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 Kaunas has been developing for
many centuries. There were times of growth, prosperity and decline. The
city's history is related with its architectural development. During
severe battles with crusaders mounds and the first brick castle, which
remained, were built. XVI-XVII centuries - the epoch of trade and cultural
growth. The main part of the town with a streets' system, a Hall were
formed. XVII - XVIII centuries - the epoch of feudalism left luxurious
baroque churches, monasteries palaces. XIX - XX centuries Kaunas was a
centre of a province and a fortress, fortificative buildings surrounded
the town. A geometrically regular new part was inserted. Between the Wars
Kaunas was a temporary capital of Independent Lithuania. The architecture
was functional and rational. After World War II Kaunas became twice as
big. The centre has changed. The old town was regenerating. The rich part
of Kaunas was always interesting to artist and explorers. Kaunas was first
mentioned in 1440. In 1361 an Arabian geographer Al-Idris mentioned Kaunas
and its castle in chronicles. T. Makovskis engraved the view of Kaunas.
The old architectures buildings were painted by M. Bravickis, K. Simonis
in XIX - XX century. Photograph V. Zatovskis prepared a big collection of
Kaunas pictures in 1895. Now this iconographic material is a very valuable
document. In all town and cities, in recreational territories and in
resort towns there are hotels, camping sites and motels. Visitors in all
cities and resort towns can rent private rooms or flats. You can see some
Lithuanian hotels on Internet In all town and cities, in recreational
territories and in resort towns there are hotels, camping sites and
motels. Visitors in all cities and resort towns can rent private rooms or
flats. You can see some Lithuanian hotels on Internet. Most museums are
open on weekends, but closed on Mondays. We list the summer hours. During
the winter most museums shorten their working hours by shaving off an hour
from the opening and closing times. All charge a small entrance free of
one or two
Modern ceramic art, with some
interesting variations on traditional Lithuanian design, as well as
historically important pieces have been displayed here under the Gothic
arches in the cellar of the Town Hall since 1978
The caretakers of this modest,
but jam-packed, museum will happily point out the most interesting curios
from Lithuania’s brief sporting past. Although Lithuania entered
international sports only early in this century, pre-war Lithuania was a
member of both FIFA and FIBA (international football and basketball
oversight organisations).
A team of twelve participated in the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics, and
Lithuania’s own Olympic committee was formed in 1937. The nation’s
most beloved sport - basketball - got a jump-start when the men’s team
won the 1937 and 1939 European Championships
Lithuania cuisine offers a
variety of specialities: cepelinai, vedarai, wild mushrooms and other
national dishes. Baby food is sold at all shops in larger towns. There is
a wide selection of restaurants, cafes and bars. Almost all hotels have
their own restaurants. There are shops for foodstuffs and drinks open 24
hours.
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