The Way of St. James, section Plungė-Pakutuvėnai

SECTION DESCRIPTION:

After relaxing and exploring Plungė, you'll continue your journey, following the path along the Babrungas River until you reach your next stop and overnight stay in Pakutuvėnai. Make sure to stock up on water and food before you set off.

Follow the side of the house at Vytauto g. 29 until you reach Paprūdžio g. Once there, turn right and continue to the end of the street. Continue along the newly landscaped Plungė "seaside" until you reach Gandingos g. The "seaside" refers to the Pond of the Gandinga Hydroelectric Power Station, which Plungė locals call the "sea." This pond was artificially created in 1961 after the construction of the hydroelectric power station and the damming of the Babrungas River, a tributary of the Minija.

Follow the signs for the Way of St. James and exit Gandingos g. onto P. Plechavičiaus g., then continue along Medelyno g. and Kregždyno g. Stay on Kregždyno g. until you reach the Nausodis and Varkaliai hillforts. There are tales of hidden treasures or a shrine on the hill. It is said that the Duke of Plungė, Michał Ogiński, used to celebrate his name day on the hill and host concerts there. The young M. K. Čiurlionis, who was studying at the M. Ogiński Manor Orchestra at the time, also participated and performed at the name day celebrations. The section along the Babrunga River, which you followed from the hydroelectric power station building to the Nausodis and Varkaliai hillfort, is even known as the Čiurlionis Trail. Continue on to the Gandinga archaeological complex, following the signs and crossing the newly-built bridge over the Babrungas River. You can take a moment to relax and enjoy the stunning landscape atop the Gandinga Hillfort. The Gandinga Hillfort, also known as Castle Hill, is situated on the right bank of the Babrungas River, measuring 95 metres in length and 11 metres in height. Gandinga boasts a rich and deep history, recognised as one of the oldest sites in Samogitia, where people have lived for over 2,000 years. Here stood the strong wooden Curonian castle of Gondinga, called Gandingen by the Germans in the 13th century. Historians believe that Gandinga Castle may have been the centre not only of the county but also of the entire land of Ceklis.

After a peaceful rest while taking in the stunning panorama, continue along Gandingos Piliakalnio g. until you arrive at Babrungo g. Follow the signs guiding you back to the Babrungas River, where you can cross to the opposite side. Here, you can pause for a break or carry on your journey along Malūno g. When you reach Minijos g., take a right turn and follow the asphalt for approximately 2 km before turning right once more onto Pakutos g. Continue along this street, and you’ll reach your destination and accommodation for the night – Pakutuvėnai Church of St. Anthony of Padua. The current Pakutuvėnai church was constructed between 1941 and 1943, following the initiative of the pastor of Plungė, Prelate Povilas Pukys. The church's design was created in 1941 by J. Zubkus, an engineer from the Kretinga district. A Latvian craftsman, Edvards Burkans, was commissioned for the project as he was already in Lithuania, working on the construction of a hospital for nuns in Švėkšna. On 26 September 1943, Bishop Vincentas Borisevičius of Telšiai solemnly consecrated the new church. The church boasts classical features, including a rectangular layout, a tower, and a turret.

USEFUL LINKS:

•     Plungė Tourism Information Centre www.visitplunge.lt
•     St. Anthony of Padua Parish www.facebook.com/pakutaofm
•    https://pakuta.lt/

PILIGRIM ACCOMMODATION INFORMATION

Note: The table only lists the locations accommodating pilgrims.