SECTION DESCRIPTION:
The pilgrimage route continues through the breathtaking Pagramantis Regional Park, renowned for its stunning natural beauty. Upon arriving in Alijošiškės, make sure to pause for a restful break at the Lakštingalų slėnis (Nightingale Valley). Nestled in a loop of the Akmena River, it's a tranquil recreational area within the Pagramantis Regional Park. The Akmena River Trail starts and finishes at this picturesque spot. The valley features a pond with a quaint island, a playground with swings, a charming gazebo, and a small stage. The perfect blend of beauty, harmony, and the soothing sounds of nature is sure to leave a lasting impression! The area is equipped with fireplaces, an outdoor toilet, and facilities for overnight accommodation.
Pagramantis Regional Park is also home to an impressive 13 suspension bridges scattered across its beautiful landscape. After crossing one of the suspension bridges, a short walk of a few hundred metres will lead you to a hill – you can climb wooden steps to reach the Pagramantis Hillfort. This natural historical and archaeological monument within Pagramantis Regional Park was landscaped and made visitor-friendly in 2014. The slopes of the hillfort are steep, rising over 20 metres in height. Although the hillfort remains largely unexplored, it is believed to have been inhabited during the 1st to early 2nd millennium. The Pagramantis Hillfort is now included in a scenic nature trail. It offers not only stunning sunrises but also panoramic views of the town of Pagramantis, the Pagramantis outcrop, the meadows and forests of the regional park, as well as the Akmena River and the Gramančia Stream.
At the bottom of the steps from the hillfort, you'll find the Aibė grocery shop, conveniently situated in the town centre, while directly across the street is the Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. One of the oldest churches in Tauragė, it was built in 1774. In the first half of the 19th century, a bell tower was added, along with the buildings of the folwark-parsonage: the parsonage, barn, and cellars. In 1843, the churchyard was surrounded by a stone fence, and stone chapels for the Stations of the Cross were constructed. Along with these stone chapels, the churchyard is adorned with three wooden wayside shrines, each featuring intricate sculptures. The parsonage, built in 1800, is one of the oldest wooden buildings in the Tauragė Region. During the Soviet era, it was recognised as a cultural heritage site. The architecture of the building complex is typical of the Samogitian region, featuring distinct elements of folk architecture.
A short walk away, you'll find the cafés Kampas and Gramančia. The Community Centre warmly welcomes you for an overnight stay, offering all the necessary amenities. The journey continues along a clearly signposted route.
The pilgrimage route leads you through Ringiai, across the suspension bridge over the Jūra River. Nearby, you'll find a unique concrete bridge over the river, which is submerged by the Jūra river at high tide, leaving only the suspension footbridge visible. You will arrive at Gudlaukis and the Matiškiai village. As you walk along the marked path, you'll encounter an ancient cemetery on the right and a hillfort on the left, with a triangular site stretching north to south, measuring 20 metres long and 14 metres wide at its northern end. To the north of the hillfort lies a 1.2-hectare settlement at the foothills. Until the 15th century, a wooden castle stood on the site of this hillfort, which was last fortified by the Samogitian nobleman Mažonas between 1311 and 1314. A legend surrounding the hillfort suggests that there was once a pit at the top of the former castle, where a bonfire known as the living fire would burn.
The journey continues through Jociai, Alanga, Lengveniai, and Dapkiškiai. Dapkiškiai offers a perfect spot to rest or spend the night – a campsite by the sea, complete with a toilet and a designated swimming area.
As you continue your journey, you'll pass through the village of Jatkančiai and arrive at the Tauragė's microdistrict Tarailiai. You'll find the Smilga grocery shop and the Fortūna café on Melioratorių g. Next, you'll follow the banks of the Jūra River, travelling along narrow paths for several kilometres. Situated by the Tauragė Dam is the Banga Hotel-Restaurant.
The Tauragė Dam is a wooden structure built by the Lithuanian-American company Rūbas in 1922, spanning the Jūra River in Tauragė, with a small power plant located beside it. Having been "unemployed" until then, the Jūra River was harnessed to power a 250-horsepower turbine. For a while, the power plant provided electricity to Tauragė and the surrounding villages. The power plant was closed in 1960, and its building underwent significant reconstruction between 1985 and 1986. It became a pub, before transforming into the Banga Hotel-Restaurant, which remains open to this day. Above the dam, on the left bank of the river, lies the town's beach and recreation area. The area features a swimming spot, a volleyball court, a toilet, and a stunning dam, perfect for capturing incredible photos.
After walking along the yellow shell road and crossing the bridge, you'll descend to the embankment of the Jūra River on the other side. Continuing straight into the town, you'll reach the Tauragė Regional Museum Santaka (open every day of the week) and the Tauragė Castle complex.
At the beginning of 2019, Tauragė Castle opened its doors to contemporary spaces where visitors can explore exhibitions on history, ethnography, and nature, while modern technologies ensure a captivating experience. You will discover the history of the Tauragė Region, from ancient times to the devastation of the World Wars. You'll gain insight into the lives of the people who lived here, their livelihoods, the tools they used, their writings and crafts. In the expansive nature hall, you'll discover a variety of animals, including birds, mammals, insects, and molluscs. At the archaeological tower, you'll be greeted by a Baltic dwarf named Barzdukas, who will share stories about the tribes that once inhabited the area: the Scalovians and the Sameitens. You'll have the opportunity to try out a magical interactive sandbox, search for objects buried in the ground, and admire jewellery and tools crafted by people thousands of years ago. You'll witness ancient Baltic symbols glowing in the dark... as well as your teeth! In the Photogallery Tower, you'll discover ever-changing exhibitions showcasing the work of some of the country's finest photographers. Meanwhile, in the Tower of the Ages, brimming with modern technology, you'll descend into a basement to experience what it's like to hide under bombed buildings, watch a 360-degree video telling the history of Tauragė from ancient times to the present day, and then ascend to the second floor for a moment of calm. Take a break, quietly meditate while gazing at the starry sky, and listen to the soothing sounds. The tour of the castle concludes in the castle's cellar vaults, which were once used as a prison. While there, you'll learn about Tauragė customs department, border relations, smuggling, and the history of book smugglers.
After returning to your route and walking along the embankment for about 70 metres, you can ascend towards the Love Avenue, where you'll find the Tauragė Church of the Holy Trinity and the defensive pillbox, which is listed as a protected cultural heritage site. The Catholic church, perched on a steep riverbank, is a historic building with a blend of neo-Romanesque and some neoclassical features. It has a Latin crossed plan, a pentagonal apse, and a single octagonal tower. The design of the church is believed to have been created by Karl Eduard Strandmann, a Swedish architect residing in Liepaja. Inside, you'll find three altars that harmonise with the building's exterior architecture. The interior boasts a magnificent organ. The 16-stop organ was constructed in 1908 by Bruno Goebel. The church was severely damaged during World War II, and the organ did not survive. The church suffered significant damage during both World Wars. During World War I, the Russians used the church tower for reconnaissance, and later, the Germans blew it up. After World War II, the church was rebuilt in 1955, thanks to the efforts of Pastor Jonas Beinoris (1908-1985) and the funds and support of the parishioners. The churchyard is home to a captivating monument to the Unborn Baby, created by sculptor Stanislovas Bružas and consecrated in 2017. The monument depicts half a globe, with Joseph, Mary holding the baby Jesus in her arms, and a child's tiny feet walking towards the Holy Family.
You can find overnight accommodation in Tauragė at Senamiesčio Apartamentai on Bažnyčių g. The Čia shop is just next door, and you can grab a bite to eat at the Star Pica pizzeria, located on Bažnyčių g., right in front of the shop. Another great place to stay is the cosy Tauragės B&B hotel, located at Vytauto g. 83, Tauragė.
USEFUL LINKS:
- Šilalė Vladas Statkevičius Museum www.silalesmuziejus.lt
- Tauragė Tourism Information Centre www.taurage.info
PILIGRIM ACCOMMODATION INFORMATION
Note: The table only lists the locations accommodating pilgrims.
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