Kaunas Castle — Attraction in Kaunas

Original Kaunas castle was built in mid 14-th century, and became one of the main objects of attacks of Crusareds. As a guide I must tell you these were technologically highly advance medieval knights, that included personalities like Henry Bolingbroke and later King Henry IV. Though majority of attackers were Germans. The most blody battle ensued before Easter 1362, when almost all crew of Vaidotas, son of Duke Kęstutis were killed. After Žalgiris (Grunewald) battle, the castle lost its importance. It was abandoned for ages, only in Soviet Lithuani the main tower was refurbished, and it underwent the major exploration and restoration already in Inpendent Lithuania of 21st century. Today it hosts concerts, history festivals and many festive events each spring and summer // Kauno pilis pirmą kartą minima XIV amžiaus viduryje, daugiausiai dėl nelaimingos Kęstučio sūnaus Vaidoto vadovaujamos įgulos žūties 1361 metais. Iš 300 karių liko keliolika. Po kurio laiko lietuviai pilį atsiėmė, tačiau po Žalgirio mūšio ji neteko strateginės vertės. Kauniečiai čia augino daržoves, aplinkui kūrėsi žydų kvartalas, o iki XX a. dabartiniai grioviai buvo užversti. Pilis pradėta gaivinti ir muziejinti dar Tarybų Lietuvoje, tačiau restauracija ir renovacija ypač išsiplėtė pastaraisiais dešimtmečiais, kai čia vyksta daug koncertų, švenčių, istorijos festivalių – tame tarpe, Kauno gimtadienis ir Hanza dienos...

The castle at the confluence of the Nemunas and Neris rivers was built in the 14th century to defend against the onslaught of crusaders. This is not only one of the first stone castles in Lithuania, but also the only one that has two rows of defensive walls. A settlement that grew into the current city was created around the Gothic defences. Kaunas castle first mentioned in written sources in 1361. According to legend, Queen Bona Sforza’s troops mysteriously disappeared in the tunnels underneath. Although it was restored multiple times, the castle lost its importance in 1408 when Kaunas was granted Magdeburg rights and the life of the whole city moved to the Market (Town Hall) Square. The castle was home to a prison in the 16th century and the souls of the prison’s inmates have not found peace to this very day, haunting the castle still by night. At present, the castle is a Kaunas city museum branch and annual cultural events are held in...

On the headland between the Neris and Nemunas (or Memel) rivers stands what remains of Kaunas Castle. The castle was most likely built in the mid-14th century and was an important link in the defense of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania against the Teutonic Knights (who captured the castle in 1362). After the Battle of Grunwald (1410) the castle was used as a residence, administrative center and prison. Although the castle is situated on a hill, it was flooded several times, causing damage. However, the construction of houses by the Russians in the 18th century caused more damage. In a first attempt to preserve the castle, these houses were demolished in 1930, and from 1954 on wards restoration of what was left of the castle began. Although only a third of the original castle remains, it is one of the highlights of Kaunas Old Town, also due to its...