The Way of St. James, section Raudonė-Seredžius

SECTION DESCRIPTION:

As you venture further from Raudonė, you will arrive at another remarkable landmark – Veliuona. Veliuona boasts both a rich history and a vibrant present. Veliuona is one of Lithuania's oldest, most picturesque, and captivating towns. The settlement is nestled on two levels of the terraces on the right bank of the Nemunas River, stretching 3.5 km along the historic Lithuanian military and trade route connecting Kaunas and Jurbarkas. Veliuona is renowned as a museum set in a natural landscape. Archaeologists have uncovered evidence of human habitation dating back as far as 10,000 years ago. This is supported by discoveries from Stone Age camps. The first written historical records mention the Junigeda Castle, which stood here in 1291, and by 1315, the settlement was already known as Veliuona.

Veliuona is home to a wealth of captivating hillforts. The Veliuona hillforts were regarded as some of the most formidable defensive complexes in Lithuania during the struggle against the Crusaders. The Gediminas Tomb Hillfort still stands here, with the Castle Hill next to it, while the hillfort 2.7 km to the west is known as Pilaitės. It's the location of the Bayernburg Castle, built by the Crusaders. The Veliuona castles and outer baileys were repeatedly attacked, burned, and destroyed by the Crusaders. The Lithuanians swiftly rebuilt their castles, while the Crusaders did the same with theirs. Veliuona served as a formidable wall-fortress, protecting Kaunas from Crusader attacks coming from the west. This fierce struggle continued for 250 years.

As you travel through western Veliuona, you will come across the cemetery, where we recommend stopping by the impressive stone chapel, dating back to the era of the noble Zaleski family. The chapel, which had been in a state of disrepair for many years, has now been beautifully restored. In the heart of the town, the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary stands as a striking sight from afar, enveloping every believer in a profound aura of sacredness. It's one of the oldest sacred sites in Lithuania, with its construction financed by Grand Duke Vytautas in 1421. Today, visitors are welcomed by a memorial plaque dedicated to this Lithuanian ruler on the church's façade. It's also the wealthiest church in the district, housing over 60 movable cultural heritage items. The history of the region is showcased at the Veliuona Region History Museum, the Antanas and Jonas Juškiai High School's Literature Museum, and the memorial exhibition dedicated to the writer Jonas Mačiulis. The church tower is home to a museum featuring historical documents, sacred vestments, and the flags of interwar Lithuanian Christian organisations.

The town draws you in with its mysterious stories, enchanting legends, and breathtaking landscapes.

As you enter the Seredžius municipality, you'll make your way to the Armena outcrop, where you can relish the stunning natural scenery. On your way, you will pass the birthplace of Stasys Santvaras. Finally, you will arrive at the village of Belvederis, home to the Belvederis Manor, echoing the grandeur of its former splendour. Just recently, a new viewpoint of Belvederis Manor has been opened, offering a stunning view along the Paradise Road. The manor, perched on the high bank of the Nemunas River, was built between 1830 and 1840, designed as an Italian villa by the Italian architect Pietro de Rossi. The manor was built by Kletas Kazimieras Burba, a marshal of the Panevėžys nobility. Belvederis is a Lithuanian name of Italian origin, meaning "a beautiful view" or "a sight." The palace is surrounded by a park filled with rare trees. The three-storey tower of the palace provides a breathtaking view of the Nemunas and Dubysa valleys. The Belvederis Manor complex includes the manor, barn, chapel, and a 17-hectare park that adjoins a natural forest.

Despite over a decade of decay, the mansion still radiates an aura of its former grandeur and luxury. Neither wars nor vandals were able to fully destroy Belvederis Manor – even today, traces of its former grandeur remain. For a long time, the manor was off-limits to passing travellers, who could only glimpse its architecture from the outside and admire the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

The manor is now open to the public, allowing everyone to explore its interior. Although the interior of the building no longer holds the luxury it once did, there is still much to admire. The estate and its park are set to undergo significant transformations, and soon they will be unrecognisable as changes are on the horizon. So, you have the opportunity to witness this remarkable transformation firsthand.

Continue towards Seredžius, passing through Belvederis Manor Park, and you will soon reach the chapel. Finally, you will descend towards the village of Seredžius.

The Jurbarkas region is rich in castles, charming towns, and hillforts that echo with history. One of the most captivating of them all is the Seredžius Hillfort. The route takes you through the very heart of Palemon Hill.

Just 300 steps, and you're atop the Seredžius Hillfort. Have you ever considered the possibility that the Lithuanian nation might have origins linked to the Romans? The legend of Duke Palemon not only speaks of the Seredžius Hillfort but also encompasses the entire history of Lithuania. It's said that the Roman nobleman Palemon, fleeing persecution, journeyed north with his family and 500 Roman patricians, eventually reaching the shores of the Baltic Sea. Travelling along the Curonian Lagoon and then the Nemunas River, they eventually stopped at the mouth of the Dubysa River. Enchanted by the surrounding nature, the Romans settled there, building a castle and a temple on the oak-covered hill. The Ancient History of the Lithuanian Nation by the 19th-century historian Teodoras Narbutas notes that the mystical Duke Palemon was buried in the Seredžius Hillfort, which is why the hill is often referred to as the Palemon Hill.

What a fascinating history this hillfort has! Even though, while climbing the hill or admiring the beautiful Nemunas Valley, you might not always think about it. Perhaps you’re now standing where the grand duke once admired the vast expanse of his domain centuries ago, or at the epicentre of a fierce battle where a brave Lithuanian fought against the Teutonic Order.

In addition to the Palemon Hill, Seredžius also boasts the Church of St. John the Baptist. Although the route doesn't pass by the church, you can take a small detour to visit it. The church was built on the right bank of the Nemunas and Dubysa rivers in 1913.

The legend of the first church in Seredžius says that one spring, a flood of the Nemunas River brought a holy image to this spot. The believers from all the parishes in the region went to see the painting, eager to display it in their churches. The painting was floating down the Nemunas River, yet no one could manage to grab it. The people of Seredžius gathered to see the painting, and as if by miracle, the painting turned towards the shore right before them. In honour of this event, the wooden Seredžius Church was built on that very spot. Take a moment to admire this mysterious church.

USEFUL LINKS:

• Jurbarkas Tourism and Business Information Centre www.jurbarkas.info

PILIGRIM ACCOMMODATION INFORMATION

Note: The table only lists the locations accommodating pilgrims.