century as a fortress to protect the city from invaders.

It survived many battles and wars, but only the Gediminas Tower remains today. You can climb up the tower and see the amazing views of the Old Town and the Neris River. Today, the remaining Gediminas Tower is a major symbol of the city of Vilnius and of the nation itself. Annually, on January 1, the Lithuanian tricolor is hoisted on Gediminas Tower to commemorate Flag Day. The complex is part of the National Museum of Lithuania, one of the largest museums in the country.Here visitors will find historical artifacts and exhibitions that showcase Lithuania’s past and present.

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About the Creator

Rasma Raisters

My passions are writing and creating poetry. I write for several sites online and have four themed blogs on Wordpress. Please follow me on Twitter.

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