Klaipėda Old town

Klaipėda is the oldest Lithuania city:  first mentioned in the Chronicles of Memelburg in 1252.  Until the 15th century, the city was developing closer to the castle, which was situated on the islands formed from the Danė River tributaries.  The castle was rebuilt several times and the city accordingly changed location as well.  Until the late 15th century the southern city border stretched to the present-day Theatre Square.  The castle underwent major repairs in 1529, and the territory inhabited by the citizens was used for the castle complex that was then under reconstruction.  Residents of the Old City were moved to the island of the Danė River waters, the location of the present-day Old City area to Didžiojo Vandens Street.
In the early 16th century the main axis of planned structures were benchmarked:  perpendicularly crossing Turgaus and Tiltų Streets.  The citys territory was divided into small rectangular blocks, and by the end of the 16th century the network of streets and blocks was finally set, and thereafter was changing only vaguely.  At the principal crossroad and at the bridge there was a gibbet - the stake where the gossipmongers or debauchees were chained!  From 1595 and until the 19th century, the Old City held market fairs that lasted for two weeks, attended by  tradesmen from the most remote localities.

* Klaipėda old architechture

In Klaipėda Old town you will face the oldest buildings of the city, dating from the middle of the 18th century. They are warehouses built in the fachwerk style. This construction, influenced by Germanic culture, has been used since the foundation of the City. This method of construction was especially suitable for the marshy soil as frame constructions are lighter than the stone. Unfortunately, many of these buildings were destroyed by fire.
The tiny downtown houses and fachwerk-styled warehouses are being used by various art organizations - writers, artists and photographers. There you can find small art galleries, museums, souvenir shops and cozy cafes.

* Theatre square

Klaipėda Theatre square is the heart of the city. There is a sculpture of Ann from Tharau in the fountain in the middle of the square. The monument is dedicated to Simon Dach, a German poet who was born in Klaipėda and studied at Konigsberg University. Ann was the girl that the poet fell in love with at first sight. However, she was engaged to another man. Simon Dach dedicated a poem to her and called it "Ann from Tharau" which is still very popular in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The fountain with the sculpture of the girl and the bas-relief of the poet were created in 1912 by the sculptor from Berlin, Alfred Kune. During World War II the sculpture disappeared. It was reconstructed in 1990 on the initiative of the city inhabitants and emigrants.
The building behind the sculpture is the Drama Theatre. Since the 18th century the theatre has played an important role in the cultural life of Klaipėda. This building was reconstructed in the 19th century in a neo-classic style. The Klaipėda coat of arms is on the facade of the building.

* Sculpture "Ann from Tharau"
(Theater sq.)

The main feature of the Theater Square is the sculpture called "Taravos Anikė" (Ann from Tharau).
The monument is to Simon Dach, a poet who was born in Klaipėda and taught at Konigsberg University. Ann was a girl with whom the poet fell in love from the first sight. However, she was engaged to another man. S. Dach dedicated to her the song called "Ann from Tharau" which is still sung in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
The fountain with the sculpture of the girl and the bas-relief of the poet was created in 1912 by Berlin sculptor Alfred Kune. During World War II the sculpture disappeared. It was reconstructed in 1990 on the initiative of the city inhabitants and emigrants.

* "Arts yard"
Daržų st. 10/Bažnyčių st. 4

You cant take a look at so called "crafts yard" located in the Old town of Klaipėda city. This area is like cradle of Klaipėda culture life. Building complex were build at XVIII century in old, facwerch style warehouses.
Original construction buildings are unique of their construction type and very rare to find on the cost line of Baltic Sea. They were made tall to store more trade goods.
Nowadays here are working various crafts workshops, witch invites guests to touch, feel and learn past times spirit  by  letting guests try to made local traditional goods by them self, with assistance of craft artists.
Artist yard is popular between locals and always attracts visitors because of many various events witch takes place here.

* Arch, Monument to the United Lithuania
(Danės St., on the river bank)

* Drama theater
Teatro sq. 2., Tel. +370 46 314 453, Fax. +370 46 314 460

Drama theatre started its activity in 1935 when closed Šiauliai theatre troupe moved to the seaport. Now there are 40 actors in the theatre. Since 1990, after 8 years lasting capital reconstruction of theatre building, there are two - The Main (450 seats) and The Second (150 seats) halls (theatres facades and the interior of the building were restored, also appeared an extension to the building (architect S. Manomaitis)). Unique Second stages equipment gives wide creative opportunities for Lithuanian and foreign film directors. There were three international theater festivals in this Second stage.

* Sculpture "Klaipėdietis"
Mažvydo alley

In 2008 summer in Mažvydo alley on one of the buildings in Tiltų Street appeared a sculpture of a small boy, decorating a city emblem of Klaipeda. The sculptor is Svajūnas Jurkus and the architect is Vytautas Paulionis. "Klaipėdietis" called decoration is about 45 cm high, a bronze sculpture.
"Klaipėdietis" as a gift for the city was created six years ago, celebrating the 750th anniversary of the city. The sculpture till now was in a closed room and decorated a library in Julius Janonis Street. The boy appeared earlier than it was built. This is not a sitting, but walking "Klaipėdietis", a little insolent. According to the authors, this sculpture does not have any magic powers, so there is no need to think wishes or to stroke it. You can just admire it.

* Sculpture "Dragon"
(Vežėjų st.)

A steel sculpture "Dragon" was created appealing to one of the legends retelling emergence of Klaipėda. One of them tells about two brothers who sought a place for a city; one of them disappeared, another found only a traces of the undone and a horrific foot. Author imagined that a terribly huge footmark could be only of a dragon. A 145 kg weight, over three meter long dragon hangs on the wall not without reason, but fulfills a function of a rain pipe. During rain, one may admire water splashing out of the jaws of the dragon. (Author Vytautas Karčiauskas).

* Sculpture "Basket with coins"
Danės river quay, next to ship "Meridianas"

Klaipėda old town was decorated with one more decorative element - next to the building in Tiltų Street 1 you can find a basket with coins.
According to the sculpture author Ina Šuliak, in this house, which was built in 1915-1916 year, was opened the first saving cash register of the seaport.
A bronze basket was made on the basis of exhibitions in Minor Lithuania History Museum.
These coins are different - various sizes, countries and periods. Also there are some with the symbolism of Klaipeda. This variety represents the fact that Klaipeda - a seaport, where money comes received from a trade with foreign countries.

* Sculpture of mouse "Thaumaturge Old Town Little Mouse"
(Kurpių st./kepėjų st.)

In front of Jazz club "Kurpiai", in Klaipėda Old Town, a sculpture of a little mouse was build recently. It is not a simple mouse. A modest 17 cm high creation made out of bronze and stone, on the opinion of the authors is - magic. A minor sculpture is surrounded by a bronze band with spells: "Convert your ideas into words - words will become magic". One may only whisper into the ear of the "thaumaturge" and good will is going to become true. (Authors: S. Plotnikovas, S. Jurkus).

* Sculpture "The Old Town chimney-sweep"
(Kurpių st. 8)

Theres belief - if one shall touch at least a button of the chimney-sweep on the New Years morning - luck will accompany you through the whole year. The Klaipėda-like 2,3 meter high bronze chimney-sweep found his place on the edge of the house, hence, there is no chance to reach him nor his button. However, Klaipėda city men believe they shall be more fortunate from now on. This luck will be enough for you too. (Author of the sculpture: Klaudijus Pūdymas).

* Sculpture "A cat"
(Kalvių st.)

"Old Town Cat" - sculpture from granite and bronze, started "living" on the Blacksmith street in year 1979.It is miraculous old town inhabitant-rub his tail, and you secret wishes will come truth.

* Sculpture "A childhood Dream"
(Terminal of cruise ships)

A sculpture design - little boy with a dog waving with his hat, emerged on the terminal in summer 2007.
Sculpture mission is direct - "to meet and see off" the cruise ships which call in the terminal. And also, delight those walking the quay. In one word, nobody shall leave the terminal without escort.
(Sculpture authors - Svajūnas Jurkus and Vytautas Paulionis).

* Sculpture "Old town post"
(Crossroad of Tiltų and Turgaus streets)

Klaudijus Pūdymas bronze sculpture decorated a crossroad of Tiltų and Turgaus streets. In Old town post you can leave letters with useful, interesting ideas, suggestions or wishes. This post is not real - letters will come only to members of business men union. Still, it is considered that this sculpture can be useful to get to know the mood of citizens and to hear their estimations. This new sculpture Old town post - not only a decorative accent, but also a functional too.
It is expected that Klaipėda citizens will like the sculpture and not only young, but also older people will make their dates here.

* Sculpture "The guard of Old Town"
(Turgaus square)

At the beginning of 2006, the entrance to Old Town was guarded by mans best friend - the dog. This sculpture of Doberman is named "The Guard of Old Town", and was presented by one of the enterprises. The sculpture stands in Turgaus Square, near Pilies Street. It will not only remind people of the companys anniversary, but also of the sign of 2006 - the year of the Dog. This original gift was presented to the city by businessmen to have fulfilled one promise to decorate the historical parts of the city. The "owners" of the Doberman hope that this dog will become one of not many accents and centers of attraction in Klaipėda. (Svajūnas Jurkus was the sculptor of the statue and Vytautas Paulionis was the architect).

* Sculpture "Tower"
(Kepėjų st.)

Algirdas Bosas bronze sculpture "Tower" rose up in Old Town in 1990. In this place there once stood a house which burned down during World War II.
It was decided to build some sort of architectural accent in the newly opened square. When the plans for a fountain failed, the contest winner, the bronze "Tower", rose up in the Old Town square. The creation was cast from a non-patina bronze, so as time goes on this sculptor adds that this process will be created by time. The sculpture is like a house in which "live" various epochs of Klaipėda residents and their traditions. Former architectural styles are reflected in it. In this Old Town house epochs intertwine, and traditions which have touched Klaipėda Old Town have left their mark. In the sculpture the citys history is immortalized - like storytelling themes. In the "Tower", time is pictured as a gnawing dragon.
The author of the sculpture also immortalized his beloved wife (holding a letter in her hands). On her lips one can even decipher her name. On the door handle one can barely see the authors self-portrait. The "Tower" has even more secrets. In it is composed the portrait of Jurgis Baltrušaitis with his poetry, whose work is endearing to the sculptor. The poets last name was incorporated by the sculptor just before the 90s, because during Soviet times, this poet was banned. The sculpture incorporates many names and dates significant to the sculptors life and work. (Sculpture author Algirdas Bosas).

* Danės quay - Sailing vessel Meridianas

Walking along the river Danė and near the bridge you will see the sailing vessel "Meridianas". "Meridianas" was built in 1948 in Finland and is now one of the most beautiful sights of Klaipėda. The Klaipėda Navigation School used the sailing vessel for training purposes. When the vessel was laid up, it was turned into a restaurant and moored near the Dane River bank. Some ten years ago the owners who bought the vessel allowed it to fall into disrepair.
So a few years later the symbol of the city became nothing but a shadow of its former glory. The lawyer A. Žičkus then bought the Meridianas for a token sum of one Litas and the "Meridianas" once again became the symbol of Klaipėda. He organized a support fund and gave new life to the vessel. Today the restaurant "Meridianas" is again open to visitors.

* The Klaipėda County Administration
(Danės st. 17)

It is a historical building in which during the Napoleon wars king of Prussia, Friedrich Wilhelm III with his wife Luise temporary moved theirs residence (1807-1808).  
The building it self was built in the end of XVIII-th, beginning of XIXth century. Original classicism style building at first belonged to Danish consul Lork, further  to his relative Consentiu. In year 1864 city magister bought this building which later on became Klaipėda city Town hall.

* Sculpture "Fisherman"
(Danės st.)

In front of the former City Hall, in the small square near Danė River, stands the sculpture „Fisherman". This sculpture - is one of the presents to the city by the Sea Festival, when this festival started to be acknowledged during the extraordinary cultural events, to be monumented in sculpture. „Fisherman" was presented to the city 35 years ago, during the celebration of 37th Sea Festival. (Sculpture made by the sculptor K. Kisielis, architect P. Šadauskas)

* Jonas hill and the Citys Bastion Fortifications

* Monument to Martynas Mažvydas
(Lietuvininkų sq.)

If you pass by Lietuvininkų Square, you should stop by the monument to Martynas Mažvydas.
M. Mažvydas was the author and publisher of the first Lithuanian book, a collection of religious songs called Katekizmas ("Catechism"). It was the book in which Lithuanian alphabet appeared for the first time.
The monument portrays M. Mažvydas holding the "Catechism" and looking at the nearby stone benches which are a symbol of school. The monument was erected in 1997 to celebrate the 450th anniversary of the publishing of the first Lithuanian book. (Sculpture created by sculptor R. Midvikis)

* Liepų street (Central post office, carillon and other beautiful architecture buildings)

This street developed on the right bank of the river Danė in the 17th century. The new street later became popular with the aristocrats and rich merchants of the City. There are many buildings of different styles (jugend, neo-gothic).
One of the most elegant buildings is the Old post office . The Post Office was one of the most important institutions because Klaipėda was the hub of an important postal, as well as passenger traffic from Russia to Europe. The red-brick neogothic Palace, built in 1893, today has been renovated. The Post Office moved into this building in the 19th century and settled in merchant Argelanders house. A carillon of 48 chromatically tuned bells was installed in the reconstructed tower in 1987 The first concert of bells was held on 13 November 1987. You can hear them play for 30 minutes every Sunday at midday.

* Klaipėda University building complex
Herkaus Manto st. 81

Klaipėda University is the youngest in all Lithuania. Klaipėda university were established 1904-1907. When it was build, Klaipeda university neogothics style building complex was used as barracks for the soldiers, which contained 6 different buildings for soldiers, commanders here were little chapel, dining-rooms, weaponry warehouse.
Klaipėda University building complex which almost for a century were used for the army purpose, were adjusted for science, research and studies.
Klaipėda University was born in Kaunas institute and Šiauliai pedagogical institute faculties base and started to function from 1st of January on 1991.
Nowadays in Klaipėda university are more then 7 thousands students and here are working 9 faculties and institutes (Faculty of Natural Science and Mathematics, Faculty of Humanities, Faculty of Marine Engineering, Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Pedagogy, Faculty of Social Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Maritime Institute and The Institute of Continuing Studies).