ZANAVYKAI MUSEUM

The Zanavykai Museum, located in the transport building of the Zypliai Manor, invites you to get to know the history, culture, life and crafts of zanavykai. The museum has over 52,000 exhibits that is worth seeing. Interactive entertainment is also waiting for visitors: Interactive game and smart connoisseur of zanavykai region, invites you to take a virtual walk around the homestead house, yard, outbuildings, get acquainted with ancient locks, crafts, language, beauty of the national costume. Every year there is a “Days of Traditional Crafts”, a bread festival “With your bread you will find a bench everywhere”. Educational activities invite you to get to know and try old crafts: “Candle casting”, “Dowry chests”, “Traditional toys”, “Traditional games”, “Zanavykai national costume”, etc.

Beržų g. 3, Tubelių k., Lukšių sen., Šakių r. sav.
+370 650 85 035
muziejininkai@zanavykumuziejus.lt
http://www.zanavykumuziejus.lt

CRAFTSMEN’S HOUSE

The Craftsmen’s House, which belongs to the complex of the Zypliai Manor, was built at the beginning of the 20th century under the leadership of Count Tomas Potockis. It is one of the most beautiful structures of the farm part, it distinguishes from others with expressive red bricks and plastered decoration elements. In this house were accommodated the manor workers, with whom the count was always happy to communicate. The renovated Craftsmen’s House invites visitors to get acquainted with the traditional crafts of Sūduva region, to get to know the customs and rituals of baking the bread of the elders, family traditions, to get acquainted with the ancient household utensils in an innovative way. Each participant of the education is given a unique opportunity to form and bake his own loaf of bread.

Beržų g. 3, Tubelių k., Lukšių sen., Šakių r. sav.
+370 650 85 035
muziejininkai@zanavykumuziejus.lt
http://www.zanavykumuziejus.lt

RESTAURANT “KUCHMISTRAI”

Kuchmistrai is a kitchen that protects and nurtures the culinary heritage of Lithuanian nobles, where the preparation of all dishes is supervised by the honorary officer of our manor – the chef master, and guests are invited to the table by the entertaining “zanavykai” (representatives of the Western Highland dialect).

“Zanavykų ragaučius” is a unique tasting on the roads of the kitchen heritage, during which you will discover the culinary riches of the little-known Lithuanian cuisine. During this trip, Zanavykai will reveal to you treasures like porridge, oven-baked cabbage head or vinaigrette, and share recipes for elderberries, whistles, sausage and bread soup inherited from the ancients.

“Bread tasting” is a way of bread heritage, through which you will learn about the old traditions of bread production, the secrets of its production, the art of “extracting” different flavors or the subtleties of maturing and storing the dough. “Breadcrumbs” will also be suitable for your little companions, who we will allow to become not only students of the “bread school”, but also to bake it on the fire.

Beržų g. 3, Tubelių k., Lukšių sen., Šakių r. sav.
+370 614 68 883
restoranas@kuchmistrai.lt
https://kuchmistrai.lt

GIRĖNAI COMMUNITY CENTRE

The old weaving traditions are cherished and preserved in the Girėnai community centre, the subtleties of which are revealed by the weaver Irena Sakalauskienė. The first acquaintance with weaving begins with the oldest fabrics, later the simplest double weaving with machine tools is tested. Here you can also see the craftswoman’s woven handicrafts – Zanavykai aprons, tapes and cloths.

Muziejaus g. 1, Girėnų k., Šakių r. sav.
+370 656 74 726
sakalauskiene.irka@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/Girėnų-BC-1376853912607924/

ŠAKIAI CITY CARILLON

Šakiai city square is decorated with a carillon which consists of 24 bells and a fountain. This is the third carillon in our country and the first that can be seen not by climbing into the bell tower, but simply in the square. The bells are hung above the fountain. You can hear the music of the bells at the beginning of the working day, in the middle of it or at the end of it. Another important historical accents for Šakiai was water carriers and the well called “pliumpas”.

The square, where the fountain and carillon are located, in earlier days was historical centre of Šakiai – once there was a market square and church with a bell tower.

V. Kudirkos g., Šakiai

CERAMICS STUDIO “BROLIAI MOLIAI”

Ceramics Ugnė creates exclusive clay products and shares the secrets of this craft with others. In the studio “Broliai moliai” classes are conducted for both children and adults. This is one of the best ways to escape from tension, routine and immerse yourself in the creative process. Here you will not only learn how to shape, decorate, glaze but also immerse yourself in the craft. During classes, the freedom to create is unlimited, everyone can make whatever the heart desires!

Broliai moliai studija, Šakiai
+370 639 51 099
studija.broliaimoliai@gmail.com
https://broliaimoliai.com

OIL FARM

A small oil farm has been established in the town of Sintautai. Four types of oil are produced here: rapeseed, flaxseed, hemp and new plants – variegated. Farmers not only press the oil themselves, but also grow the raw materials they need for it.

Lithuanians have been cultivating hemp since ancient times. Not only because of the fiber but also oil was pressed from the seeds of these plants. Flaxseed oil is even called “Lithuanian gold”. Farmers Dainora and Valdas Piečiaičiai can tell about each plant, their seeds, oil, useful properties in detail, because they are constantly interested and supplement their knowledge. In addition to the oil Piečaičiai, also created a small farm shop. Customers who come to it can find not only several types of oil samples, but also hemp, flaxseed, variegated, cumin seeds. Dainora’s handicrafts are also on display next to them: on long winter evenings, beautiful napkins are dived, linen baskets are made, interior decor elements made of linen threads, etc. Piečaičiai gladly accept excursions and organize tastings.

P. Vaičaičio g. 18, Sintautai
+370 610 08 873

SUODŽIAI CHAPEL

In the District of Šakiai, in the village of Suodžiai, in the settlement of Keturnaujena, stands the Chapel of Divine Mercy, also known as the Suodžiai Chapel, built on the runway of airplanes. According to Anelė Matijošaitienė, who lived there, on November 14, 1969, the son of God appeared to her in this place. The news of the apparition began to spread very quickly, people began to visit A. Matijošaitienė homestead and burned candles. During the Soviet era, A. Matijošaitienė moved and her house was demolished. The land was used for agricultural aviation. At the beginning of the rebirth, the woman returned to her field, a new house was built for her with the funds donated by Lithuanians who lived abroad, and later a chapel was build as well. A. Matijošaitienė lay down for eternal rest at her house, next to the Chapel of Divine Mercy. The chapel still works to this day. On weekends, holy Mass is hold, and crowds of pilgrims flock here on the day of Christ’s apparition (November 14).

Suodžių k., šalia Keturnaujienos, Šakių r.

SCULPTURE ENSEMBLE OF PRANAS SEDEREVIČIUS

Sculpture ensemble of folk sculptor Pranas Sederevičius is the only example of primitive folk art of its kind in Lithuania. The giant sculptures made of cement, the self-taught sculptor immortalized his authority: Vytautas the Great, Vincas Kudirkas, US Vice President Kennedy, pilots Darius and Girėnas, Juozas Tumas-Vaižgantas and others. The sculptor was fascinated by horses, so in the center of the yard a giant Pegasus sprouted from cement, other heroes were also planted on horses. While Sederevičius was making a horse out of cement, he borrowed alive animal and put it in his yard for three days. He was fed, stroked, admired. Pranas Sederevičius, who created giant sculptures made of concrete, is no longer among the living. Now the town’s educators Vizbarai live in Sederevičius’ house. They are not angry that tourists are constantly spinning around the sculptures in the yard. The new owners occasionally go out into the courtyard themselves, and tell visitors about the sculptures and their author.

P. Mašioto g. 42, Kudirkos Naumiestis

POTATO MUSEUM

Potatoes Museum in Kudirkos Naumiestis was founded by experienced agronomist Jonas Valaitis. The renovated old building exhibits the entire history of potato cultivation since ancient times. Also, on display are not modernized, but ancient earthworking devices: horse harnesses, harrows, almost 300 different horseshoes, etc. On the second floor of the museum building there is an observation deck with great views of nature. In an exclusive cellar, tastings of different potato varieties take place. Next to the museum is a Potato Cannon, a 4-bell carillon is ringed on the potato in the museum tower, and in the courtyard of the museum, a presidential oak is planted during a potato feast. After visiting the “Potato Museum”, you will learn about the recipe of first lady Mr. Alma Adamkienė’s „cepelinai“, according to which „cepelinai“ are made in the café “Pas Mindaugas” next to the museum and their tastings is organized.

Bažnyčios g. 34, Kudirkos Naumiestis
+370 687 47 791
valjona@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/jonasvalaitis11

VINCAS KUDIRKA MUSEUM

The Vincas Kudirka Museum introduces visitors to Vincas Kudirka, the author of the Lithuanian anthem, as well as the town in which he spent the final years of his life.

What will you see?
The exhibit includes items related to Kudirka’s life and person – a piano he played while visiting friends in Warsaw; an original copy of the Varpas newspaper; manuscripts of literary translations by Kudirka including George Gordon Brown Cain and Friedrich Schiller’s William Tell. Interactive terminals allow visitors to look through copies of Varpas and Ūkininkas and to see a hiding place for banned books, authentic book smuggler items and a traditional 19th century North Suvalkija (Zanavykas) ethnic costume.

The museum invites you to get acquainted with the development of ceramics and experience the joy of clay molding yourself by participating in the educational program “Miracles of our folk art. Ceramics.”

V. Kudirkos g. 29, Kudirkos Naumiestis
+370 345 57 451
v.kudirkos.muziejus@lnm.lt
http://lnm.lt

CHURCH OF KYBARTAI ST. ALEXANDER NEVIŠKIS

The first church in Užnemunė was built in 1870 for railwaymen. It also had to carry out a special mission – to bring back the remains of believers who died abroad, back to Russia. According to Orthodox customs, all the necessary rites had to be performed in the very first border church; therefore, Kybartai church saw more high-ranking persons of Tsarist Russia than any other church in Lithuania.

J. Basanavičiaus g. 19, Kybartai

CENTRE OF OLD CRAFTS

The Community “Virbalis Vartai” (Gate of Virbalis) that is located in the Centre of Old Crafts. Is carrying out an educational program “Bread Road”, during which the entire bread path from tillage to the entry of bread on the table is passed. Get acquainted with ancient tools and locks. Many proverbs, riddles, superstitions related to bread are heard. Find out what kind of bread is baked in other countries. They themselves grind grains for bread with hand mills, participate in the process of baking bread, see how the bakery oven is burned, form their own loaves of rye bread and bring the baked warm one home. They are served freshly baked rye and wheat bread, yeast cake, cheese and beaten butter pressed by Virbalis “gaspadinė”, and real Suvalkija bacon and sausage. Taste a special herbal tea collected and prepared locally. You will also get a chance to chew a honeycomb. While baking bread get acquainted with the weaving of paving paths, casting candles, rope-wiping and knead clay.

Vilniaus g. 13, Virbalis
+370 611 49 622
https://www.virbaliovartai.lt

PAEŽERIAI MANOR CULTURAL AND MUSEUM CENTRE OF VILKAVIŠKIS, SUVALKIJA (SŪDUVA) DISTRICT

Manor of Paežeriai is identified as a pearl of Suvalkija and is accompanied by other various epithets. Some see the reflection of old Greece, others see the times of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, which go back to the 18th century.

The Paežeriai Manor Palace was built with classicist forms on the shore of the lake under the care of the grand duke of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania Simonas Zabiela in 1795-1799. The palace was designed by the famous Vilnius architect Martynas Knakfusas. Paežeriai Manor is famous for classical musical evenings, educational programs, Sūduva craft festival, Paežeriai Manor Festival, manor ancient music festival “Viva la musica” and other events.
Šalia pagrindinių Paežerių dvaro rūmų stovi 19 amžiaus viduryje pastatyta oficina. Čia anksčiau gyveno tarnai, buvo įrengtos virtuvė ir skalbykla. Šiandien čia įsikūręs Vilkaviškio rajono Suvalkijos (Sūduvos) kultūros centras – muziejus, stebinantis edukacinių programų įvairove – nuo restauravimo magijos paslapčių, matų ir matavimų senovėje, senų muziejaus knygų bei pasaulio pinigų istorijų, iki žolininkystės tradicijų, sviestelio gardumo, duonelės kelio ir kita.
Next to the main Paežeriai manor house is servants quarters built in the middle of the 19th century. Servants lived there and kitchen, laundry room was located in the building as well. Today it is home to the Suvalkija (Sūduva) Cultural centre and museum of Vilkaviškis District that amazes with the variety of educational programs – from the secrets of ancient measures and measurements, old books and the stories of the world’s money, to herbal traditions, butter delicacy, bread road and so on.

Dvaro g. 6, Paežerių k., Vilkaviškio r.
+370 342 46 268
administracija@paezeriai.info
https://paezeriai.info

JONAS BASANAVIČIUS BIRTHPLACE

In the birthplace of Jonas Basanavičius, a restored homestead of a wealthy Suvalkija farmer with a 19th and the 20th century traditional residential and economic huts typical for this region. It is the only restored native homestead of the signatory of the February 16th Act.

In the homeland of J. Basanavičius you will get to know not only the life of a patriarch, understand 19th century peasant life, but you will also learn to tie a sugar roll with your own hands, bake „razavas“ pancakes, learn the recipe of natural coffee or kvass. Here you can also celebrate your bachelorette party in an unconventional way or organize a “Suvalkietiška wedding” celebration or a christening.

Gimtinės g. 17, Ožkabaliai I k., Vilkaviškio r.
+370 342 69 365
j.basanavicius.gimtine@lnm.lt
http://lnm.lt

KARALKRĖSLIS BAKERY

The community in the small village of Suvalkija has for many years cherished the old traditions of baking traditional rye bread in its own bakery. According to ancient recipes passed down from generation to generation, cakes are also baked here. The products of the bakery – “Dvaro” rye bread, “Agutė’s cake”, “Ponaitis baronkos” – are certified as a national heritage mark.

Užbalių g. 4, Karalkrėslio k., Pajevonio sen.
+370 616 14 058
karalkreslis@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/Karalkresliokepyklele/

VIŠTYTIS WINDMILL

The Vištytis windmill was built in 1925 and it is the only state-protected windmill in the whole Marijampolė County. Today is a great opportunity to inspect and appreciate the work of carpenters, joiners, stonemasons, carpenters and mill builders in the Vištytis region, that is almost 100 years old. The wings of the mill have been restored according to iconography; the so-called wind rose has been restored, distorting the wings, as well as all the carpentry products, the metal wing head and the turning wheel. After reconstruction, this mill can rotate about its axis again.

For ordinary tourists, it also serves as an observation tower: climbing to the top of the mill opens up a wonderful panorama of the town of Vištytis and the lake.

Vyštyčio regioninis parkas
+370 342 63 532
https://vistytis.lt

VIŠTYTIS REGIONAL PARK VISITORS CENTRE

In the centre of Vištytis town is located the visitor centre of the regional park. On its second floor there is an exposition “Kalvotoji Suvalkija” telling the cultural history of the town’s landscape and local people. There you will understand where the name of Vištytis came from, you will meet a unicorn, sprinkle grain, count the hills, hear the stories of stones, discover the Suvalkija patterns on the walls and floor of the exposition.

The Visitor Centre of the Regional Park organizes walking and cycling trips around Vištytis, and conducts educational activities on nature topics.

Vytauto g. 8, Vištytis
+370 342 63 532
info@vistytis.lt
https://vistytis.lt