Experience the past in Kernave

  • 2007-05-23
  • By Karina Juodelyte-Moliboga
VILNIUS - If car exhaust, cement beneath your feet and traffic jams are getting you down perhaps a trip back to nature is a solution to your woes; specifically a trip, either by car or a local bus, to Kernave 's a mere 35 kilometers from Vilnius. The breathtaking views of Kernave include such sights as hill forts (akin to magnificent monuments), the remains of a 16th-century church, twists and turns of the beautiful river Neris, and much more.

Kernave's landscape was formed by glaciers. The first people settled in Kernave in the 9th - 8th century B.C. and in the 13th century the town became the first Lithuanian capital.
An archaeological site in Kernave 's acknowledged as important to the human history 's is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The site is considered an exceptional testimony to the evolution of human settlements in the Baltic region in Europe over the past 10 millennia.

Kernave is often called the Lithuanian Troy, as crusaders completely destroyed it by fire in the 14th century, leaving the hill forts to stand alone gazing at the river Neris after the town moved to the upper terrace.
The town radiates a mysterious quality that seems to echo the voices of dwellers of ancient times. Amazingly the last warlock of Kernave, Algirdas Alekna, a man known for his ability to speak to the gods of the past, died in 2003. And although The Mystery Museum ended with the demise of Algirdas Alekna, the sense of mystery lives on in Kernave.
Kernave has something for everyone: for those interested in archaeology there is an Archaeology and History Museum. For musicians or those appreciating musical instruments, the only accordion museum in Lithuania 's with more than 50 accordions and their histories 's can be found in Kernave. And for those wanting to actually have an experience from bygone days, a ride in a horse-drawn carriage is available.

A day trip to Kernave can be a fun way to learn more about human history as well as a relaxing way to spend an afternoon. With such ancient historical roots, exploring this town leaves one to marvel at its longevity. But please adhere to the rules and regulations while visiting this town, so that people coming after you can also enjoy the site.
If you visit Kernave on a Saturday, you may witness Lithuanian wedding traditions, as many couples choose the church in this special town to exchange their vows.
Kernave frequently hosts feasts and festivals, such as Midsummer Day (June 24th). The local people build bonfires and celebrate the longest day of the year in the same manner as their ancestors did centuries ago.
Live Archaeology Days in Kernave 's July 6 's 8 's will find Kernave filled with ancient traditions as the town reenacts its early times. But there's no need to wait for a special occasion; visiting Kernave can be a great experience any day. So go ahead, make the short trip out to Kernave where you can forget the busy life and enter the past. If you don't find one day ample time to explore the town, there is a well developed tourism industry that will assist you in your stay, allowing you to relax, enjoy the nature and explore as long as you want.

You can find the timetable of public transport to Kernave and places to stay in Kernave here: www.kernave.org/paslaugos.htm