Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Vytautas

A settlement existed at the confluence of two large rivers, for many centuries, before Kaunas was first mentioned in written sources in 1361. At that time a brick castle was constructed. Only a year later the castle was captured after a siege and destroyed by the Teutonic Order. It was one of the most important victories of the Teutonic Knights in the 14th in Lithuania. The castle was rebuilt at the beginning of the 15th century. In 1408 Kaunas was granted city rights by Vytautas the Great. Kaunas began to gain prominence since it was at an intersection of trade routes and a river port. In 1441 Kaunas joined the Hanseatic League. By the 16th century, Kaunas had a public school and a hospital and was one of the best-formed towns in Lithuania. In 1665, the Russian army attacked the city, and in 1701 the city was occupied by the Swedish Army. Fires destroyed parts of the city in 1731 and 1732. After the final partition of the Polish–Lithuanian state in 1795, the city was taken over by the Russian Empire. During the French invasion of Russia in 1812, Napoleon´s armee passed through twice, devastating the city both times. When In 1862, a railway connecting the Russian Empire and Imperial Germany was built, Kaunas was a significant railway hub. As WWII began, about 30,000 Jews were living in Kaunas, comprising about 25% of the city's population. Only very few survived the war. - Street art in Kaunas. A universe on the tobacco pipe. Who is depicted here?

A settlement existed at the confluence of two large rivers, for many centuries, before Kaunas was first mentioned in written sources in 1361. At that time a brick castle was constructed. Only a year later the castle was captured after a siege and destroyed by the Teutonic Order. It was one of the most important victories of the Teutonic Knights in the 14th in Lithuania. The castle was rebuilt at the beginning of the 15th century. In 1408 Kaunas was granted city rights by Vytautas the Great. Kaunas began to gain prominence since it was at an intersection of trade routes and a river port. In 1441 Kaunas joined the Hanseatic League. By the 16th century, Kaunas had a public school and a hospital and was one of the best-formed towns in Lithuania. In 1665, the Russian army attacked the city, and in 1701 the city was occupied by the Swedish Army. Fires destroyed parts of the city in 1731 and 1732. After the final partition of the Polish–Lithuanian state in 1795, the city was taken over by the Russian Empire. During the French invasion of Russia in 1812, Napoleon´s armee passed through twice, devastating the city both times. When In 1862, a railway connecting the Russian Empire and Imperial Germany was built, Kaunas was a significant railway hub. As WWII began, about 30,000 Jews were living in Kaunas, comprising about 25% of the city's population. Only very few survived the war. - Laisvės Alėja (= "Liberty Avenue") is a prominent pedestrian street in Kaunas, stretching for 1.6 kilometers. The boulevard is separated into two walkways by a median strip lined with linden trees.

A settlement existed at the confluence of two large rivers, for many centuries, before Kaunas was first mentioned in written sources in 1361. At that time a brick castle was constructed. Only a year later the castle was captured after a siege and destroyed by the Teutonic Order. It was one of the most important victories of the Teutonic Knights in the 14th in Lithuania. The castle was rebuilt at the beginning of the 15th century. In 1408 Kaunas was granted city rights by Vytautas the Great. Kaunas began to gain prominence since it was at an intersection of trade routes and a river port. In 1441 Kaunas joined the Hanseatic League. By the 16th century, Kaunas had a public school and a hospital and was one of the best-formed towns in Lithuania. In 1665, the Russian army attacked the city, and in 1701 the city was occupied by the Swedish Army. Fires destroyed parts of the city in 1731 and 1732. After the final partition of the Polish–Lithuanian state in 1795, the city was taken over by the Russian Empire. During the French invasion of Russia in 1812, Napoleon´s armee passed through twice, devastating the city both times. When In 1862, a railway connecting the Russian Empire and Imperial Germany was built, Kaunas was a significant railway hub. As WWII began, about 30,000 Jews were living in Kaunas, comprising about 25% of the city's population. Only very few survived the war. - The construction date of the first Kaunas Castle is unknown. The stone castle was probably built during the middle of the 14th century. In 1362, the castle was besieged by the Teutonic Order. At that time, the castle walls were over 11 meters high. After three weeks, the Knights managed to breach the castle's walls, and the castle was taken. Soon after the castle was retaken, but it remained a point of contention between Lithuanians and Teutonic Knights for years and in 1384 the castle was recaptured by the Teutonic Knights who tried to rebuild it. The Lithuanians launched an attack on the castle later the same year and it was retaken. After the Battle of Grunwald, the castle lost its strategic military importance and was used as a residence. The castle served administrative purposes after the death of Vytautas the Great. The castle was used as a prison in the 18th century; later the Russian administration granted permission for houses to be built in the castle's territory, which resulted in significant damage to the castle itself.

A settlement existed at the confluence of two large rivers, for many centuries, before Kaunas was first mentioned in written sources in 1361. At that time a brick castle was constructed. Only a year later the castle was captured after a siege and destroyed by the Teutonic Order. It was one of the most important victories of the Teutonic Knights in the 14th in Lithuania. The castle was rebuilt at the beginning of the 15th century. In 1408 Kaunas was granted city rights by Vytautas the Great. Kaunas began to gain prominence since it was at an intersection of trade routes and a river port. In 1441 Kaunas joined the Hanseatic League. By the 16th century, Kaunas had a public school and a hospital and was one of the best-formed towns in Lithuania. In 1665, the Russian army attacked the city, and in 1701 the city was occupied by the Swedish Army. Fires destroyed parts of the city in 1731 and 1732. After the final partition of the Polish–Lithuanian state in 1795, the city was taken over by the Russian Empire. During the French invasion of Russia in 1812, Napoleon´s armee passed through twice, devastating the city both times. When In 1862, a railway connecting the Russian Empire and Imperial Germany was built, Kaunas was a significant railway hub. As WWII began, about 30,000 Jews were living in Kaunas, comprising about 25% of the city's population. Only very few survived the war. - It is believed that the Church of St. Gertrude is one of the oldest Gothic churches in Lithuania was built in the second half of the 15th century. It was built as a churchyard chapel in the location of the former burial ground near the road leading to Vilnius. In 1503 Grand Duke of Lithuania Alexander designated the church as a parish church of Kaunas. In the middle of the 16th century, a bell tower was attached. The church was damaged in 1655 during the Russo-Polish War. It was rebuilt around 1680. In 1812 Kaunas suffered from a major fire, which also damaged the church. The monastery was closed in 1864 after the January Uprising. In 1921 the church was assigned to the Congregation of Marian Fathers and a monastery was built nearby. In 1948 the monastery and the church were closed. The church was converted into a warehouse for medical equipment. In 1992 a renovation of the church took place. Since 1991 the Mass is held in the church again, and the Marianites monastery has been returned to the monks.

A settlement existed at the confluence of two large rivers, for many centuries, before Kaunas was first mentioned in written sources in 1361. At that time a brick castle was constructed. Only a year later the castle was captured after a siege and destroyed by the Teutonic Order. It was one of the most important victories of the Teutonic Knights in the 14th in Lithuania. The castle was rebuilt at the beginning of the 15th century. In 1408 Kaunas was granted city rights by Vytautas the Great. Kaunas began to gain prominence since it was at an intersection of trade routes and a river port. In 1441 Kaunas joined the Hanseatic League. By the 16th century, Kaunas had a public school and a hospital and was one of the best-formed towns in Lithuania. In 1665, the Russian army attacked the city, and in 1701 the city was occupied by the Swedish Army. Fires destroyed parts of the city in 1731 and 1732. After the final partition of the Polish–Lithuanian state in 1795, the city was taken over by the Russian Empire. During the French invasion of Russia in 1812, Napoleon´s armee passed through twice, devastating the city both times. When In 1862, a railway connecting the Russian Empire and Imperial Germany was built, Kaunas was a significant railway hub. As WWII began, about 30,000 Jews were living in Kaunas, comprising about 25% of the city's population. Only very few survived the war. - The erection of the first Gothic-style church dedicated to apostles Saint Peter and Saint Paul may have started around 1410. It was first mentioned in written sources in 1413. The construction works were concluded only in 1624. The church greatly suffered from the Russo-Polish War (1654 - 1667) and was rebuilt in 1671, gaining some Renaissance features. Only one of the towers was rebuilt after the fire of the roof in 1732. As a part of the renovation, the internal decorations were funded by the King Stanisław August Poniatowski in 1771. The present-day shape of the building results from a further renovation in 1800. The church was promoted to cathedral status in 1895. A great day for the wedding couple.

A settlement existed at the confluence of two large rivers, for many centuries, before Kaunas was first mentioned in written sources in 1361. At that time a brick castle was constructed. Only a year later the castle was captured after a siege and destroyed by the Teutonic Order. It was one of the most important victories of the Teutonic Knights in the 14th in Lithuania. The castle was rebuilt at the beginning of the 15th century. In 1408 Kaunas was granted city rights by Vytautas the Great. Kaunas began to gain prominence since it was at an intersection of trade routes and a river port. In 1441 Kaunas joined the Hanseatic League. By the 16th century, Kaunas had a public school and a hospital and was one of the best-formed towns in Lithuania. In 1665, the Russian army attacked the city, and in 1701 the city was occupied by the Swedish Army. Fires destroyed parts of the city in 1731 and 1732. After the final partition of the Polish–Lithuanian state in 1795, the city was taken over by the Russian Empire. During the French invasion of Russia in 1812, Napoleon´s armee passed through twice, devastating the city both times. When In 1862, a railway connecting the Russian Empire and Imperial Germany was built, Kaunas was a significant railway hub. As WWII began, about 30,000 Jews were living in Kaunas, comprising about 25% of the city's population. Only very few survived the war. - The erection of the first Gothic-style church dedicated to apostles Saint Peter and Saint Paul may have started around 1410. It was first mentioned in written sources in 1413. The construction works were concluded only in 1624. The church greatly suffered from the Russo-Polish War (1654 - 1667) and was rebuilt in 1671, gaining some Renaissance features. Only one of the towers was rebuilt after the fire of the roof in 1732. As a part of the renovation, the internal decorations were funded by the King Stanisław August Poniatowski in 1771. The present-day shape of the building results from a further renovation in 1800. The church was promoted to cathedral status in 1895. The interior of the cathedral is decorated with early and high baroque features. The main altar, under the late Gothic vaults, was installed in 1775.

A settlement existed at the confluence of two large rivers, for many centuries, before Kaunas was first mentioned in written sources in 1361. At that time a brick castle was constructed. Only a year later the castle was captured after a siege and destroyed by the Teutonic Order. It was one of the most important victories of the Teutonic Knights in the 14th in Lithuania. The castle was rebuilt at the beginning of the 15th century. In 1408 Kaunas was granted city rights by Vytautas the Great. Kaunas began to gain prominence since it was at an intersection of trade routes and a river port. In 1441 Kaunas joined the Hanseatic League. By the 16th century, Kaunas had a public school and a hospital and was one of the best-formed towns in Lithuania. In 1665, the Russian army attacked the city, and in 1701 the city was occupied by the Swedish Army. Fires destroyed parts of the city in 1731 and 1732. After the final partition of the Polish–Lithuanian state in 1795, the city was taken over by the Russian Empire. During the French invasion of Russia in 1812, Napoleon´s armee passed through twice, devastating the city both times. When In 1862, a railway connecting the Russian Empire and Imperial Germany was built, Kaunas was a significant railway hub. As WWII began, about 30,000 Jews were living in Kaunas, comprising about 25% of the city's population. Only very few survived the war. - The erection of the first Gothic-style church dedicated to apostles Saint Peter and Saint Paul may have started around 1410. It was first mentioned in written sources in 1413. The construction works were concluded only in 1624. The church greatly suffered from the Russo-Polish War (1654 - 1667) and was rebuilt in 1671, gaining some Renaissance features. Only one of the towers was rebuilt after the fire of the roof in 1732. As a part of the renovation, the internal decorations were funded by King Stanisław August Poniatowski in 1771. The present-day shape of the building results from a further renovation in 1800. The church was promoted to cathedral status in 1895. The interior of the cathedral is decorated with early and high baroque features.

A settlement existed at the confluence of two large rivers, for many centuries, before Kaunas was first mentioned in written sources in 1361. At that time a brick castle was constructed. Only a year later the castle was captured after a siege and destroyed by the Teutonic Order. It was one of the most important victories of the Teutonic Knights in the 14th in Lithuania. The castle was rebuilt at the beginning of the 15th century. In 1408 Kaunas was granted city rights by Vytautas the Great. Kaunas began to gain prominence since it was at an intersection of trade routes and a river port. In 1441 Kaunas joined the Hanseatic League. By the 16th century, Kaunas had a public school and a hospital and was one of the best-formed towns in Lithuania. In 1665, the Russian army attacked the city, and in 1701 the city was occupied by the Swedish Army. Fires destroyed parts of the city in 1731 and 1732. After the final partition of the Polish–Lithuanian state in 1795, the city was taken over by the Russian Empire. During the French invasion of Russia in 1812, Napoleon´s armee passed through twice, devastating the city both times. When In 1862, a railway connecting the Russian Empire and Imperial Germany was built, Kaunas was a significant railway hub. As WWII began, about 30,000 Jews were living in Kaunas, comprising about 25% of the city's population. Only very few survived the war. - The erection of the first Gothic-style church dedicated to apostles Saint Peter and Saint Paul may have started around 1410. It was first mentioned in written sources in 1413. The construction works were concluded only in 1624. The church greatly suffered from the Russo-Polish War (1654 - 1667) and was rebuilt in 1671, gaining some Renaissance features. Only one of the towers was rebuilt after the fire of the roof in 1732. As a part of the renovation, the internal decorations were funded by the King Stanisław August Poniatowski in 1771. The present-day shape of the building results from a further renovation in 1800. The church was promoted to cathedral status in 1895.

A settlement existed at the confluence of two large rivers, for many centuries, before Kaunas was first mentioned in written sources in 1361. At that time a brick castle was constructed. Only a year later the castle was captured after a siege and destroyed by the Teutonic Order. It was one of the most important victories of the Teutonic Knights in the 14th in Lithuania. The castle was rebuilt at the beginning of the 15th century. In 1408 Kaunas was granted city rights by Vytautas the Great. Kaunas began to gain prominence since it was at an intersection of trade routes and a river port. In 1441 Kaunas joined the Hanseatic League. By the 16th century, Kaunas had a public school and a hospital and was one of the best-formed towns in Lithuania. In 1665, the Russian army attacked the city, and in 1701 the city was occupied by the Swedish Army. Fires destroyed parts of the city in 1731 and 1732. After the final partition of the Polish–Lithuanian state in 1795, the city was taken over by the Russian Empire. During the French invasion of Russia in 1812, Napoleon´s armee passed through twice, devastating the city both times. When In 1862, a railway connecting the Russian Empire and Imperial Germany was built, Kaunas was a significant railway hub. As WWII began, about 30,000 Jews were living in Kaunas, comprising about 25% of the city's population. Only very few survived the war. - in 1542 the construction of the town hall in Gothic style was started after the previous building was completely destroyed by fire. 20 years later the building was completed. It originally had only one floor, without a tower, but with cellars, which also housed the prison. Still in the 16th century, the second floor and the tower were added in Renaissance style. The town hall was also affected by the town fires in 1670 and 1732. From 1771 to 1780 it was reconstructed again. In the process, the tower was raised by one floor. The facade and interior were redesigned in the style of baroque and classicism. In 1795 Kaunas fell to Russia during the third partition of Poland. The town hall was no longer needed. In the 19th century, the building was used for various purposes, such as the premises of the Russian Orthodox Church, an ammunition depot and the Russian theater were located here. In the years 1869 to 1944, the building again housed the city administration. Since 1973 the old town hall has been used as a museum and a registry office.

A settlement existed at the confluence of two large rivers, for many centuries, before Kaunas was first mentioned in written sources in 1361. At that time a brick castle was constructed. Only a year later the castle was captured after a siege and destroyed by the Teutonic Order. It was one of the most important victories of the Teutonic Knights in the 14th in Lithuania. The castle was rebuilt at the beginning of the 15th century. In 1408 Kaunas was granted city rights by Vytautas the Great. Kaunas began to gain prominence since it was at an intersection of trade routes and a river port. In 1441 Kaunas joined the Hanseatic League. By the 16th century, Kaunas had a public school and a hospital and was one of the best-formed towns in Lithuania. In 1665, the Russian army attacked the city, and in 1701 the city was occupied by the Swedish Army. Fires destroyed parts of the city in 1731 and 1732. After the final partition of the Polish–Lithuanian state in 1795, the city was taken over by the Russian Empire. During the French invasion of Russia in 1812, Napoleon´s armee passed through twice, devastating the city both times. When In 1862, a railway connecting the Russian Empire and Imperial Germany was built, Kaunas was a significant railway hub. As WWII began, about 30,000 Jews were living in Kaunas, comprising about 25% of the city's population. Only very few survived the war. - The Gothic "House of Perkunas" was originally built by Hanseatic merchants and served them from 1440 to 1532. Then it was sold to the Jesuits, who established a chapel there before the church of St. Francis Xavier was built (see above). The ruined house was rebuilt in the 19th century and served as a school and theater. At the end of the 19th century, it was renamed "House of Perkūnas" when a figure was found in one of its walls, which was interpreted by the historians of the time as an idol of the pagan Baltic thunder and sky god Perkūnas.

A settlement existed at the confluence of two large rivers, for many centuries, before Kaunas was first mentioned in written sources in 1361. At that time a brick castle was constructed. Only a year later the castle was captured after a siege and destroyed by the Teutonic Order. It was one of the most important victories of the Teutonic Knights in the 14th in Lithuania. The castle was rebuilt at the beginning of the 15th century. In 1408 Kaunas was granted city rights by Vytautas the Great. Kaunas began to gain prominence since it was at an intersection of trade routes and a river port. In 1441 Kaunas joined the Hanseatic League. By the 16th century, Kaunas had a public school and a hospital and was one of the best-formed towns in Lithuania. In 1665, the Russian army attacked the city, and in 1701 the city was occupied by the Swedish Army. Fires destroyed parts of the city in 1731 and 1732. After the final partition of the Polish–Lithuanian state in 1795, the city was taken over by the Russian Empire. During the French invasion of Russia in 1812, Napoleon´s armee passed through twice, devastating the city both times. When In 1862, a railway connecting the Russian Empire and Imperial Germany was built, Kaunas was a significant railway hub. As WWII began, about 30,000 Jews were living in Kaunas, comprising about 25% of the city's population. Only very few survived the war. - The church of St. Francis Xavier was built by Jesuits on the town hall square. The Jesuits opened their first residence in Kaunas in 1642 and founded the first four-grade school here in 1649. Construction of the church began in 1666 and it was consecrated in 1722. The tsarist Russian government transferred the church to the Orthodox Church in 1824. In 1924 the church was again transferred to the Jesuits. After the occupation of Lithuania by the Soviet Union, the church was converted into a technical school, and the interior of the church was used as a gymnasium. The church was returned to the Jesuits in 1989, and a renovation of the church took place in 1992.

A settlement existed at the confluence of two large rivers, for many centuries, before Kaunas was first mentioned in written sources in 1361. At that time a brick castle was constructed. Only a year later the castle was captured after a siege and destroyed by the Teutonic Order. It was one of the most important victories of the Teutonic Knights in the 14th in Lithuania. The castle was rebuilt at the beginning of the 15th century. In 1408 Kaunas was granted city rights by Vytautas the Great. Kaunas began to gain prominence since it was at an intersection of trade routes and a river port. In 1441 Kaunas joined the Hanseatic League. By the 16th century, Kaunas had a public school and a hospital and was one of the best-formed towns in Lithuania. In 1665, the Russian army attacked the city, and in 1701 the city was occupied by the Swedish Army. Fires destroyed parts of the city in 1731 and 1732. After the final partition of the Polish–Lithuanian state in 1795, the city was taken over by the Russian Empire. During the French invasion of Russia in 1812, Napoleon´s armee passed through twice, devastating the city both times. When In 1862, a railway connecting the Russian Empire and Imperial Germany was built, Kaunas was a significant railway hub. As WWII began, about 30,000 Jews were living in Kaunas, comprising about 25% of the city's population. Only very few survived the war. - The large residential building, erected after WWII and decorated with the Soviet star is crumbling.

A settlement existed at the confluence of two large rivers, for many centuries, before Kaunas was first mentioned in written sources in 1361. At that time a brick castle was constructed. Only a year later the castle was captured after a siege and destroyed by the Teutonic Order. It was one of the most important victories of the Teutonic Knights in the 14th in Lithuania. The castle was rebuilt at the beginning of the 15th century. In 1408 Kaunas was granted city rights by Vytautas the Great. Kaunas began to gain prominence since it was at an intersection of trade routes and a river port. In 1441 Kaunas joined the Hanseatic League. By the 16th century, Kaunas had a public school and a hospital and was one of the best-formed towns in Lithuania. In 1665, the Russian army attacked the city, and in 1701 the city was occupied by the Swedish Army. Fires destroyed parts of the city in 1731 and 1732. After the final partition of the Polish–Lithuanian state in 1795, the city was taken over by the Russian Empire. During the French invasion of Russia in 1812, Napoleon´s armee passed through twice, devastating the city both times. When In 1862, a railway connecting the Russian Empire and Imperial Germany was built, Kaunas was a significant railway hub. As WWII began, about 30,000 Jews were living in Kaunas, comprising about 25% of the city's population. Only very few survived the war. - Vending machines are very popular in the Baltic States

A settlement existed at the confluence of two large rivers, for many centuries, before Kaunas was first mentioned in written sources in 1361. At that time a brick castle was constructed. Only a year later the castle was captured after a siege and destroyed by the Teutonic Order. It was one of the most important victories of the Teutonic Knights in the 14th in Lithuania. The castle was rebuilt at the beginning of the 15th century. In 1408 Kaunas was granted city rights by Vytautas the Great. Kaunas began to gain prominence since it was at an intersection of trade routes and a river port. In 1441 Kaunas joined the Hanseatic League. By the 16th century, Kaunas had a public school and a hospital and was one of the best-formed towns in Lithuania. In 1665, the Russian army attacked the city, and in 1701 the city was occupied by the Swedish Army. Fires destroyed parts of the city in 1731 and 1732. After the final partition of the Polish–Lithuanian state in 1795, the city was taken over by the Russian Empire. During the French invasion of Russia in 1812, Napoleon´s armee passed through twice, devastating the city both times. When In 1862, a railway connecting the Russian Empire and Imperial Germany was built, Kaunas was a significant railway hub. As WWII began, about 30,000 Jews were living in Kaunas, comprising about 25% of the city's population. Only very few survived the war. The firefighters of the 1. Fire Brigade, stationed here, are always on alert. 24/7.

A settlement existed at the confluence of two large rivers, for many centuries, before Kaunas was first mentioned in written sources in 1361. At that time a brick castle was constructed. Only a year later the castle was captured after a siege and destroyed by the Teutonic Order. It was one of the most important victories of the Teutonic Knights in the 14th in Lithuania. The castle was rebuilt at the beginning of the 15th century. In 1408 Kaunas was granted city rights by Vytautas the Great. Kaunas began to gain prominence since it was at an intersection of trade routes and a river port. In 1441 Kaunas joined the Hanseatic League. By the 16th century, Kaunas had a public school and a hospital and was one of the best-formed towns in Lithuania. In 1665, the Russian army attacked the city, and in 1701 the city was occupied by the Swedish Army. Fires destroyed parts of the city in 1731 and 1732. After the final partition of the Polish–Lithuanian state in 1795, the city was taken over by the Russian Empire. During the French invasion of Russia in 1812, Napoleon´s armee passed through twice, devastating the city both times. When In 1862, a railway connecting the Russian Empire and Imperial Germany was built, Kaunas was a significant railway hub. As WWII began, about 30,000 Jews were living in Kaunas, comprising about 25% of the city's population. Only very few survived the war. St. Michael the Archangel's Church (aka Garrison Church) was built between 1891 and 1895 when Kaunas was part of the Russian empire, for the use of the Russian Orthodox soldiers of Kaunas Fortress. The construction of "garrison" Orthodox churches by the Russian government started after the suppression of the January Uprising of 1831. The church was designed as an Orthodox cathedral to fit 2,000 worshipers by K. H. Lymarenko. The cathedral was completed in four years and was inaugurated in 1895. After the fall of the Kaunas Fortress during WW I, the Germans cut down the church bells and transported them to Germany. In the interwar period, the cathedral became a Roman Catholic church of the Lithuanian garrison of Kaunas. During the Soviet Union, it was used as an art gallery. Today it serves again as a Roman Catholic church. The Laisvės alėja, the main pedestrian street in Kaunas ends/starts at the church.

A settlement existed at the confluence of two large rivers, for many centuries, before Kaunas was first mentioned in written sources in 1361. At that time a brick castle was constructed. Only a year later the castle was captured after a siege and destroyed by the Teutonic Order. It was one of the most important victories of the Teutonic Knights in the 14th in Lithuania. The castle was rebuilt at the beginning of the 15th century. In 1408 Kaunas was granted city rights by Vytautas the Great. Kaunas began to gain prominence since it was at an intersection of trade routes and a river port. In 1441 Kaunas joined the Hanseatic League. By the 16th century, Kaunas had a public school and a hospital and was one of the best-formed towns in Lithuania. In 1665, the Russian army attacked the city, and in 1701 the city was occupied by the Swedish Army. Fires destroyed parts of the city in 1731 and 1732. After the final partition of the Polish–Lithuanian state in 1795, the city was taken over by the Russian Empire. During the French invasion of Russia in 1812, Napoleon´s armee passed through twice, devastating the city both times. When In 1862, a railway connecting the Russian Empire and Imperial Germany was built, Kaunas was a significant railway hub. As WWII began, about 30,000 Jews were living in Kaunas, comprising about 25% of the city's population. Only very few survived the war. St. Michael the Archangel's Church (aka Garrison Church) was built between 1891 and 1895 when Kaunas was part of the Russian empire, for the use of the Russian Orthodox soldiers of Kaunas Fortress. The construction of "garrison" Orthodox churches by the Russian government started after the suppression of the January Uprising of 1831. The church was designed as an Orthodox cathedral to fit 2,000 worshipers by K. H. Lymarenko. The cathedral was completed in four years and was inaugurated in 1895. After the fall of the Kaunas Fortress during WW I, the Germans cut down the church bells and transported them to Germany. In the interwar period, the cathedral became a Roman Catholic church of the Lithuanian garrison of Kaunas. During the Soviet Union, it was used as an art gallery. Today it serves again as a Roman Catholic church.

A settlement existed at the confluence of two large rivers, for many centuries, before Kaunas was first mentioned in written sources in 1361. At that time a brick castle was constructed. Only a year later the castle was captured after a siege and destroyed by the Teutonic Order. It was one of the most important victories of the Teutonic Knights in the 14th in Lithuania. The castle was rebuilt at the beginning of the 15th century. In 1408 Kaunas was granted city rights by Vytautas the Great. Kaunas began to gain prominence since it was at an intersection of trade routes and a river port. In 1441 Kaunas joined the Hanseatic League. By the 16th century, Kaunas had a public school and a hospital and was one of the best-formed towns in Lithuania. In 1665, the Russian army attacked the city, and in 1701 the city was occupied by the Swedish Army. Fires destroyed parts of the city in 1731 and 1732. After the final partition of the Polish–Lithuanian state in 1795, the city was taken over by the Russian Empire. During the French invasion of Russia in 1812, Napoleon´s armee passed through twice, devastating the city both times. When In 1862, a railway connecting the Russian Empire and Imperial Germany was built, Kaunas was a significant railway hub. As WWII began, about 30,000 Jews were living in Kaunas, comprising about 25% of the city's population. Only very few survived the war. Michael the Archangel's Church is seen in the foreground. In the backdrop on a hill is the Christ's Resurrection Church. The church, consecrated in 2004, is the largest basilical church in the Baltic States. After Lithuania regained independence in 1918, the idea of this new church arose. Kaunas was chosen as its site, since the historic capital Vilnius, was part of Poland between 1920 and 1939. A design competition was held in 1928 and the proposal drawn up by Karolis Reisonas was chosen for the church. In 1933 the final design was approved. Funds for the construction were raised in Lithuania and abroad. The construction underwent several setbacks, and at times was suspended for lack of funding. In 1938 the walls and roof of the church were completed, and by 1940 it was largely finished. Further work was suspended during WW II. The Nazi occupational authorities used the church as a storeroom; during the Soviet occupation of Lithuania, the building was confiscated by the government. In 1952 Stalin decreed that it be used as a factory; the cross atop the tower was demolished. The church structure was used as a radio factory until the Lithuanian national awakening in 1988. Soon thereafter, control of the church was returned to a newly founded council. Funding for completing the church was provided by both private sources and the Lithuanian government.

The town surrounded by many lakes developed in the 13th century. According to a legend, Grand Duke Gediminas discovered a beautiful lake-surrounded place not far from Kernavė, then the capital of the Grand Duchy and decided to build a castle in the location. The name of Trakai was first mentioned in Teutonic Knights chronicles in 1337. Later a castle was built on an island in Lake Galvė. This and a neighboring castle in the town suffered from attacks of the Teutonic Knights during which both wooden castles were raided by the Teutonic Knights several times in a row. Despite this Trakai became a political and administrative centre of the Duchy. Construction of brick castles was finished and a church was built. In 1409, the town was granted city rights. The Church of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary was founded in 1409 by the Lithuanian Grand Duke Vytautas the Great after the construction of the Trakai moated castle. During the Russian-Polish War of 1654-1667 the church was damaged and subsequently restored. Around 1719 it was baroqueized. The first church was built on a rectangular ground plan in Gothic style. Unfortunately, the church was locked.