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Marilyn’s Lithuanian Adventure
  • Marilyn Kennedy
  • Marilyn Kennedy

Marilyn’s Lithuanian Adventure

After years of planning, I am finally traveling to Lithuania, home to many of my ancestors. I am joined by Scott Slykas and Joanne Zrenda Moore. This is the first time since my Grandfather left Lithuania in 1913 that anyone in his family has visited. Læs mere
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  • Start på rejsen
    6. august 2022
  • Marilyn KennedyMarilyn’s Lithuanian AdventureRejsende
    Marilyn at Newark Airport Starbucks
    SAS Lounge - VERY NICESAS LoungeSAS LoungeSAS Lounge

    Newark Airport and the SAS Lounge

    6. august 2022, Forenede Stater ⋅ ⛅ 90 °F

    After arriving in Newark, I had an 8-hour layover until my flight to Copenhagen on my way to Lithuania. Joanne joined me in the afternoon following her train trip from Connecticut. I stopped at a Starbucks after deplaning because I didn't know what I would find in the SAS Lounge.

    The SAS Lounge in the Newark Airport was VERY NICE! It had comfortable seating and a buffet of food and drinks! This is the way to travel!    Læs mere

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  • Marilyn KennedyMarilyn’s Lithuanian AdventureRejsende
    Marilyn and Joanne at the Newark Airport

    Joanne and I at Newark Airport

    6. august 2022, Forenede Stater ⋅ ⛅ 91 °F

    Joanne Moore and I met at the Newark Airport to start our adventure to Lithuania. Joanne and I share an aunt and an uncle. She is the blood relation of Aunt Lorraine and I am the blood relation to Lorraine's husband, my Uncle Frank. We call each other cousins because we have known each other since we were children, but technically we are not cousins.Læs mere

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  • Marilyn KennedyMarilyn’s Lithuanian AdventureRejsende
    Joanne walking down a street in Old Town Vilnius. We were on the way to dinner.
    Old Town VilniusGintas Zabulenas was our guide for our general tour of Lithuania and its history.My first meal in Lithuania was cepelinai which are potato-meat dumplings known as zeppelins.Hot air balloons on a regular day. They fly these for sport.An Eastern Orthodox Church on the way back to our hotel.An Eastern Orthodox Church on the way back to our hotel.An Eastern Orthodox Church on the way back to our hotel.City Hall Square in Old Town VilniusCity Hall Square in Old Town VilniusCity Hall Square in Old Town VilniusA sign remembering the Vilnius Ghetto from 1941 - 1943 located in what is now Old Town VilniusVilnius University's St. Johns' Church bell tower in Old Town VilniusAmbermuse shop on the way back to our hotel

    Old Town Vilnius and Lithuanian Dinner

    7. august 2022, Litauen ⋅ ⛅ 70 °F

    After we checked in to our hotel, our guide, Gintas Zabulenas, escorted us out for our first Lithuanian meal at the Etno Dvaras Lietuviski Patiekalai which translates to "Etno Manor of Lithuanian Dishes". As we walked through the streets of Old Town Vilnius, we were impressed by the old-world beauty. At the restaurant, we started with 3 "snacks to share": fried rye breadsticks with a cheese curd dip, curd cheese (the caraway cheese I remember eating at grandma's house), and fresh cucumber strips with raw local honey as a dip for both, and hot cheese bits (3 types of fried cheese). My first meal was cepelinai which are potato-meat dumplings known as zeppelins served with sour cream. Yummy!!! We ended our first evening walking back to our hotel, and stopping along the way to see a few sights. We found a beautiful Eastern Orthodox church which we entered to say a "thank you" prayer for getting us safely to Lithuania. We walked further through City Hall Square where a lot of vendors and sidewalk cafes were located. On a side alley, we came across a sign commemorating the Vilnius Ghetto which was located there between 1941 and 1943. We also walked by Vilnius University's St. Johns' Church bell tower in Old Town Vilnius.Læs mere

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  • Marilyn KennedyMarilyn’s Lithuanian AdventureRejsende
    The Cathedral Basilica of St Stanislaus and St Ladislaus of Vilnius
    The Cathedral Basilica of St Stanislaus and St Ladislaus of VilniusLooking down a Vilnius city street in front of The Cathedral BasilicaThe Cathedral Basilica of St Stanislaus and St Ladislaus of VilniusBell Tower of The Cathedral Basilica of St Stanislaus and St Ladislaus of VilniusThe Cathedral Basilica of St Stanislaus and St Ladislaus of VilniusThe main Altar of The Cathedral Basilica of St Stanislaus and St Ladislaus of VilniusSide altar of The Cathedral Basilica of St Stanislaus and St Ladislaus of VilniusPipe Organ of The Cathedral Basilica of St Stanislaus and St Ladislaus of VilniusBack of the main altar of The Cathedral Basilica of St Stanislaus and St Ladislaus of VilniusA confessional at The Cathedral Basilica of St Stanislaus and St Ladislaus of VilniusThe Chapel of St Casimir in The Cathedral Basilica of St Stanislaus and St Ladislaus of VilniusThe Chapel of St Casimir in The Cathedral Basilica of St Stanislaus and St Ladislaus of VilniusThe Chapel of St Casimir in The Cathedral Basilica of St Stanislaus and St Ladislaus of VilniusThe Chapel of St Casimir in The Cathedral Basilica of St Stanislaus and St Ladislaus of VilniusThe Chapel of St Casimir in The Cathedral Basilica of St Stanislaus and St Ladislaus of VilniusThe Chapel of St Casimir in The Cathedral Basilica of St Stanislaus and St Ladislaus of VilniusThe Chapel of St Casimir in The Cathedral Basilica of St Stanislaus and St Ladislaus of VilniusThe bell tower of The Cathedral Basilica of St Stanislaus and St Ladislaus of Vilnius

    The Cathedral Basilica

    8. august 2022, Litauen ⋅ ☀️ 61 °F

    This shrine is a symbol of Lithuanian baptism. The Cathedral Basilica of St. Stanislaus and St. Ladislaus is built in the very center of the city on the site of a former pagan temple and next to Vilnius’ defensive castle.

    Lithuania’s patron saint St. Casimir rests in the Cathedral Basilica. On 4 September 1993, the Holy Father John Paul II began his historic apostolic journey through Lithuania at the Vilnius Cathedral.

    The Vilnius Cathedral was rebuilt several times as a result of frequent fires, wars, and unstable soil under its foundation. Due to the building’s importance, many prominent foreign and local architects and artists led the reconstruction projects. The building currently reflects the Classicist style, but its walls have traces of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque.

    A 57-meter-tall bell tower stands right by the cathedral and is one of the symbols of Vilnius.

    The history of the bell tower dates back to the middle of the 13th century: the defensive tower that stood here in the 16th century became a bell tower and got its current appearance at the beginning of the 19th century. The city’s oldest clock at the top of the tower chimes its bells to invite people to mass.    Læs mere

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  • Marilyn KennedyMarilyn’s Lithuanian AdventureRejsende
    Gediminas Monument Near The Cathedral
    Gediminas Monument Near The Cathedral

    Gediminas Monument Near The Cathedral

    8. august 2022, Litauen ⋅ ☀️ 61 °F

    The bronze sculpture of Duke Gediminas is placed near a horse, facing the Cathedral Bell Tower. He holds a sword in his left hand and blesses the city with his right hand.

    Gediminas was the founder of Trakai and Vilnius, and one of the most famous rulers of ancient Lithuania. Gediminas lived from 1275 to 1341 and ruled the Grand Duchy of Lithuania for 25 years. He moved the capital of Lithuania from Trakai to Vilnius. He was best known as a diplomat who drew Europe's attention to Lithuania. It was in Gediminas' letters to Western Europe in 1323 that first mention the name of Vilnius. This date is now considered to mark the beginning of Vilnius.

    The area of Lithuania doubled in size during Gediminas' rule. He extended the state borders and sphere of influence of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania to the far east and to the south.    Læs mere

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  • Marilyn KennedyMarilyn’s Lithuanian AdventureRejsende
    St. Anne's Church in Vilnius

    St. Anne's Church in Vilnius

    8. august 2022, Litauen ⋅ ☀️ 63 °F

    St. Anne’s Church at the Bernadine Monastery is 500 years old and remains a prime example of Gothic architecture. At least 33 different types of bricks were used for the original facade ornamentation. Bricks were used because Lithuania did not have sandstone, limestone, or other types of natural building materials.

    The Church of St. Anne was built for Anna, Grand Duchess of Lithuania, and wife to Vytautas the Great. The church was burned down in 1419 and then rebuilt in brick on the orders of the King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania Alexander I Jagiellon. Consecrated back in 1500, the facade seen today is largely unchanged since its reconstruction in the 1400s.

    According to legend, the church is so captivating that Napoleon Bonaparte—who spotted the church during the Franco-Russian War in 1812—wished to carry the church home with him to Paris “in the palm of his hand.”

    The church is under major internal repairs so we were not able to enter on the day we visited.    Læs mere

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  • Marilyn KennedyMarilyn’s Lithuanian AdventureRejsende

    Three Crosses in Vilnius

    8. august 2022, Litauen ⋅ ☀️ 63 °F

    Three Crosses is a prominent monument in Vilnius, Lithuania, on the Hill of Three Crosses, originally known as the Bald Hill, in Kalnai Park. According to a legend, which finds its source in some historic events, seven Franciscan friars were beheaded on top of this hill. Wooden crosses have been located there since the early 17th century, and they have become a symbol of the city and an integral part of the city's skyline.

    As the wood rotted, the crosses needed to be periodically replaced. In 1916, a concrete monument was designed by Polish–Lithuanian architect and sculptor Antoni Wiwulski or Antanas Vivulskis in Lithuanian. It was torn down in 1950 by an order of the Soviet authorities. A new monument designed by Henrikas Šilgalis was erected in its place in 1989.    Læs mere

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  • Marilyn KennedyMarilyn’s Lithuanian AdventureRejsende
    Vilnius University
    Faculty of Philosophy at Vilnius UniversityVilnius University CourtyardWall at Vilnius University showing original brick walls covered later by plaster.Petras Repšys’s fresco The Seasons (1986) at Vilnius UniversityPetras Repšys’s fresco The Seasons (1986) at Vilnius UniversityPetras Repšys’s fresco The Seasons (1986) at Vilnius UniversityMemorial Plaque at Vilnius University commemorating extinct Baltic tribes

    Vilnius University

    8. august 2022, Litauen ⋅ ☀️ 63 °F

    Vilnius University is a public research university, which is the oldest university in the Baltic states, and one of the oldest and most famous in Northern Europe. Today it is Lithuania's leading academic institution, ranked among the top 400 universities worldwide.

    The university was founded in 1579 as the Jesuit Academy (College) of Vilnius by Stephen Báthory, Grand Duke of Lithuania and King of Poland. It was the third oldest university (after the Kracow Academy and the Albertina) in the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth.

    Its motto in English is "From here the way leads to the stars."

    Petras Repšys’ fresco The Seasons of the Year (painted in 1976-1984) with motifs from Baltic mythology is in the second story at the Centre of Lithuanian Studies, Vilnius University.

    The final photo here is of a Memorial Plaque commemorating extinct Baltic tribes at Vilnius University.    Læs mere

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  • Marilyn KennedyMarilyn’s Lithuanian AdventureRejsende
    St. Johns' Church at Vilnius University
    St. Johns' Church at Vilnius UniversitySt. Johns' Church at Vilnius UniversityThe organ at St. Johns' Church at Vilnius UniversitySt. Anne's Chapel at St. Johns' Church at Vilnius UniversityThe organ in St. Anne's Chapel at St. Johns' Church at Vilnius UniversityExplanation of St. Anne's Chapel at St. Johns' Church at Vilnius University

    St. Johns' Church at Vilnius University

    8. august 2022, Litauen ⋅ ☀️ 64 °F

    The start of the construction of the Church is linked with Lithuania’s Christianization. It was Lithuanian Grand Duke and Polish King Jogaila who in 1386 began work on the building, which King Alexander Vytautas completed in 1426. In 1571 the Church was entrusted to the Jesuit College, which is considered the origin of Vilnius University. Historical circumstances led to more than one change in the function of the Church, though it has always been surrounded by the academic community. The Church was closed in 1948 and during the Soviet era housed a museum of science. It was re-consecrated in 1991 and is again tended by the Jesuits.

    One of the chapels is dedicated to St. Ann. It is also known as the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception because its portal is decorated with a painting of the Mother of God in the clouds, surrounded by two Guardian Angels.    Læs mere

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  • Marilyn KennedyMarilyn’s Lithuanian AdventureRejsende
    Inside the Bell Tower at Vilnius University
    The Foucault pendulum.The view from the Bell Tower at Vilnius UniversityThe view from the Bell Tower at Vilnius UniversityThe view from the Bell Tower at Vilnius UniversityThe view from the Bell Tower at Vilnius UniversityThe view from the Bell Tower at Vilnius UniversityScott and Joanne on top of the Bell Tower (I couldn't climb the stairs.)A view of Vilnius from the top of the Bell Tower taken by GintasAnother view of Vilnius from the Top of the Bell Tower taken by Gintas

    Inside the Bell Tower and the Views

    8. august 2022, Litauen ⋅ ☀️ 64 °F

    The bell tower of the Church of St. Johns is one of the tallest buildings in the Old Town at 68 meters (approx. 223 feet). You can view the city from the observation platform and see the Foucault pendulum.

    The bell tower was built in the renaissance style at the end of the 16th century but was damaged by the fire of 1737 (traces of which are still visible in the shaft) and subsequently, the upper portion was rebuilt in the baroque style.

    The Foucault pendulum is a device named after French physicist Léon Foucault, conceived as an experiment to demonstrate the Earth's rotation. The pendulum is installed on the second floor of the tower, so it’s possible to watch the dynamics of the pendulum swing from a platform. A giant ball that swings at a height of tens of meters can be observed. During the day, the swinging ball changes its position and imitates the Earth's rotation around its axis.    Læs mere

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  • Marilyn KennedyMarilyn’s Lithuanian AdventureRejsende
    Graffiti on a wall in Vilnius

    Lithuanians Hate Putin

    8. august 2022, Litauen ⋅ ☀️ 66 °F

    For many reasons, including the current war between Russia and Ukraine, Lithuanians hate Putin (and Russia in general). This sign is visible from a large portion of the city of Vilnius. It should also be noted that it is not located on just any building. This building is a governmental building where the Mayor of Vilnius has his office.

    Graffiti is also seen on several walls in the side streets of Vilnius.    Læs mere

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  • Marilyn KennedyMarilyn’s Lithuanian AdventureRejsende
    Church of Sts. Peter and Paul in Vilnius
    Altar at Church of Sts. Peter and Paul in VilniusPulpit at Church of Sts. Peter and Paul in VilniusChurch of Sts. Peter and Paul in VilniusAltar at Church of Sts. Peter and Paul in Vilnius - Notice ship chandelierChandelier in front of altar at Church of Sts. Peter and Paul in VilniusThe organ at Church of Sts. Peter and Paul in VilniusRelics - Earth and Stone from the tomb of St. Peter the Apostle at Church of Sts. Peter and PaulRelics at Church of Sts. Peter and Paul in VilniusRelics of St. Casimir at Church of Sts. Peter and Paul in Vilnius

    Church of Sts. Peter and Paul in Vilnius

    8. august 2022, Litauen ⋅ ☀️ 66 °F

    The Church of St. Peter and St. Paul is a Roman Catholic church. The construction started on 29 June 1668 (the day of the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul) under the supervision of Jan Zaor from Kraków and was finished in 1676 by Giovanni Battista Frediani. Its interior has masterful compositions of some 2,000 stucco figures by Giovanni Pietro Perti and ornamentation by Giovanni Maria Galli and is unique in Europe. The church is considered a masterpiece of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth Baroque. A boat-shaped chandelier made of brass and glass beads hangs from the middle of the dome and reminds us that Saint Peter was a fisherman. Made by craftsmen from Liepāja and installed in 1905.Læs mere

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  • Marilyn KennedyMarilyn’s Lithuanian AdventureRejsende

    Gate of Dawn

    8. august 2022, Litauen ⋅ ☀️ 68 °F

    The Gate of Dawn is a city gate in Vilnius. It is a major site of Catholic pilgrimage in Lithuania. It was built between 1503 and 1522 as a part of defensive fortifications for the city of Vilnius, the capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Of ten city gates, only the Gate of Dawn remains, while the others were destroyed by the order of the government at the end of the 18th century.

    In the 16th century city gates often contained religious artifacts intended to guard the city against attacks and to bless travelers. The Chapel in the Gate of Dawn contains an icon of The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Mercy, said to have miraculous powers.

    There is a Vilnius' Gate of Dawn Mother of Mercy Chapel in the St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. It was consecrated by Pope Paul VI in 1970 and it is a place where Pope John Paul II had his first prayer after being elected as the Pope in 1978. Only Lithuania, Poland, Hungary, and Ireland have such chapels in the St. Peter's Basilica.    Læs mere

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  • Marilyn KennedyMarilyn’s Lithuanian AdventureRejsende
    Trakai
    Trakai CastleMarilyn and Scott at TrakaiSwans near Trakai CastleMore Swans at TrakaiFront of Trakai CastleTrakaiTrakaiTrakaiTrakaiThe Moat at Trakai CastleThe Moat at Trakai CastleGintas our guide inside courtyard of Trakai CastleInside courtyard of Trakai Castle

    Trakai Castle Exteriors

    8. august 2022, Litauen ⋅ ⛅ 70 °F

    Trakai castle was built in the 14th century and served as a residence for the Grand Dukes of Lithuania. However, the structure fell into disarray in the 17th century and was only rebuilt in 1951. It is famous for its gothic architecture and its special location – it stands on an island on Lake Galve, one of the deepest lakes in Lithuania. You can reach the castle by crossing the long wooden bridge or hiring a boat.

    Trakai was one of the main centers of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the castle held great strategic importance. Grand Duke Vytautas the Great died in the castle without being crowned King of Lithuania in 1430.    Læs mere

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  • Marilyn KennedyMarilyn’s Lithuanian AdventureRejsende
    Chairs in Trakai Castle
    This room is sometimes used for music recitals.Old tapestry at Trakai CastleStained Glass depicting Trakai CastleGintas explaining the history of Trakai CastleSilver bars and coins used as moneyJoanne in Trakai CastlePortrait of a Lithuanian Grand-Duke Vytautas The Great, Trakai Castle, Lithuania.

    Interior of Trakai Castle

    8. august 2022, Litauen ⋅ ⛅ 70 °F

    During the 19th century, castle reconstruction plans were prepared. Its original frescos were preserved and copied by Wincenty Smokowski. The Imperial Archaeological Commission initiated the documentation of the remaining castle in 1888. In 1905, the Imperial Russian authorities decided to partially restore the castle ruins. Between 1935 and 1941, parts of the Ducal Palace walls were strengthened, and the southeastern castle tower was rebuilt, including sections of its walls. Lithuanian and Polish preservationists worked on the project, but the work stopped when the war gained in intensity. A major reconstruction project was begun in 1946; active work started in 1951–1952. The major portion of the reconstruction was finished in 1961. The castle was reconstructed in a 15th-century style.Læs mere

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