The main street of the city is the pedestrian Vilniaus. Here, as expected, there are many shops, bars, restaurants, museums, art galleries and other cultural institutions. Vilniaus is also interesting in that it became the first pedestrian street in the union, and this significant event happened in 1975. Speaking of the pedestrian artery of the city beloved by tourists, one cannot fail to mention the main square located on this street. In addition, the square with the Rooster clock is a convenient meeting place for citizens and a popular tourist attraction. The pedestal with a clock and a rooster appeared here in the same 1975, and was erected according to the project of the sculptor Puronas. See Bridgat for climate and weather information of Lithuania.
In 2003, the rooster was taught to speak different languages and greet those who pass by. In addition to Lithuanian, the feathered one also speaks Russian, English, French and many other European languages.
Perhaps the most beautiful and striking architectural landmark of the city is the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul. Its refined white-stone bell tower and red-tiled roof can be seen from afar. This unique architectural structure was built in the 16th-17th centuries and, judging by some elements, it also had defensive significance.
Mountain of Crosses
The Hill of Crosses is probably the most interesting and famous attraction of Siauliai. In any case, many, even those who have never been here, know this name. In fact, this is a low hill, on which there are many crosses of various sizes, shapes and types. There are also wooden crosses, and stone, and iron ones. No one can say for sure how the mountain arose, and history is silent about the date the first cross appeared here. But, most likely, it appeared no later than the 30s of the 19th century.
According to tradition, it is believed that whoever sets up a cross here will be lucky.
During the years of Soviet power, several attempts were made to dismantle the crosses, but every time after the bulldozers left the slopes of the hill, the crosses returned here again. There is even a cross here, which was installed by the Pope himself – John Paul II. Of course, this greatly increased the number of pilgrims visiting the Mount of Crosses.
On the famous Hill of Crosses there is a cross, which was installed by the Pope himself – John Paul II.
Chaim Frenkel’s mansion
As mentioned above, Šiauliai, and then still Šavli, was a large city at the end of the 19th century, and the largest leather factory in the entire empire worked here under the leadership of Chaim Frenkel. Today, one of the main city attractions is the most beautiful villa of an entrepreneur. The house is a luxurious example of early 20th century architecture. A mansion was erected in the Art Nouveau style, which was extremely popular in those years, and can rightfully be considered a real example of this trend. The Frenkel family lived here until the 20s of the 20th century, after which the building was given over to the gymnasium. During the Second World War, desks in this building were replaced by hospital beds, on which German and then Russian soldiers suffered from wounds in turn. The building of the mansion houses an interesting museum, divided into two parts. The first is called “Provincial Estate” and reproduces the interiors of a typical house at the turn of the century. And the second part is devoted to the history and contribution to the life of the city of local Jews, which included the owner of the house himself.
History Museum of Siauliai University
One of the most interesting museums in the city is the History Museum of Siauliai University. Here visitors can get acquainted with unique exhibits related to the history of the city. The museum presents archaeological finds, some of which are real unique antiquities. In particular, household items, weapons, jewelry and much more. Also here you can see ancient manuscripts, plans and maps. In a word, a visit to this museum will help expand your understanding of the ancient history and culture of the region.
Bicycle Museum
In addition, there is a very interesting and unusual Bicycle Museum in Siauliai. Naturally, its main “hero” is a faithful two-wheeled friend of a person, which greatly facilitates his movement in space. Here you can trace the history of the emergence of this type of transport, observing the metamorphoses that took place with its appearance and technical characteristics.
The exposition includes more than 250 exhibits belonging to various times and eras. It is located within the walls of the Vairas factory, one of the leading bicycle manufacturers.
The real pearl of the “two-wheel exposition” is the unique Imperial Trumpf bike, assembled exclusively by hand. You can only marvel at the age of this bicycle – it was assembled already in 1812. There is another unique exhibit here – the ancestor of modern children’s tricycles, which is over a hundred years old. In addition, the museum can boast of “iron horses” that appeared during the First and Second World Wars. A separate exposition is devoted to sports bikes, and among the exhibits there are those that took part in major international competitions and brought prizes to Lithuanian athletes.
Cat Museum
Another very funny Šiauliai museum is dedicated to cats. It was formed in 1990, when one of the employees of the Natural History Center brought her private collection of cats to work. Today, the exposition has grown to several thousand different figurines, which were collected all over the world – from Europe, Asia, America and Africa.
