House of Perkunas, Kaunas, Lithuania

House of Perkūnas is one of the most original and archaic Gothic secular buildings, located in the Old Town of Kaunas, Lithuania. Originally built by Hanseatic merchants and served as their office from 1440 till 1532, it was sold in the 16th century to the Jesuits who had established a chapel there in 1643. The Jesuits have also completed the Church of St. Francis Xavier at the Town Hall Square in 1722.

The ruined house was rebuilt in the 19th century and served as a school and theatre, which was attended by Polish-Lithuanian poet Adam Mickiewicz. At the end of the 19th Century it was renamed 'House of Perkūnas', when a figure, interpreted by the romantic historians of that time as an idol of the Baltic pagan god of thunder and the sky Perkūnas was found in one of its walls. Today, the house of Perkūnas once again belongs to the Jesuits and houses a museum of Adam Mickiewicz.

Lithuanian historian, theologian and translator Albert Wijuk Kojałowicz was born in the house.

References:

Wikipedia

Palaces, manors and town halls in Lithuania

User Reviews

Beáta Šváb (7 months ago)
Nice gothic building with interesting architecture.

Kamil NOWAK (9 months ago)
Quite not tourist friendly opening hours … so we found it closed

Compliche2000 (2 years ago)
Will be better if we we will visit it!(

Nikos Gkekas (2 years ago)
Unfortunately the visit to the house is possible only with appointment during summer. The external design is really interesting as it is has a lot of details which differentiate it from other gothic buildings with red bricks in Kaunas.

Iryna Panina (2 years ago)
A bit mystical building in Kaunas) You're strolling through the Old Town and suddenly notice this house. It amazes with a strange gothic architecture and its rich history. This building was built as merchant's office. Then it eas sold to Jesuits and was used as a chapel and school. You can get inside now and take a look at this building but it could be closed temporarily. Anyway, it's a must-see attraction in Kaunas)

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright Following Hadrian

Historic Site of the week

Walls of Constantinople

The Walls of Constantinople are a series of defensive stone walls that have surrounded and protected the city of Constantinople (today Istanbul) since its founding as the new capital of the Roman Empire by Constantine the Great. With numerous additions and modifications during their history, they were the last great fortification system of antiquity, and one of the most complex and elaborate systems ever built. They were also the largest and strongest fortification in both the ancient and medieval world.

Initially built by Constantine the Great, the walls surrounded the new city on all sides, protecting it against attack from both sea and land. As the city grew, the famous double line of the Theodosian Walls was built in the 5th century. Although the other sections of the walls were less elaborate, they were, when well-manned, almost impregnable for any medieval besieger.

House of Perkunas

Address

Details

More Information

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Finest Norman castles in Italy

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Historic Site of the week

Walls of Constantinople