Panevėžys, Lithuania

Church of Saints Peter and Paul, Panevėžys
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:BZN_Panevezio_Sv_Petro_ir_Povilo_curch_(back_sideview).jpg
Author: Cajeton


Panevėžys is the fifth largest city in Lithuania, located in Panevėžys County in the north-central part of the country. The city covers 50 sq km (19.3 sq mi) and has a population of 115,000 people (2011 estimate).

Panevėžys is located about midway between Vilnius and Riga. It was first mentioned in 1503, in a document of the Grand Duke of Lithuania, who is regarded as the founder of the city. Located on a plain of the Nevėžis River, it was the royal town in the 16th century.

Holy Trinity Church, Panevėžys
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:BZN_Svc_Trejybes_curch.JPG
Author: Cajeton


By the late 19th century, Panevėžys has grown to be one of the four most important cities in Lithuania. The city opened the first bookstore in the country. It is still functioning today, becoming a local landmark of Panevėžys.

Panevėžys was occupied by German forces in both the First and Second World Wars. After the Second World War, Panevėžys was under Soviet control, which turned it into a major industrial center. In the process, the Soviet destroyed the character of the Old Town. It was only after the locals staged protests that the destruction stopped.

The population of Panevėžys saw a decrease following Lithuanian independence, as much of the investment funds head for Vilnius and Klaipėda. Only in the first decade of the 21st century did investment funds reach Panevėžys.

Visiting Panevėžys

There are regular trains from Šiauliai that passes through Panevėžys.

Places of Interest in Panevėžys

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