Panemunė Castle Part 1

Panemunė Castle is a castle on the right bank of the Nemunas river, in Vytėnai, Jurbarkas district, Lithuania. The initial hill fort of the Teutonic Knights (erected in 1343) was replaced by a castle built in 1604-1610 by a noble of Hungarian descent János Eperjes. The name "Panemunė" means "along the Nemunas". Panemunė Castle was not designed to be a stronghold for the defense of the land but a typical, beginning 17th-century nobleman's castle with defensive fittings, residential buildings, and farm buildings. Panemunė Castle is one of the most beautiful Renaissance-era buildings in Lithuania. The castle was reconstructed around 1759 by the Gelgaudai family. The new owners established lavish manor house-like interiors with frescos, which have been recently discovered while the remaining wings of the castle are still under restoration. During the tourism season, works of Vilnius Art Academy are exhibited in the castle. It is possible to walk inside the castle, and admire the wonderful view that opens from the castle tower.Read more