"Kaunas" Kaunas by Vanity666

Kaunas Travel Guide: 953 reviews and 1,652 photos

History

Kaunas is the center of Kaunas County and the second biggest city in Lithuania with the population of more than 415,700 and the area of 156 sq. km. It was founded in the 12th century and owes its existence to its favourable geographic position. 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 Lithuanian capital Vilnius and 250 km from the port city Klaipeda.

For years Kaunas has been a major center of nation's spiritual resistance and struggle for national identity. For twenty years Kaunas was a provisional capital of Lithuania. The spirit of activity and movement prevails in Kaunas today.

It was not accidental that precisely in Kaunas was the Independence Day, February 16th, first celebrated in 1988, when the liberation movement was beginning to make itself felt. The celebration took place at the Music Theatre square where Romas Kalanta set himself on fire in May, 1972, in protest of the Soviet regime. His name is and will always be the sacred symbol of free spirit and resistance for generations to come. Another significant place for every Lithuanian patriot is the War Museum Garden with the famous "Freedom" sculpture by J. Zikaras, the monument "For Those Who Perished for Lithuania's Freedom " and "The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier".

Last visit to Kaunas: Jul 2005
Intro Updated Aug 9, 2007
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Reviews (13)

Buy a T-shirt Shopping (1)

The writing on the T-shirt says: Welcome to Lithuania, country of rich history, good beer and beautiful women. I just... more travel advice

Pretty sculpture Things to Do (12)

I just couldn't find out what is the name of this sculpture, and I was in a hurry so I couldn't get any closer to see.... more travel advice

An ant? Or is it maybe a Scarab? - Kaunas

An ant? Or is it maybe a Scarab? Things to Do (12)

This sculpture is also taken on Laisves Aleja, it looks like this is some kind of Ant sitting on a bench and holding a... more travel advice

A shell or a snail? Things to Do (12)

I saw this sculpture on the Laisves Aleja, I'm not quite sure what it presents, but, I like it ;) more travel advice

Comments (4)

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jumpingnorman Mar 18, 2009 at 11:20 PM

I'd love to have mass at this Catholic Church in Lithuania...I pray in Catholic churches when I visit other countries...and I think the sculpture at Laisves Aleja is a sea nautilus...
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hunterV Jan 27, 2008 at 9:06 AM

Wow, you were there! Nice photoes of those splendid streets and monuments! I like the architecture...<~>
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yumyum Dec 17, 2007 at 11:47 AM

I haven't seen the snail or ant yet, so I will have to visit again. Kaunas is one of my favourite cities in Europe.
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Raimix Aug 12, 2007 at 11:41 AM

Looks very nice page - superb writings! Thanks!