Šakiai brings together architecture, public art, sites of Jewish remembrance and circus history in a diverse urban cultural landscape. A carillon in the town square, a church with features of Modernist Renaissance architecture, and a central park that regularly hosts events and markets provide concrete points of interest. There is also an educational programme at the circus school, which requires a booking.

Carillon, art and church architecture

Twenty-four bells hang above a fountain in Šakiai’s town square. They are part of a carillon mounted on a steel structure. The carillon’s music can be played using a QR code. Here, architectural form and the opportunity to listen come together—two different ways to experience the same cultural landmark.

The sculpture “Berniukas” by Kęstutis Dovydaitis stands in Šakiai’s central square. It depicts a ten-year-old Jewish boy with a suitcase and books. Its title and the objects depicted give the work a specific theme, distinct from the city’s architectural features.

The Church of St John the Baptist in Šakiai has features of Modernist Renaissance architecture. Its floor plan is rectangular, and it also has a tower. The Šakių Dekanato muziejus is located right next to the church. This clearly situates the church, with its named architectural features, in relation to the neighbouring museum.

Jewish history and remembrance

In the summer of 2023, a stele was unveiled in Šakiai at the site of the former synagogue. It was donated by the Jakovo Bunkos labdaros ir paramos fondas and is decorated with a menorah. Its inscription records that a Jewish house of prayer, a synagogue, stood here until 1941.

The stele and the sculpture “Berniukas” highlight different aspects: the sculpture depicts a boy with a suitcase and books, while the stele commemorates a named site and its former religious use. Those interested in Jewish history will find two distinct themes here—a depicted figure and a historical inscription at the site of a former synagogue.

Park and bookable circus programme

Centrally located, Juozo Lingis Park hosts regular cultural events and markets. It is named after Juozas Lingis, a choreographer and ballet master from the Šakiai region. If a particular market or cultural event is important to your trip, check the date in advance.

The Šakių cirko mokykla offers a different cultural experience, as part of a bookable educational programme. It includes an exhibition of circus photographs by V. Venslovaitis titled “Viskas dėl šou”, a mini clown exhibition, and insights into the history of Lithuanian circus. The programme also features a performance by the “Šypsena” studio, a behind-the-scenes look at the props, and an opportunity to try a trampoline. Confirm current availability with the operator.

Buildings through change

Eight granite slabs created by Kęstutis Dovydaitis, featuring bronze footprints and QR codes, stand in Šakiai. Scanning a code lets you listen to how buildings and their uses have changed. This draws attention not only to architectural features such as the church’s floor plan and tower, but also to changes in how buildings are used. The slabs offer a distinct way to explore the history of buildings in Šakiai.

Discover more destinations: Kazlų Rūda, Gelgaudiškis, Vilkaviškis, Sasnava, Gudeliai, Marijampolė

Return to the main travel overview: Marijampolė County.