The Way of St. James, section Žemaičių Kalvarija-Plateliai

SECTION DESCRIPTION:

Before heading to Plateliai, be sure to stock up on food and water at the shops in Žemaičių Kalvarija, as you'll be surrounded by nature for the next 22 km of your journey.

The boundary of Žemaitija National Park, established in 1991, starts at Žemaičių Kalvarija. The winding curves of this section of the pilgrimage route reveal breathtaking panoramas of the landscape, where ancient tombs, burial sites, chapels, and other cultural heritage treasures are nestled among forests, rolling hills, and meadows.

From the centre of Žemaičių Kalvarija, follow Alsėdžių g., then turn onto Platelių g. After about 60 meters, turn onto Plungės g., which will switch to Žvejų g. Continue along the gravel road past the Rotinėnai Pond, created in 1984 by damming the Pagardenis River (a tributary of the Varduva), and pass through Jazdauskiškiai, Getaučiai, and Virkšai. In Paežerės Rūdaičiai, you can make a stop at the birdwatching tower located on the shore of Lake Pakastuva, offering a great spot for nature lovers. Here, you can observe cranes, red-necked grebes, great bitterns, and other protected species listed in the Red Book, making it a haven for birdwatchers. Then, follow the cycling path along the 2302 road, keeping Plateliai Lake to your side as you make your way to the town of Plateliai. Lake Plateliai, the largest and deepest lake in Samogitia, is rich in underwater life, including ice-age fish like maraene. It also boasts medieval cultural heritage, with the remains of a castle and bridge poles nestled along its shores. Lake Plateliai is also notable for its numerous peninsulas, bays, and seven islands.

The pilgrimage will continue along the Šeirė trail, taking you through the Šeirė forest, Gaudupis swamp, Piktežeris, and the Kumelkaktė peninsula, until you reach the Šeirė campsite, where you can rest. If you have a tent, you can camp here overnight, or alternatively, you can explore other accommodation options in the agritourism farmhouses and holiday homes in Plateliai.

In 2008, Plateliai was recognised as a European Destination of Excellence (EDEN) for its unique cultural traditions, including the ancient celebration of Shrove Tuesday (Lith. Užgavėnės). The town was first mentioned in the 15th century, when the Plateliai Manor, settlement, and church were located on the Šventorkalnis peninsula. The view from the Plateliai tower offers an unforgettable panorama of the lake, its islands, and the Šventorkalnis. In the centre of the town, you'll find the Plateliai Visitor Centre, featuring the Mysteries of Samogitian Land exhibition. Nearby, you can also visit the Chapel of St. Florian, monuments commemorating the Decade of Lithuanian Independence (1918-1928), the Lithuanian Liberty Army (1941-1944-1953), and Balys Korza, a martyr of the Rainiai tragedy. Also nearby is the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, built in 1744, which is one of the oldest wooden churches in Lithuania. The church has preserved many old paintings, liturgical clothes, and other items. Behind the church fence lies the 6.2-hectare Plateliai Manor Park. The park is home to remarkable trees that have been declared natural monuments, including the thickest ash tree in Lithuania, known as the Witch's Ash, and the Plateliai linden tree. At the end of the 18th century, the town of Plateliai, along with the manor house, became the private property of the French Counts de Choiseul-Gouffier, who owned it until 1940. During the war, the wooden manor house was destroyed in a fire. The park and several outbuildings have survived, including a stable, a granary, a threshing barn (now the Plateliai Cultural Centre), a root cellar (now the Traditional Crafts Centre), and servants' quarters (now a private property). In 2011, the Plateliai Manor granary, built in the second half of the 19th century in folk architecture with neo-Gothic elements, became home to the Žemaitija National Park exhibition. This exhibition showcases the history of Plateliai Manor, the old Plateliai, the history of Castle Island, the ethnography of the Samogitian region, a modern nature exhibit, and a rotating exhibition hall. The first Užgavėnės museum (exposition) in Lithuania is located in the manor's stable. It showcases the famous traditional Užgavėnės celebration in Samogitia, featuring over 300 different Užgavėnės masks.

We recommend spending more time in Plateliai to explore the sights, attractions, and trails located further from the town. Just 10 km away, you can visit the Cold War exhibition, the only one of its kind in Lithuania and Europe, located in one of the Soviet Union's former underground ballistic missile launch complexes. The Litvak Memorial Garden, established in 2016, features a unique design where the contour of Lithuania is marked by evergreen bushes, and metal apple trees crafted by folk artist A. Platakis sprout at the sites where Jewish communities were destroyed between 1941-1944. The apples on the trees symbolise the families that once lived in the communities.

USEFUL LINKS:

• Plungė Tourism Information Centre www.visitplunge.lt  
• Žemaitija National Park http://zemaitijosnp.lt/   
• Žemaitija Countryside Tourism Association www.poilsiszemaitijoje.lt/

PILIGRIM ACCOMMODATION INFORMATION

Note: The table only lists the locations accommodating pilgrims.