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Towers of Kaunas
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| Photo Information |
Copyright: Jurijs Svecovs (JVS)
![Silver Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 19 W: 34 N: 71]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/s-s-g.gif) (425) |
| Genre: Places |
| Medium: Color |
| Date Taken: 2007-10 |
| Categories: Architecture |
| Camera: Cannon Powershot A610 |
| Photo Version: Original Version |
| Date Submitted: 2008-04-18 4:49 |
| Viewed: 240 |
| Points: 0 |
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| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
This is the classic view of old Kaunas from the view point on left bank of Neman river. The skyline of old Kaunas is made by towers of most famous objects of attraction:
1) Vytautas' the Great Church of the Accession of The Holy Virgin Mary (Vytauto Didžiojo bažnyčia)(on the front)
The church was built in the right bank of the Neman River around 1400 for Franciscan monks and foreign merchants. It was ordered and funded by Vytautas the Great as a commendation to the Blessed Virgin Mary for saving his life after a major defeat in the Battle of the Vorskla River.
Being quite close to the river the church has many times suffered from spring floods. In 1812 it was burned by French troops. The Franciscan monastery was closed by Russian administration after the November Uprising. In 1845 the Catholic church was closed and later it was rebuilt and reopened as an and Orthodox church. Since 1903 it served as military barracks. In 1915 Germans organised a warehouse here. The building, returned to the Catholic Church in 1919 underwent major renovation works in 1931-1938 and again in 1978-1982.
2) St. Francis Savier Church and Jesuits' Monastery (JĖZUITŲ BAŽNYČIA IR VIENUOLYNAS) (with two simetric baroque style towers).
This late Baroque Church was built in the early 17th century. In 1787, the Church was transferred to the Order of Franciscan Monks. Later on, the Church served as an Orthodox Church, A.Neviskiy's Cathedral and then as a technical school. In 1990, the Jesuit community regained the Church and established Jesuits' High School.
3) Town Hall (white tower in-between)
It is often called the “White Swan”, and encompasses features of Gothic, Baroque and early Classicism architecture. Building commenced in 1542, and during the Middle Ages, the Town Hall was the centre of Kaunas with the main Market Place. In 1970 after building renovations, the Town Hall became the Wedding Palace.
4) Kaunas castle (close to left edge of frame)
A brick castle was constructed in the late 13th century to repulse attacks of Crusaders. It was the first defence bastion in Lithuania, and played a significant role in the defence system of the city. In the written records of the year 1030 it was first mentioned that the Castle had been destroyed by the Crusaders. The castle was rebuilt several times; however, it lost its significance in 1408 when Magdeburg rights were granted to Kaunas, and all city life moved to the Market place (Town Hall) Square. |
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- xuaxo
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2304 W: 108 N: 2016]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-g-g.gif)
(3649) - [2008-05-01 1:00]
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Hi Jurijs,
Nice mix of towers.
It's interesting the contrast between the Old Town (very nice) and the newer apartment blocks (ugly) in background.
F
