Panevėžys

 

For several centuries the growth of the city was impeded by constant wars and epidemics.  Only the 19th century with its economic and political stability allowed Panevėžys to continue developing. In the social field, division into different classes within the society was almost extinct. The Lithuanian, Polish and Jewish ethnic movements were active in the city. The education system became more accessible, which resulted in an increase in the number of literate people. The end of 19th century-the beginning of the 20th century shaped Panevėžys as it is nowadays–a strong economic and cultural centre of the region and the fourth-fifth most important city of the country.

 

Panevėžys is a city of theatres. The artistic director Juozas Miltinis, the country’s personality of the century, created a drama theatre that earned worldwide recognition and presently is called after the artist’s name. Nowhere in Europe will one find a unique Puppet Wagon Theatre. It is visiting the remotest villages and towns by a colourful horse-driven cart in summer, and performing in the city in winter. The Director Antanas Markuckis was awarded a prize of H.Ch. Andersen. Every year, artists from all over the world gather to the international Panevėžys ceramic art symposia. Their artworks are stored in the Art Gallery. The city is decorated with a number of original sculptures, including that of the idealist Don Quixote, even though the city has no windmills any more.

 

The rarity of engineering is the longest in Europe narrow gauge railway, having celebrated its 100^th anniversary in 1999, linking Panevėžys with Anykščiai. An exciting journey on this railroad is a scenic adventure into the yesteryear...

 

Panevėžys is halfway between the capitals of Lithuania and Latvia, Vilnius and Riga, that can be reached by the Via Baltica highway crossing the city.