"Learn the truth about the Soviet Union" Grutas by matcrazy1

Grutas Travel Guide: 108 reviews and 170 photos

KRYZKALNIS' MOTHER ON THE ISLAND - Grutas

Controversial park and exhibition

This page is dedicated to Grutas Park located in a village of Grutas, very close to Druskininkai, the best European balneology resort! (chosen by Eurepean edition of "Newsweek" magazine). The Soviet era monuments, torn down in 1989 and brought from Lithuanian cities, were expansively laid out in Grutas Park.

I found this unique place at least a little bit controversial. After communism fall down in 1989, there was the idea of putting up similar park in my country, Poland. But it was against Polish new constitution which forbided publicizing and supporting any totalitarian system like communism or fascism in any way. Well, are there any museums of fascism or Adolf Hitler anywhere? Hmm... I was always confused (and still I am) that communist parties were legal in many countries of Western Europe... Well, small minorities and extremities but...

My hesitation

MEMORIAL TO SOVIET KOMSOMOL (KAUNAS 1979)

I hesitated a long time before making the decision to visit Grutas Park. Being born in Poland, on the wrong side of the Iron Curtain, I remember well times of Soviet rule and similar monuments in Poland (luckily not as many as in the Soviet republics) which we (kids or teens that time) disliked very much. And I didn't like to support this not so old past in any way. Well, at the same time, we liked people of Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania etc. a lot. Is it called Slavic unity or soul?

My wise decision

WHITE STORK - LITHUANIAN NATIONAL BIRD

Finally, I decided to visit the Park and now, I can say that it was right decision.
Well, I appreciated educational value of the park, especially for younger generations and for those who were lucky to live far away of Soviet rules. Personally, I concentrated on historical parts of exhibitions in a few pavillons and I got to know more about communism, Lithuanians and its struggle for independence against Soviet rule. There was a kind of small zoo located in the park as well.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Great educational value, nature (lakes and forests)
Cons:Shouldn't it be forbided? (I mean publicising totalitarian systems like communism, fascism)
In a nutshell:Go to learn the truth about the Soviet Union!

Last visit to Grutas: Jun 2004
Intro Updated Feb 14, 2007
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Reviews (99)

Weather, shoes, smile... :-))) What to Pack (1)

For walking around Grutas Park, small, city backpack and surely bag for your camera - both water-proof esp. in... more travel advice

SOVIET SOLDIER AND MATCRAZY0 :-) - Grutas

Soviet Army Off The Beaten Path (30)

This huge statue of Soviet soldier, on my picture, stood in Siaulai in 1947-1991. There were numerous monuments devoted... more travel advice

Underground (Soviet) partisans Off The Beaten Path (30)

This huge monument, on my picture, was devoted to underground Soviet Partisans who fighted for joining Lithuania to the... more travel advice

Vytautas Putna Off The Beaten Path (30)

There was statue of Vytautas Putna, on my picture, in the Grutas Park. He was the Soviet Army activist and took the... more travel advice

Warnings Or Dangers (5)
See All Taking pictures of animals
Tourist Traps (3)
See All Mini-zoo
Sports & Outdoors (1)
Funfair
Favorites (5)
See All Blue composition
Restaurants (2)
See All The only restaurant

Local Customs (10)
See All Lithuanian politicians in wood :-)
Things to Do (30)
See All Lenin and the Red Terror
Shopping (9)
See All Mass murderers on beer glasses?
Transportation (3)
See All Walk around
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Comments (14)

KiKitC Dec 18, 2006 at 3:47 AM Report Abuse

As always, incredible tips. What a tour of the park and history. Hope your birthday finds you on another inspirational journey.
irishgalmtl Dec 17, 2006 at 12:26 PM Report Abuse

Hello there Matt, Kavine sounds like a nice little spot being its the only one..lol Picnic area sounds very ideal...Donna :)
HORSCHECK Oct 21, 2006 at 7:57 AM Report Abuse

Matt, in my opinion this is one of your best pages...very well written historic background mixed with your personal experiences...unfortunately, I hadn't enough time to visit Grutas on my Lithuania trip.
JLBG Apr 26, 2005 at 2:06 AM Report Abuse

Great page of history! I understand your confusion as an inside actor/subject of that period but what belongs to history has to be displayed, as long as it is not a danger. You have done a lot of informative work !
Toyin Apr 15, 2005 at 9:08 AM Report Abuse

This is special, I could feel the passion. Great work! Thanks for sharing.
cadzand Mar 5, 2005 at 2:56 AM Report Abuse

Well Matt, congratulations with this great moving and historical page. Especially your childhood remembrances versus propaganda and life conditions are very intresting. Keep up the good work.
shrimp56 Feb 13, 2005 at 7:47 AM Report Abuse

I'm glad you decided to go and then shafre with us -- very powerful. I'll be back for more!
iandsmith Jan 7, 2005 at 10:45 PM Report Abuse

Yet another telling and moving document on man's inhumanity to man.
Azhut Sep 1, 2004 at 8:36 AM Report Abuse

Great historical page, I should learn more about it by many differents point of view!!
coceng Aug 30, 2004 at 8:00 PM Report Abuse

Matt, I enjoy your tips & pix very much !It's like being in the place myself ! :) It's great travelling with a car...but I can't even drive ! :) Regards.