Pazaislis Monastery and Trakai Castle

Pazaislis Monastery is 9km from Kaunas, east along the Nemunas River, and built on a promontory that juts into the "Kaunas Sea"; it was built by Camaldolese Monks in the 17th century, the Church is Baroque in style, and overall it was the richest monastery in the country, being built for the elite - there were 24 private residences for the monks. Over the years, it has been pillaged by Napoleon, became Russian Orthodox in 1831, and used as a psychiatric hospital by the Russians; nowadays, Music Festivals are held here in the Summer and there is a "fine dining" restaurant. It has a truly magnificent marble interior. (We visited the Monastery yesterday morning, but it is described here for convenience)

Trakai is located in a district of lakes (approx 200) and hills, and the town and area are in a designated National Park; Trakai town is actually located on a 2km peninsula, with Trakai Castle itself located on an island in Lake Garva (it is accessed by walkway). Trakai Castle was built in 1408 by the Lithuanian Grand Duke Vytautus the Great as a strategic fortified area between lakes. Unfortunately, the tall keep of the ducal palace is under repair when we visit, so we can't see everything on our tour, particularly the inner coutyard. We visit the history museum in the various buildings. It is still an interesting visit.

After that, it is on to Vilnius.....Read more