The Agluonėnai and Dovilai elderships within the Klaipėda Region encompass part of the historical Klaipėda territory, situated near the former border with Lithuania Major. In this area, as throughout the entire Klaipėda Region, which was under German rule (Prussia, and later the German Empire from 1871) for nearly 700 years, the majority of the population was literate due to the region's education policies. They also upheld the Lutheran belief that the word of God should be preached in the native language. However, with the establishment of the German Empire, the use of the Lithuanian language increasingly diminished. As a result, many forward-thinking individuals in the region – both Prussian Lithuanians and Germans – felt a strong need to advocate for the right to maintain the Lithuanian language. The struggle to preserve the Lithuanian language in schools and public life took many forms: People published Lithuanian newspapers, engaged in the activities of national societies, collected signatures for petitions, and held prayer services in Lithuanian. It speaks volumes that, in the 33 years following 1873, 18 petitions were submitted to the Kaiser and the Ministry of Education of the German Empire, with the number of signatures ranging from a few thousand to tens of thousands. Notably, in 1895, a petition initiated by Georg Sauerwein garnered an impressive 150,000 signatures from the inhabitants of Lithuania Minor. Although all these petitions fell on deaf ears, the Lithuanians refused to give up. They continued their struggle, ultimately succeeding in driving out the two empires that had ruled them and in the reunification of the two Lithuanians.
Had it not been for the deep love for the Lithuanian language in Lithuania Minor, shared by people of various nationalities and social backgrounds, Lithuania Major would not have been able to play such a significant role in preserving the Lithuanian printed word during the period of the press ban in Tsarist Russia (1864–1904). The Lithuanian language would not have been safeguarded, and the independent state of Lithuania may not have come to fruition.
Everyone travelling along this route has the opportunity not only to learn but also to understand and feel how many different people have contributed to the preservation of Lithuanian identity in the Klaipėda Region. Some did so through scientific research, others through translations from German, journalism, and fiction in Lithuanian or other languages. Many introduced foreigners to Lithuania, its history, customs, ethnography, and language, while others contributed through their active civic engagement. Each of these efforts played a pivotal role in safeguarding and promoting the Lithuanian heritage in the region.
Hans-Georg Gadamer, one of the most influential thinkers of the 20th century, wisely observed that ‘one's homeland is primarily the homeland of language, and life is the gateway to it.’
The route features 25 sites. Your journey begins at Agluonėnai Park, home to the Memorial to the Prussian Lithuanians. Nearby, you'll find the Spiral of Time, adorned with markers honouring significant people and events. This spot serves as a tribute to the history of Lithuania Minor, offering a powerful reminder of Lithuanian heritage. As you continue your journey, you'll encounter famous sites filled with hidden artefacts, yet to be discovered. You'll explore locations that aren't featured on typical tourist routes, offering a unique and off-the-beaten-path experience. The journey culminates at the almost mystical cemetery of the village of Jurjonai, a place rich in spiritual significance. Divided by a road, it stands between the once mighty empires of Prussia and Russia, now long gone. It was a key meeting spot for book smugglers and a secret drop-off point for banned newspapers.
Exploring the sites will cover a distance of approximately 25 kilometres by car.
For details on the route, attractions, and more, click HERE.
This route was created by Daiva Beliokaitė,
Language Manager at the Klaipėda District Municipality Administration.
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