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“The Rout Through Aukštaitija”“The Rout Through Aukštaitija”

Darba parengDarba parengė: Andrius Pivoras 4zė: Andrius Pivoras 4z

Vaida Stundytė 4iVaida Stundytė 4i

Vaida Pumputytė 4iVaida Pumputytė 4i

Jurgita Jurgita TamulytTamulytė 4iė 4i

Aušra Paškevičiūtė 4iAušra Paškevičiūtė 4i

The Rout Through Aukštaitija

• Anykščiai districtAnykščiai district

• Panevėžys districtPanevėžys district

• Biržai districtBiržai district

• Ignalina districtIgnalina district

• Aukštaitija National ParkAukštaitija National Park

AnykščiaiAnykščiai PanevėžysPanevėžys BiržaiBiržai IgnalinaIgnalina

Aukštaitijos nacionalinis parkasAukštaitijos nacionalinis parkas

AnykščiaiAnykščiai

The town of Anykščiai is located at the confluence of The Šventoji and Anykšta rivers. In historical sour-ces this town was first mentioned in 1442. In 1516 it received the Magdeburg Rights. Today Anykščiai is aregional administrative centre. During the summer it’spicturesque surroundings of rivers, streams and lakesattract many visitors from surrounding areas and abroad. Anykščiai area is famous with various memo-rial places, defence mounds and other cultural sites.

Places to visit:• The Puntukas Stone• A Horse MuseumA Horse Museum• J. Biliūnas’ birthplaceJ. Biliūnas’ birthplace• Granary of Antanas BaranauskasGranary of Antanas Baranauskas• A.Žukauskas – Vienuolis’ HouseA.Žukauskas – Vienuolis’ House• ““Siaurukas” railwaySiaurukas” railway• Light of HappinessLight of Happiness

Į pradžiąĮ pradžią

The Puntukas StoneThe Puntukas Stone

Puntukas is the second large stone in Puntukas is the second large stone in Lithuania. It was brought from Lithuania. It was brought from Scandinavia by the glacier during the Scandinavia by the glacier during the last glacial period 12-14 thousand last glacial period 12-14 thousand years ago and left in a site of the years ago and left in a site of the present Anykščiai šilelis. This stone present Anykščiai šilelis. This stone is 5,7 m high, 6,7m width, 6,9m long. is 5,7 m high, 6,7m width, 6,9m long. It weights 265 t. Legend tells that a It weights 265 t. Legend tells that a devil wanted to break the Anykščiai devil wanted to break the Anykščiai church with this stone, but a rooster church with this stone, but a rooster crowed and the devil moved to hell, crowed and the devil moved to hell, so the stone fell down and remained so the stone fell down and remained laying cut into the ground. laying cut into the ground.

A Horse Museum

It was founded on June 10, 1978 on the It was founded on June 10, 1978 on the initiative of professor of Lithuanian initiative of professor of Lithuanian Agricultural academy P. Vasinauskas, Agricultural academy P. Vasinauskas, (Niūronys village, tel. 8 381 51722). (Niūronys village, tel. 8 381 51722). This Horse museum is designed to This Horse museum is designed to resemble horse-breeding history, resemble horse-breeding history, visitors may look round philately visitors may look round philately exhibition, smith’s tools, see carts, exhibition, smith’s tools, see carts, wheels, ploughs collected from all over wheels, ploughs collected from all over Lithuania. Every June a spors and Lithuania. Every June a spors and ethnographic holiday “Bėk bėk, žirgeli” ethnographic holiday “Bėk bėk, žirgeli” is being held.is being held.

J.Biliūnas birthplace

The old farmstead of the Biliunai family The old farmstead of the Biliunai family was built before Jonas Biliunas’ (1879–was built before Jonas Biliunas’ (1879–1907) birth. A two-end farmhouse, 1907) birth. A two-end farmhouse, which is left there reminds about the which is left there reminds about the writer’s babyhood and childhood. There writer’s babyhood and childhood. There is a small exposition in the former is a small exposition in the former ““stancija”with various memorial things – stancija”with various memorial things – the modest furniture and household the modest furniture and household utensils: an old table, a bed, a dresser utensils: an old table, a bed, a dresser from the serfdom times, long benches from the serfdom times, long benches along the walls, a towel-hanger with a along the walls, a towel-hanger with a linen towel, a dowry chest, a wardrobe, linen towel, a dowry chest, a wardrobe, a spring of the cradle, a spinning a spring of the cradle, a spinning wheel, a knitted tablecloth and a little wheel, a knitted tablecloth and a little table.table.

Granary of Antanas BaranauskasGranary of Antanas Baranauskas

Antanas Baranauskas was a bishop, Antanas Baranauskas was a bishop,

poet, expert of linguistics, author of poet, expert of linguistics, author of

psalms. In the small granary built in psalms. In the small granary built in

1826 he created his celebrated poem 1826 he created his celebrated poem

““Anykščių šilelis” (“Anykščiai Anykščių šilelis” (“Anykščiai

pinewood”), that glorified beauty of pinewood”), that glorified beauty of

Lithuania forest.Lithuania forest.

Granary is the first memorial museum Granary is the first memorial museum

in Lithuania founded in 1927. Ancient in Lithuania founded in 1927. Ancient

things that belonged to the things that belonged to the

Baranauskai family are stored thereBaranauskai family are stored there..

Antanas Žukauskas-Vienuolis’ Antanas Žukauskas-Vienuolis’ HouseHouse

Antanas Vienuolis – Žukauskas Antanas Vienuolis – Žukauskas (1882 –1957 ) – a classic writer an (1882 –1957 ) – a classic writer an author of lots of novels, stories, short author of lots of novels, stories, short stories and legends.stories and legends.On the ground floor of the writer’s On the ground floor of the writer’s house there is a literature exposition house there is a literature exposition that reflects the way of his life and that reflects the way of his life and creative work. On the first floor there creative work. On the first floor there are the writers memorial rooms with are the writers memorial rooms with authentic furniture and other things of authentic furniture and other things of the Žukauskai family.the Žukauskai family.

“Siaurukas” Railway

Narrow railways were started to build Narrow railways were started to build

in the end of the 19th century. At in the end of the 19th century. At

present this narrow railway carries present this narrow railway carries

passengers and transports quartz passengers and transports quartz

sand.sand.

In the renewed and well done up In the renewed and well done up

station of the narrow railway and the station of the narrow railway and the

broad one, to look round the exhibition broad one, to look round the exhibition

held to reveal the history of railways, held to reveal the history of railways, to to

see an operating model of steam-see an operating model of steam-

engine, to cycle on railsengine, to cycle on rails..

PanevėžysPanevėžys

Panevėžys, the capital of Aukštaitija Ethnographic region, has been the fifth largest city in Lithuania for more than a century.The city by the River Nevėžis has brought up many well-known artists, writers, musicians. They make the name of the city famous in the world and are winners of various awards.

Places to visit:• The Museum of Etnography• Art Gallery• International Ceremics Symposia• The Club of the Book Sign BITĖ• Photography Gallery• The St. Trinity Church• Centre of Studies of J.Miltinis Heritage

Į pradžiąĮ pradžią

The Museum of EtnographyThe Museum of Etnography

The Museum ofThe Museum of EthnographyEthnographyhas accumulated hugehas accumulated hugehistorical and cultural historical and cultural heritage. There is also the heritage. There is also the Art Gallery which organizes Art Gallery which organizes about 20 different exhibitions about 20 different exhibitions every year. Music and every year. Music and literature evenings, lectures literature evenings, lectures and discussions aboutand discussions about culture and art research also culture and art research also take place here.take place here.

The St.Trinity ChurchThe St.Trinity Church

The first wooden church which The first wooden church which

belonged to the monks was belonged to the monks was

constructed in 1727. In 1790 it burnt constructed in 1727. In 1790 it burnt

down and in 1803 a new stone down and in 1803 a new stone

church was built. It is of Classic church was built. It is of Classic

style.style.

Centre of studies of J.Miltinis Centre of studies of J.Miltinis HeritageHeritage

Centre of Studies of Juozas Miltinis Heritage is the place where Centre of Studies of Juozas Miltinis Heritage is the place where the Stage Director has spent his last years of life. The Centre the Stage Director has spent his last years of life. The Centre preserves his huge library with 3 429 books and magazines, a preserves his huge library with 3 429 books and magazines, a

rich rich collection of manuscripts, paintings, 109 compact tapes with the collection of manuscripts, paintings, 109 compact tapes with the rehearsals of the Stage Director, video documentsrehearsals of the Stage Director, video documents..

BiržaiThe region of Biržai lies in the far north of Lithuania,

approximately 20 kilometers from the Lithuanian –

Latvian border.

A wonderful destination for both the culture lover

and the naturalist, the Biržai region is home to 110

cultural monuments, 17 lakes, 17 landscape

preserves.

Places to visit:• Duke Radvilas Palace• The Astravas Palace• The Biržai Museum• “Hole of the Cow”• St. John Baptist’s Church• The Linkenai Healt Resort• Places of birth of J.Bielinis, K.Binkis, B.Sruoga

Į pradžiąĮ pradžią

The Astravas PalaceThe Astravas Palace

TThe Astravas Palace was built he Astravas Palace was built

in 1862 by in 1862 by DDuke Jonas uke Jonas

Tiskevicius. The palace was Tiskevicius. The palace was

ruined and later rebuilt many ruined and later rebuilt many

times, and in 1930 it was times, and in 1930 it was

adapted to the practical needs adapted to the practical needs

of the plant. Now it is owned of the plant. Now it is owned

by AB Siulas. Over 500 by AB Siulas. Over 500

employees currently work at employees currently work at

the plant.the plant.

The Radvilas Palace

Duke Radvilas palace, one ofDuke Radvilas palace, one of the the city's most interesting attractions. city's most interesting attractions. The palace houses the Biržai The palace houses the Biržai regional museum with its diverse regional museum with its diverse exhibitions on regional art, history exhibitions on regional art, history and nature. The palace is also the and nature. The palace is also the site of many concerts and other site of many concerts and other cultural events and is the home of cultural events and is the home of the comfortable Birthe comfortable Biržžai library.ai library.

The Biržai MuseumThe Biržai Museum

The BirThe Biržžai museum lies within the ai museum lies within the BeautifullyBeautifully restoredrestored Duke Radvilas palace, aDuke Radvilas palace, a building long steeped in Birzai history. In building long steeped in Birzai history. In 1586, Kristupas Radvilas Perkunas ordered 1586, Kristupas Radvilas Perkunas ordered a fortress to be built on the site to protect a fortress to be built on the site to protect the northern border of Lithuania. the northern border of Lithuania. Construction was completed in 1589, at Construction was completed in 1589, at which time Birzai waswhich time Birzai was granted rights of self-granted rights of self-government and thus became the first government and thus became the first private town in Lithuania. Over the private town in Lithuania. Over the followingcenturies, followingcenturies, tthe castle was he castle was destroyed several times, but it wasalways destroyed several times, but it wasalways quickly rebuilt. Finally, in 1704, invading quickly rebuilt. Finally, in 1704, invading Swedes blew it up for good -- or until Swedes blew it up for good -- or until 1988,1988, that is, when the museum was built that is, when the museum was built up from the ruins.up from the ruins.

““The hole of the cow”The hole of the cow”

Near the village of Kirkilai, a gypsy drowned with his horse Near the village of Kirkilai, a gypsy drowned with his horse

and wagon in a sudden sinkhole. In another and wagon in a sudden sinkhole. In another ffamous case, a amous case, a

farmer awoke to find his cow missing. The cow was sfarmer awoke to find his cow missing. The cow was s

wallowed up by the now famous “Hole of the Cow.” Driving wallowed up by the now famous “Hole of the Cow.” Driving

from Pabirfrom Pabiržėžė to Bir to Biržžai, turn left at the sign “Karves Ola” – cowai, turn left at the sign “Karves Ola” – cow

hole. Remember that sink holes are open 24 hours a hole. Remember that sink holes are open 24 hours a

day, so watch your step -- especially If you’ve already visited day, so watch your step -- especially If you’ve already visited

tthehe breweries.breweries.

St.John Bapptist’s Church

Among BirAmong Biržžai’s other architectural ai’s other architectural

points of interest are its lovely points of interest are its lovely

churches. St. John the Baptist’s churches. St. John the Baptist’s

Church, completed in 1861, is Church, completed in 1861, is

noted noted ffor the unity of its interior or the unity of its interior

and exterior forms and is and exterior forms and is

mentioned in B. Kviklys’ Churches mentioned in B. Kviklys’ Churches

of Lithuania as one of the nation’s of Lithuania as one of the nation’s

most beautiful churches.most beautiful churches.

IgnalinaThe Ignalina region was populated during the The Ignalina region was populated during the Stone Age, with remnats from early camps Stone Age, with remnats from early camps discovered throughout the countryside.discovered throughout the countryside.The city is surrounded by lakes and topped with The city is surrounded by lakes and topped with the forested Vilkakalnis Hill, upon which are Tv and the forested Vilkakalnis Hill, upon which are Tv and fire towers. Small roads and trails connect the fire towers. Small roads and trails connect the lakes and nearby forests. Several different environ-lakes and nearby forests. Several different environ-mental regions make Ignalina very interesting to mental regions make Ignalina very interesting to people wanting to observe various fauna and flora.people wanting to observe various fauna and flora.

Places to visit:Places to visit:• Apiculture Museum in Stripeikiai village• Ladakalnis Hill• Ginučiai castle Mound• Etnographical Villages• Works of carpenters on the shores of Lūšiai lake• Ginučiai Water-Mill• Aukštaitijos Nacional Park

Į pradžiąĮ pradžią

Apiculture Museum in StripeikiaiApiculture Museum in Stripeikiai

The museum was opened in 1984. The museum staff can The museum was opened in 1984. The museum staff can tell you alltell you all.. Museum visitors are able to see bees that live in hives and Museum visitors are able to see bees that live in hives and make honeycombs. To that purpose there are two glass make honeycombs. To that purpose there are two glass hives. Through this there is a perfect chance to see how hives. Through this there is a perfect chance to see how bees work inside thebees work inside the hives.hives.A whole hive of bees is accommodated inside the apianA whole hive of bees is accommodated inside the apiandeity Babilas sculpture. You can try honey that is produced deity Babilas sculpture. You can try honey that is produced at the museum - But always remember the fact that 200 at the museum - But always remember the fact that 200 bees have to work all day to get one spoon of honey. bees have to work all day to get one spoon of honey. Visitors can buy and try honey out of honeycomb bits here. Visitors can buy and try honey out of honeycomb bits here. By the museum’s gate a bearded man, a carver of wooden By the museum’s gate a bearded man, a carver of wooden souvenirs, usually sits by a table and demonstrates various souvenirs, usually sits by a table and demonstrates various whistles to the children.whistles to the children.

Ladakalnis HillLadakalnis Hill

Ladakalnis is a hill, 175 metres high above the sea Ladakalnis is a hill, 175 metres high above the sea level, standing in Šiliniškiai ridge, which like a rough level, standing in Šiliniškiai ridge, which like a rough dragon's back extends to both sides. It is supposed dragon's back extends to both sides. It is supposed that on this mountain sacrifices to the ancient that on this mountain sacrifices to the ancient goddess Lada, the mother of the universe were goddess Lada, the mother of the universe were given. A perfect view opens from the top of the hillgiven. A perfect view opens from the top of the hill .. IIt is possible to see 6 lakes. Ladakalnis ist is possible to see 6 lakes. Ladakalnis is announced announced as a geomorphological natural monument. From the as a geomorphological natural monument. From the top of Ladakalnis 10-12 thousand hectares of top of Ladakalnis 10-12 thousand hectares of panorama open themselves to the watcher. panorama open themselves to the watcher. Picturesque Ginučiai surroundings with an ancient Picturesque Ginučiai surroundings with an ancient mound and a devil's shelter, watermill, are very close mound and a devil's shelter, watermill, are very close to Ladakalnis. A bit further lie the Linkmenas and to Ladakalnis. A bit further lie the Linkmenas and Asėkas lakes which are a bliss for body and soul. On Asėkas lakes which are a bliss for body and soul. On the other side one can admire the beautiful lakes: the other side one can admire the beautiful lakes: Ūkojas. Alksnas, Asalnai and Lūšiai. They seem like Ūkojas. Alksnas, Asalnai and Lūšiai. They seem like three silver bowls sparkling on green velvet.three silver bowls sparkling on green velvet.

Ginučiai castle moundGinučiai castle mound

The archaeological monument from The archaeological monument from

the 9-12centuries. There is a the 9-12centuries. There is a

suggestion that the castle, which had suggestion that the castle, which had

stood there, is described in the stood there, is described in the

Livonia Chronicles as the Linkmenys Livonia Chronicles as the Linkmenys

Castle by H.Vartbergė in 1373. The Castle by H.Vartbergė in 1373. The

stone on the top of the mound marks stone on the top of the mound marks

the visit of the Lithuanian president the visit of the Lithuanian president

Antanas Smetona in 1934.Antanas Smetona in 1934.

Works of carpenters on the shores of Lūšiai lakeWorks of carpenters on the shores of Lūšiai lake

On the Lūšiai lake bank by the village Meironys On the Lūšiai lake bank by the village Meironys you can find 16 wooden sculptures. In 1977 folk you can find 16 wooden sculptures. In 1977 folk artists monumentalized the beauty of nature and artists monumentalized the beauty of nature and the legends of Ignalina region in these the legends of Ignalina region in these sculptures. P.Petronis that comes from Ignalina sculptures. P.Petronis that comes from Ignalina made a sculpture called "Laumių pasaka". It tell made a sculpture called "Laumių pasaka". It tell the story how dangerous it is for men to go the story how dangerous it is for men to go swimming in the lake after midnight. Witches will swimming in the lake after midnight. Witches will come out of the water and torture them in a come out of the water and torture them in a strange way - tickling. A few sculptures picture strange way - tickling. A few sculptures picture devils. People say that one of them still lives in devils. People say that one of them still lives in the nearby lake Tarama.the nearby lake Tarama.

Ginučiai Water-MillGinučiai Water-Mill

Ginučiai watermill is almost 200 years old and it is the only one in the Ginučiai watermill is almost 200 years old and it is the only one in the

park that still has authentic equipment. The watermill worked till 1968. park that still has authentic equipment. The watermill worked till 1968.

It produced flour as well as elecrtricity. The watermill is protected as a It produced flour as well as elecrtricity. The watermill is protected as a

19th century technical monument. There is an exposition on the 1st 19th century technical monument. There is an exposition on the 1st

floor telling about the bread production of former times. Rooms for floor telling about the bread production of former times. Rooms for

tourists have been arranged in the former miller's apartmentstourists have been arranged in the former miller's apartments.

Aukštaitijos Nacionalinis Parkas

The park was established with the aim of preserving

the unique ecosystem of the uper reaches of the

river Žeimena at the juncture of three different kinds

of landscape districts and the area’s natural and

cultural heritage. The nature of Aukštaitija National

Park is abundant with lakes and forests. Many

archeological and architectural monuments can be

seen there. Tourists like this national park, because

of many free time activities offered.

Places to visit:• The Church and the Bell tower of Palūšė• Etnographic villages• Stripeikiai village museum• The Ladakalnis Hill• Ginučiai Water-Mill

Į pradžiąĮ pradžią

The Church of PalūšėThe Church of Palūšė

St. Joseph church with the belfry, built in St. Joseph church with the belfry, built in the 18th century, is a well-known the 18th century, is a well-known architectural place in Palūšė. The church architectural place in Palūšė. The church contains valuable folk art works such as contains valuable folk art works such as pictures painted on boards, carvings, pictures painted on boards, carvings, brassy bells decorated with baroque brassy bells decorated with baroque ornaments and made in 1752 and 1772. ornaments and made in 1752 and 1772. Images of Palūšė church and the belfry Images of Palūšė church and the belfry were printed on 1 litas note.were printed on 1 litas note.This church was built in 1750. Priest This church was built in 1750. Priest Juozapas Baziliauskas built a wooden Juozapas Baziliauskas built a wooden church on the land that he inherited. It is church on the land that he inherited. It is said that the church was built only with the said that the church was built only with the help of an axe. The octagonal belfry help of an axe. The octagonal belfry reminding old castle's watchtower is the reminding old castle's watchtower is the only such in Lithuania. The church and the only such in Lithuania. The church and the belfry were announced architectural belfry were announced architectural monuments.monuments.

Etnographic villagesSalos II village together with Šuminai, Strazdai, Vaišnoriškės and Varniškės II are classed as Salos II village together with Šuminai, Strazdai, Vaišnoriškės and Varniškės II are classed as "scattered villages" and are located in Aukštaitija National Park territory. All the etnographical "scattered villages" and are located in Aukštaitija National Park territory. All the etnographical villages are like museums in the open. Mėčionys village is of "street type" and is located in villages are like museums in the open. Mėčionys village is of "street type" and is located in the river Dysna valley. The village was founded in the middle of the 16th century after the the river Dysna valley. The village was founded in the middle of the 16th century after the ““Valakai reform”. Till the end of the 17th century Mečionys belonged to Dysna estate. Valakai reform”. Till the end of the 17th century Mečionys belonged to Dysna estate. From1692 till 1841 the estate together with the village was ruled by the Benedictine monasteryFrom1692 till 1841 the estate together with the village was ruled by the Benedictine monasteryof Vilnius. Some of the farmsteads in the village are onesided one-rowed or two-rowed and of Vilnius. Some of the farmsteads in the village are onesided one-rowed or two-rowed and some are doubled. Senosios Katinautiškės is a "scattered village". In the 17th century this some are doubled. Senosios Katinautiškės is a "scattered village". In the 17th century this territory belonged to the nobles Pacai and was in Dysna estate confines. The name territory belonged to the nobles Pacai and was in Dysna estate confines. The name of the village was first mentioned in 1775. A of the village was first mentioned in 1775. A ttorrential stream called Svyla runs through this orrential stream called Svyla runs through this village. Kukutėliai is of "street type" and is located by the village. Kukutėliai is of "street type" and is located by the llake Erzvėtas. It was built in the 17th ake Erzvėtas. It was built in the 17th century. Buildings have regional folk features.century. Buildings have regional folk features.