Perkūnas House
Kauno apskritis
Perkūnas House, located in Kaunas Old Town near Vytautas Church, is a remarkable example of Gothic architecture dating back to the second half of the 15th century. It is a brick building distinguished by a decorative gable and spacious cellars. The main facade features rectangular decorative niches and a Sun symbol made of glazed stones. Originally, the house was a two-part structure, with one part surviving today and the other demolished in the 18th century. The building is unique in Lithuanian Gothic architecture for its dual layout separated by a substantial internal wall, now the northern facade. Historically, the house has been associated with Hanseatic merchants, serving as a commercial residence. Archaeological findings suggest the presence of an altar dedicated to the ancient Lithuanian god Perkūnas in its cellar, which inspired the building's name. Over centuries, it has served various roles, including a Jesuit chapel and school, a theater, and Orthodox clergy apartments. Today, it belongs to the Kaunas Jesuit Gymnasium and houses exhibitions related to the life and work of Adam Mickiewicz, along with art exhibitions and theatrical tours, making it a culturally vibrant site.
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Astuce: Visitors are advised to explore Perkūnas House during the warmer months for a more comfortable experience. Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially for theatrical guided tours and art exhibitions. Discounts may be available for students and groups. The site is accessible by public transport, and guided tours provide rich historical context enhancing the visit.
Faits intéressants
- •The house is the only example of a dual building structure in Lithuanian Gothic architecture, separated by a thick internal wall.
- •A statue of the god Perkūnas once stood on the roof but was later removed and taken to Vilnius.
- •Archaeological evidence suggests the cellar contained an altar dedicated to the ancient Lithuanian god Perkūnas.
- •Documents from 1564 confirm the house's existence and its first known owner, S. Dulkė.
- •The building served as a Jesuit chapel from 1643 to 1722 and later housed a theater when Kaunas became a guberniya center.
Histoire
Perkūnas House was constructed in the second half of the 15th century as a Gothic brick building with a unique dual structure.
The first known owner was S.
Dulkė, who sold the property in 1564.
In 1643, the house was acquired by Jesuits, who established a chapel on the second floor and adapted the building for educational purposes.
It later served as a theater in 1843 and housed Orthodox clergy apartments in the late 19th century.
After various uses including warehouses and workshops, restoration began in 1965, and since 1991, the building has been under Jesuit ownership again, serving educational and cultural functions.
Guide du lieu
Main Facade and Sun Symbol15th century
The main facade is adorned with rectangular decorative niches and a distinctive Sun symbol made of glazed stones, reflecting Gothic artistry and symbolic design.
Cellars with Ancient Altar15th century or earlier
Spacious cellars beneath the house are believed to have housed an altar dedicated to the god Perkūnas, indicating the site's connection to pre-Christian Lithuanian religion.
Jesuit Chapel on Second Floor1643-1722
From 1643 to 1722, the second floor was adapted to serve as a Jesuit chapel, reflecting the building's religious and educational role during that period.
Art Exhibition and Adam Mickiewicz DisplayContemporary
Currently, the house hosts art exhibitions and an exposition dedicated to the life and works of the poet Adam Mickiewicz, enriching the cultural experience for visitors.
Contact
Téléphone: (0-641) 44614