Sightseeing around Panevezys
The city of Panevezys is situated in the centre of Aukstaitija Ethnographic Region, at midway
between Vilnius and Riga. The name of the town originates from the slow river Nevezis. Nowadays
Panevezys is the country and episcopate centre, sometimes called a green and clean city. Our
suggestion is to walk around and see some of the most attractive sightseeing objects.
Let’s start at the Laisves (Freedom) Square, especially gorgeous by its flower gardens and water
fountains in summer. On Friday afternoons you can often listen to a brass orchestra here. In winter
season you may just do a bit of window-shopping or sit in some cosy cafe. The Square is
remarkable by its fabulous Drama Theatre called after Juozas Miltinis, the famous Lithuanian
theatre director.
The place close to the Theatre is the Old River Bed. On its background you can see a granite
monument to Alexander, the Grand Duke of Lithuania and King of Poland. In this place, where the
river used to flow its waters a few centuries ago, a beautiful pond is now set up with elegant
bridges, neat pathways and original nearby. This is a site for entertainment and promenade of the
city inhabitants. On the other bank of the river, the redbrick towers of St. Peter and Paul’s Church
could be seen through treetops.
One more trace of history is imprinted in the Old River Bed. Within the period between World War
I and World War II Panevezys was known as the town of mills. You can see one that survived since
1848, nowadays reconstructed into a luxurious hotel “Romantic”.
Climbing up the steps from the Old River Bed, you can get into the Kranto Street. The oldest
building in the city erected back in 1614 is No. 21, Kranto Street. In the 17th – 18th centuries it was
the Court Archives of the Land of Upyte and the Castle.
The Puppet Wagon Theatre is situated in one of the cozy courtyards of the nearby Respublikos
Street. This site is very popular among children. You may order a one-hour excursion or
performance, get acquainted with puppet playing mechanisms, have a look at impressive puppets or
listen to the interesting Theatre history. The Puppet Theatre has its Fairy-Tale Train taking children
for a ride around the Laisves Square and Old River Bed.
Famous Lithuanian book carrier Masiulis founded the first book-shop in town in 1905. The bookshop is still functioning. Here you can find books in different languages or buy a pretty postcard.
Just in front of the bookstore is the Gallery of Photography.
The Ethnography Museum keeps the memory on the Baltic tribes preserved, is famous for a large
collection of insects brought in here all over the world. The museum is a popular venue of different
exhibitions.
Panevezys is also famous for its international symposia of ceramics, attracting artists from different
countries. Their pottery works are exhibited in the Art Gallery.
You can sit in cozy cafes on the Respublikos Street and then continue your sightseeing at the
Nepriklausomybes (Independence) Square. The nearby Trinity Church invites catholic believers to
the Mass by its bell ring. If you go along the Sodu Street, you can see Christ the King Cathedral.
If you are still not too tired, it is worthwhile visiting Juozas Miltinis Heritage Study Centre. Here
you can find a huge library books and rehearsal records by the famous theatre director.
The Art House (Menu Namai) was founded in the house of artist Sigitas Stankunas, on the
Ramygalos St. Here you are always welcomed with some beautiful music and can buy a piece of
art.
Dropping into the glassworks of „Glassremis” situated on the Jonas Biliunas Street (in the territory
of former aviation base) the guests of the city can watch by their own eyes how shapeless glass
mass is turned into fantastic colorful pieces of art. Friendly staff members are always ready to
answer to all your questions about the magic of glass. Of course, you can purchase a glass work that
has attracted your eye. On the same street nearby the shooting-range „Baltasis Kurtas” is situated.
The Narrow Gauge Railway offers railway trips where you can enjoy a theatrical performance “the
train capture”, folk-groups concerts or the atmosphere of a rural market. This is a perfect chance to
take a rest and spent your leisure time in a bit “weird” way. For various occasions we recommend
ordering Lithuania’s unique dinning-cars on the Narrow Gauge Railway, where you can have fairly
non-traditional parties or celebrate anniversaries.
In the shopping and entertainment centre “Babilonas” you can have your dinner, buy souvenirs or
go to the bowling. The centre is located on a very convenient site, near the “Via Baltica highway.
Plan spending your night at “VIP Martini Club” or “Rendezvous”, the night club of hotel
“Romantic”, or “Romantic Gym”, the health and sports club.
Your journey is over. We hope you are not too tired and it was worthwhile spending the day in
Panevezys.