Legend has it that Kaunas was founded by the orphaned son of tragic lovers, Milda and Daugerutis. The couple was so consumed with each other that they carelessly allowed the holy eternal flame to extinguish, and the gods subsequently sentenced them to death. Today, Kaunas is a vibrant city filled with students, medieval architecture and relics of a harrowing recent history.
Visit the Ninth Fort
- Part of the Kaunas Fortress, the Ninth Fort was constructed in the late 19th century. During the Soviet occupation of Lithuania, it was used as a prison for political prisoners and those being sent to Soviet labor camps. During the Nazi occupation, the fort was the site of the mass murder of thousands of Jews. Today you can visit a museum at the Ninth Fort to see the collections of historical memorabilia and learn about the crimes that took place there. The museum is open from April through October.
Stroll Through Old Town
- Old Town is a medieval neighborhood surrounded by the Neris and Nemunas rivers. The area features a marriage of architecture styles from the 1300s to the 1800s, including Gothic and Baroque influences. Climb the city’s hallmark building, a 14th-century cathedral basilica. Another site not to be missed is the Vytautas Church, built in 1400 and named after the Grand Duke Vytautas the Great who commissioned it. Stroll through the rows of houses, palaces, churches and museums onto Vilniaus Street, where you’ll find some of the city’s best cafes, restaurants and shopping.
Catch a Performance at the Philharmonic
- Kaunas’ main concert hall for classical music is the Philharmonic, located in the Old Town neighborhood. From September to June, the Philharmonic features concerts almost every night of the week, from symphonies and classical music to jazz and contemporary music. From June to September, the Philharmonic invites conductors from around the country to participate in the Pažaislis Music Festival, which presents chamber orchestras, choirs, operas and plays. The Philharmonic also hosts the International Festival of Young Musicians and family music afternoons.
Indulge in Lithuanian Cuisine
- For a fun, themed experience, make a reservation at Berneliu Uzeiga in Old Town. The waitresses here dress in traditional costumes and serve you rustic Lithuanian dishes like baked pike fillet with boiled potatoes and roasted vegetables in a cream and dill sauce. Or for upscale Eastern European dining, try Restoranas Gralis -- which translates to Holy Grail Restaurant -- where you can find seasonal dishes such as roasted quail with caramelized clementines.
