In Kelmė District Municipality, sacred architecture and regional history meet lakes, nature trails and educational activities. In Kražiai, a Late Baroque church and the surviving building of a Jesuit college represent different chapters of history. Tytuvėnai combines a church and monastery ensemble with the shore of Lake Giliaus. Museums in Užventis and at Kelmė Manor offer their own cultural focuses. When planning your trip, you can first decide whether churches and monasteries, exhibitions or nature experiences should be the main focus.
Churches, monasteries and historic ensembles
The twin-towered Late Baroque Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Kražiai was built between 1757 and 1763. Throughout Lithuania, it is regarded as a symbol of the defence of Catholicism and Lithuanian identity. Tourists can visit the church; visiting arrangements may change. For this reason, check current visiting options before your visit.
Kražiai’s educational history can also be traced through a specific building: the Jesuit college was founded in 1616 as the most important educational and religious centre of Žemaitija. The surviving building of the former school dates from the early 17th century. In Tytuvėnai, meanwhile, the church and monastery ensemble is considered an original work of art in the art-historical context of northeastern Europe, thanks to its artistic appearance and combination of different architectural styles. Visitors seeking a spiritual experience at the monastery church in Palendriai are welcome to enter and pray together with the monks.
The Kelmė Manor ensemble is a state-protected cultural heritage site and is considered a rare surviving example of a Lithuanian Baroque manor estate. It adds a different theme to the sacred ensembles: the architecture of a historic manor estate.
Museums and educational activities
The Užventis Regional History Museum has been housed since 1973 in the restored granary of Užventis Manor. It presents material on the history of the town. Bookable educational programmes include activities on making your own soap and minting a coin. As programme availability may change, it is advisable to check current options in advance.
The Kelmė Manor Museum presents Lithuania’s only exhibition on the culture of the Indigenous peoples of the Americas. This differs from the regional history focus in Užventis: here, the culture of the Indigenous peoples of the Americas takes centre stage. Exhibition content may change; check what is currently on display before visiting.
Lakes, nature trails and activities
Lake Giliaus is notable for its distinctive colour and wide variety of plants and animals. The 3.3-kilometre nature trail by the lake follows its ever-changing shore. Its stated length makes the trail a manageable way to explore the lakeshore; no walking time is specified.
At the Tytuvėnai Regional Park Visitor Centre, visitors can get information about the park’s attractions, protected values and services. The exhibition “From the Flight of the Crane” includes a film about cranes, a crane’s nest, a beaver lodge and bird calls. It also features various objects recovered from the depths of lakes Giliaus and Bridvaišis. The same visitor centre also offers an educational programme about forests, forest ecosystems, forest spirits, forest sounds, birds, the use of forests and edible forest products. Exhibition content and programme availability may change.
At Lake Bridvaišis in Tytuvėnai, a wake park offers wakeboarding. If you plan to take part, check current options in advance. Nature enthusiasts can also explore a nature route through Kelmė District, which includes eight unique natural heritage sites; the route overview may be revised.
Archaeological traces and recurring events
Kubiliai Hill, also known as Birutkalnis, dates from the 1st millennium to the beginning of the 2nd millennium. Its historical period sets it apart from the churches and manor ensembles, whose construction dates to the modern era. In Butkiškės, the Naujoji Gokula community holds various camps, retreats and well-known Vaishnava festivals every year. If you would like to plan your trip around one of these events, check the relevant dates in advance.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Tytuvėnai, Kukečių Eldership, Vijurkai, Pakruojis District Municipality, Joniškis District Municipality, Šiauliai District Municipality, Akmenė District Municipality, Radviliškis District Municipality.
To the regional travel overview: Šiauliai County.
