Kernavė
Kernavė is a unique Lithuanian 5 mounds complex in Baltic states. It reveals the old disappeared culture, civilization and the most important periods of Lithuanian history. The town was included into UNESCO World Heritage list in 1994 and nowadays is a marvelous Lithuanian corner where visitors are able to feel the power of past in this vicinity.
History
The first mention of Kernavė was made in 1279. Then it was a feudal settlement dedicated to be the capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Lithuania was only formatting then so Kernavė settlement was the main political and economical center of the region. However, in 1930 Kernavė was totally destroyed by the Teutonic Order. The remains of the city were then covered in an aluvian earth layer and that luckily helped to save invaluable archeological relics. That’s why 30 years already intensive archeological investigations are set up there. Kernavė is rich in secrets to be revealed. Archeologists sometimes call Kernavė the Troy of Lithuania as the oldest known medgrinda which is a secret underwater road was found in here. In fact, Kernavė was the last existing sanctum place of pagans in Europe.
Nowadays
Kernavė is a beautiful old town bordering on a nature reservation. It is located 35 km North West from Vilnius on the upper river Neris terrace. The settlement is most famous for its mounds, church of St. Marry Škaplierinė, monuments for Iron Wolf, Grand Duke of Lithuania Vytautas and also for the great Museum of History and Archeology. Today in Kernavė there are organized some annual festivals like “Alive Archeology” (“Gyvoji archeologija” lit.)of an experimental archeology where visitors are able to get acquainted with the lifestyle of stone age people. A very popular between the young auditory is a Baltic folk festival “ Black Horn Moon” (“Mėnuo juodaragis” lit.). In addition, Lithuanians love celebrating calendar summer events in Kernavė as the environment there is perfect for celebrating traditional Lithuanians fests. There is no doubt that Kernavė is a true nowadays reflection of Lithuanian history and the town was really worth to be included into UNESCO World Heritage list.
Visiting Kernavė is not only an excursion to explore Lithuanian history. It is also a fantastic masterpiece of nature and human force. Spectacular view from the mounds formatted by people and glaciers, heavy forests and silver waters of river Neris create an unforgettable natural picture. Don’t miss a chance to visit one of the most beautiful Lithuanian nature resorts.
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Location
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