Tourist attractions in Panevėžys

Panevėžys is situated in the North East of Lithuania, on the banks of the River Nevėžis. The city is often called the capital of Aukštaitija Ethnographic Region. Panevėžys boasts a very favourable geographical position. Important national roads cross the city, international VIA BALTICA highway links the city with Scandinavian and Western European countries.The city is in the midway between two Baltic capitals-Vilnius (135 km) and Riga (150 km).

Panevežys is one of the greenest Lithuanian cities with cosy squares and Skaistakalnis Park. Senvage (the Old River Bed) is a beautiful place for a walk.

In the run of more than 500 years Panevėžys developed into large regional centre of economy, culture and sport. It is open and attractive to business, investments and innovative ideas.Tourists can visit the monument of Alexander, the Great Duke of Lithuania and King of Poland. On the other side of the River Nevėžis the towers of St. Peter and Paul's Church can be seen. The very heart of the city is a unique singing Laisvės square, especially beautiful in summer time with its flower gardens and fountains. Fairs and various festivals take place here.

Important culture institutions worth while visiting are Art Gallery with its collection of ceramic works created and collected during the Annual Ceramics Symposiums. Gabrielė Petkevičaitė -Bitė Public Library of Panevėžys County is the main modern, largest universal fund in the North East of Lithuania. The Local Lore Museum of Panevėžys preserves the memory of the Baltic tribes. It is also famous for a large collection of exotic butterflies and over 87 thousand exhibits. The inhabitants of Panevėžys and the guests of the city are fond of the Narrow Gauge Railway- the object of cultural heritage. It is a unique museum in the open air, the longest functioning branch in Europe since 1899. People can take a trip by the Narrow Gauge Railway and enjoy a theatrical performance, the concerts of folk groups or the atmosphere of rural market.

Panevėžys is also famous for its art groups, J. Miltinis Drama Theatre, Galleries, Churches, cosy cafes, shopping centre Babilonas, a newly built universal sports Arena with the only Olympic cycling track in the Baltics. Over 7 thousand spectators can visit the Arena where in 2011 European Men Basketball Championship will take place.