Page 28 iGap travelguide 2023
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iGap Travel Guide
28
A seemingly under-the-radar city, especially when
compared to Lithuania’s vibrant and vivacious capital
Vilnius, Kaunas has been growing bolder by the day,
proving now more than ever that it is truly worth a visit.
Strategically situated in the heart of this most southern
Baltic nation, at the confluence of the Nemanus and
Neris rivers, Kaunas was initially placed on the map
when it was designated provisional capital of a reborn
Lithuanian state in the wake of the First World War. It
has since garnered attention for its attractive interwar
period architecture – that now aspires to claim the
UNESCO heritage label – and its basketball-devoted
residents, who enjoy weekly games at the largest
indoor arena in the Baltics (Žalgirio Arena). Moreover,
this past year saw the region boast the title European
Capital of Culture 2022 with pride, inviting those
INTRODUCING KAUNAS
within its borders and beyond to join in one of the
most expansive cultural projects in the nation’s history
through an exciting programme comprising more than
1,000 events.
Having grown and developed significantly since its
inception more than 600 years ago, modern Kaunas
doesn’t require a mighty year-long celebration to
warrant inclusion in your list of future short holiday or
weekend break destinations. Whether you’re a history
buff, art admirer, architecture enthusiast, culinary
master, or music lover, this compact yet refreshingly
unique city is sure to deliver experiences to remember.
Here we delve into the defining qualities that make
Kaunas so special, rounding up the best things to see,
do and try for travellers of all interests.
Lithuania’s criminally overlooked and ever-evolving second city
28
A seemingly under-the-radar city, especially when
compared to Lithuania’s vibrant and vivacious capital
Vilnius, Kaunas has been growing bolder by the day,
proving now more than ever that it is truly worth a visit.
Strategically situated in the heart of this most southern
Baltic nation, at the confluence of the Nemanus and
Neris rivers, Kaunas was initially placed on the map
when it was designated provisional capital of a reborn
Lithuanian state in the wake of the First World War. It
has since garnered attention for its attractive interwar
period architecture – that now aspires to claim the
UNESCO heritage label – and its basketball-devoted
residents, who enjoy weekly games at the largest
indoor arena in the Baltics (Žalgirio Arena). Moreover,
this past year saw the region boast the title European
Capital of Culture 2022 with pride, inviting those
INTRODUCING KAUNAS
within its borders and beyond to join in one of the
most expansive cultural projects in the nation’s history
through an exciting programme comprising more than
1,000 events.
Having grown and developed significantly since its
inception more than 600 years ago, modern Kaunas
doesn’t require a mighty year-long celebration to
warrant inclusion in your list of future short holiday or
weekend break destinations. Whether you’re a history
buff, art admirer, architecture enthusiast, culinary
master, or music lover, this compact yet refreshingly
unique city is sure to deliver experiences to remember.
Here we delve into the defining qualities that make
Kaunas so special, rounding up the best things to see,
do and try for travellers of all interests.
Lithuania’s criminally overlooked and ever-evolving second city
