2012, SEPTEMBER 12: LITHUANIA, TRAKAI CASTLE
This morning we traveled by our bus about 17 miles west
of Vilnius to the historic Trakai, the “town of lakes.”
Our progress was quite slow. Veronica, our Tour Director
explained that in Lithuania there are only two seasons in Lithuania, winter and
road repair. Both slow traffic.
After lunch we left for Riga, the capital of Latvia, with
plans to visit on the way, the famous and popular Lithuanian monument, the Hill
of Crosses.
The small town of Trakai is located in the Trakai
National Historical Park that is believed to be the most beautiful part of
Lithuania. Established in 1991, the Park celebrates the natural beauty of this
lake-studded region, as well as commemorates the important historical events
which took place here.
Trakai is located on a narrow peninsula, which divided Lakes
Galvė, Totoriškės and Luka. These lakes are parts of an interconnected group
that consists of about 30 lakes.
After it was founded in the early 14th
century, by Gedminas, the Grand Duke of Lithuania, Trakai became the first
capital of Lithuania. Also the area witnessed several battles against the
crusaders.
After the Lithuanian capital was shifted from Trakai to
Vilnius, it lost its importance, but it continued be favored place of residence
for most of the royalty and nobles of Lithuania.
Standing on an island in Lake Galve, the majestic Trakai
Castle is only one of its kind in Eastern Europe. Dating from the 14th
century, it was completely rebuilt after the WWII.
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| Trakai Castle Across Lake Galve, Lithuania |
After the Medieval Europe’s most important Battle of
Grünenwald in 1410, the former defensive fortress became the residence of Grand
Dukes of Lithuania and Ducal Palace complete with a defensive tower were built.
Trakai Castle, Lithuania
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| Inner Court, Trakai Castle, Lithuania |
The Castle has many lovely wooden galleries, stained glass,
murals, secret passage and torture devices.
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| Cage, Trakai Castle, Lithuania |
Stock, Trakai Castle, Lithuania
Currently, it also houses a museum which displays a
variety of objects including restraining devices, ducal seal, mail armor, and a
cannon complete with cannonballs.
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| Cannon, Trakai Castle, Lithuania |
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| Ducal Seal, Trakai Castle, Lithuania |
posted by Pritam Rohila Travels @ 6:46 PM
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