SECTION DESCRIPTION:
After a day in the bustling port city, you'll find yourself once more surrounded by nature. And don't forget to stock up on water and food, as there will be no facilities available along this stretch of the road to Priekulė.
Gravel road, peaceful forests, and the sound of birdsong will offer you a delightful start to the day. After strolling through the forest near the Kairiai military training ground, you'll arrive at the King Wilhelm Canal. The King Wilhelm Canal, named after King Frederick William I of Prussia, was built between 1863 and 1873. Its primary purpose was to protect ships and their crews from the dangerous storms that frequently occurred in the Curonian Lagoon. The canal was initially dug by the local population, and only in the later years were French prisoners of war brought in to accelerate the construction process. There were originally 10 metal bridges across the canal, but only two have survived to this day. Along the canal, you'll find the remains of one of the original metal bridges. Along this stretch of road, you'll also come across resting spots where you can take a break and rest your feet.
The Way of St. James will then guide you to the charming town of Priekulė, nestled near a scenic bend in the Minija River. Since 1540, Priekulė has been the largest settlement in the Klaipėda Region. At the end of the 16th century, Priekulė became home to the oldest Evangelical Lutheran parish in the Klaipėda Region. The town centre of Priekulė, formed in the 19th century, reflects the characteristic style of a larger town in Lithuania Minor. Today, Priekulė is considered valuable from an architectural and urbanistic perspective. The town is renowned for its literary figures and creators. The renowned German writer E. Wichert worked here, as well as the celebrated writer I. Simonaitytė, who also lived in the town. In 1997, the town unveiled a monument in her honour, the Šventvakarių Ėvė. It honours not only one of the most prominent figures from the Klaipėda region but also celebrates the rich history of the Lithuania Minor region. The writer's residence is now home to a memorial exhibit.
As you enter Priekulė and pass the railway crossing, you'll see the Church of St. Anthony of Padua on your right (Turgaus g. 11, Priekulė). The brick church, constructed between 1937 and 1938 by Father Nikodemas Petkus, has a rectangular layout with a single tower and an apse. It has three altars. The churchyard is enclosed by a fence made of wooden structures supported by reinforced concrete posts. The church holds daily services (Monday to Saturday at 6 p.m., and Sunday at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.).
Be sure to also visit the remarkable Museum of Freedom Fights and Exile. The museum honours the Lithuanian nation's struggles for freedom. The museum's collection features 360 photocopies and photographs, original documents, videos, historical research, and other written and visual materials. It also holds donated belongings of political prisoners and exiles.
After discovering the historic centre of Priekulė, unwind in Vingis Park, located by the serene Minija River. The main entrance to the park is located on the western side. The 13-hectare site features two main paths, one of which winds along the picturesque banks of the Minija River. The park is adorned with wooden sculptures, and to the north of Vingis Park lies the park of the former Priekulė nobleman’s manor. Each summer, Vingis Park hosts an equestrian games, the Edmundas Klimovas Cup.
Priekulė is also home to the oldest Evangelical Lutheran community in the Klaipėda region. Priekulė Evangelical Lutheran Church, constructed and consecrated in 1903, was built at a cost of 7,000 marks. Before the establishment of a Catholic church in Priekulė, Catholic services were held in this building. After the war, when the old church was demolished, the new church (Pamarių g. 8, Priekulė) was opened in 1957. The Evangelical Lutheran Community will warmly welcome you for an overnight stay at Klaipėdos g. 27, Priekulė.
If you're still full of energy when you arrive in Priekulė, we recommend taking a walk to Vanagai (+7 km) and spending the night at the picturesque Vanagai Evangelical Lutheran Church.
USEFUL LINKS:
- Klaipėda Tourism and Culture Information Centre www.klaipedatravel.lt
- Klaipėda District Tourism Information Centre www.klaipedosrajonas.lt
- Guest house and tavern Mingė www.karcemaminge.lt
PILIGRIM ACCOMMODATION INFORMATION
Note: The table only lists the locations accommodating pilgrims.
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