Religious remembrance, architecture, photography, Baltic traditions and botanical diversity come together in Šiauliai District. Discoveries range from an important religious site to specialized museums, educational trails and tastings. The shifts in theme offer different perspectives on culture, nature and local traditions.
Religious History and Architecture
The Hill of Crosses is an important religious site that bears witness to devotion and loyalty to the sacrifice of the cross. Pope John Paul II visited it on September 7, 1993. This precisely dated event provides a historical point of reference alongside the hill’s religious significance. The site lies about 12 km north of Šiauliai and near the Šiauliai–Riga railway line. Those interested in places shaped by religion will find a connection here between spiritual significance and a specific historical reference.
The Photography Museum is Lithuania’s only specialized museum dedicated to the history of photography, photographic art and photographic technology. History, art and technology are all at its heart. The Chaim Frenkel Villa Museum offers a different perspective on the past: the villa is one of Lithuania’s few Art Nouveau buildings from the early 20th century. The “Frenkeliai Industrialists” exhibition presents two generations of the Frenkel family as well as the history of the Jews in Šiauliai. The architecture and exhibition emphasize different aspects—a rare building and family and city history.
Every summer, the International Chaim Frenkel Villa Summer Festival takes place in the park of Chaim Frenkel Villa. Check the current program before your trip.
Museums to Explore and Take Part In
The Bicycle Museum is Lithuania’s only specialized museum dedicated to the history of the bicycle. Visitors can take part and try bicycle-related activities; on the third floor, they can try road cycling. The bicycle is therefore not just a subject of history, but also the focus of an activity of your own.
The Cat Museum features cats from different parts of Lithuania and many countries around the world, and also hosts educational activities. Next to the museum is the “Gyvūnijos sodas” animal park, home to various exotic animals. The different insights into cats and other animals make these neighboring attractions a discovery of their own.
Botanical Diversity and Baltic Traditions
The VU ŠA Botanical Garden covers 6.54 hectares and cultivates more than 4,600 plant species and varieties. The garden regularly hosts events for the university, city and district communities. The garden’s size and the diversity of its cultivated plants offer two different points of reference: its area and its large number of species and varieties.
Along the historic trail at the Bubių hillfort, information boards explain the hillfort’s history, archaeological finds, legends and the traditions of the people who lived there. The educational trail brings together several themes, from archaeological traces to stories and traditions passed down through generations.
Naisiai is home to Lithuania’s only museum of Baltic gods, adorned with more than 50 oak sculptures of Baltic gods. The Baltic Gods educational trail invites visitors to get to know Baltic culture. The Žemaitukai horses at the Naisiai stud farm are also part of the local offerings: they are used for performances, photo shoots and lessons for children and adults. Confirm current options directly with the operator.
Local Specialty
In Kuršėnai, you can try Kuršėnų vyniotinis at tastings. If you want to plan this specialty into your trip, confirm current tasting options in advance.
Discover more destinations: Bubiai, Joniškis, Šiauliai, Kelmė, Pakruojis, Radviliškis, Meškuičiai, Kuršėnai, Margiai, Gaugariai, Vijoliai, Jurgaičiai, Kelmė District Municipality, Šiaulių kaimiškoji seniūnija, Radviliškis District Municipality, Šiaulių rajono savivaldybė, Joniškio rajono savivaldybė, Pakruojis District Municipality, Akmenė District Municipality.
For the overview of destinations: Lithuania.
