Šiauliai Sundial Square
Šiaulių apskritis
Šiauliai Sundial Square, located in Šiauliai, Lithuania, is a distinctive urban landmark designed in the shape of a sundial. Established in 1986 to commemorate the 750th anniversary of the city's name, the square features an 18-meter-high column topped with the gilded sculpture "Šaulys" (The Shooter), created by Stanislovas Kuzma. The square's pavement is embedded with numerals marking the sundial hours, including 3, 6, and 12, blending functional art with urban design. The sculpture itself stands nearly 4 meters tall, weighs 700 kilograms, and rests on a column constructed from six cylindrical concrete segments. Over the years, the sculpture has undergone restoration to preserve its golden finish against weather and environmental damage. The square serves as a cultural symbol of Šiauliai, combining artistic expression with a tribute to time and history. It is situated near Talkša Lake and the Šiauliai Cemetery, integrating natural and historical surroundings into its appeal.
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Tip: Visitors should consider visiting Šiauliai Sundial Square during daylight hours to fully appreciate the sundial's function and the sculpture's gilded details. While the square is open year-round, spring and summer offer the best weather and surrounding natural beauty. No advance ticket purchase is required, and the site is freely accessible. Be mindful of weather conditions as the sculpture's gold leaf requires periodic restoration due to exposure.
Interesting facts
- •The gilded sculpture "Šaulys" weighs approximately 700 kilograms and stands nearly 4 meters tall.
- •The sculpture is mounted atop an 18-meter-high column made of six cylindrical concrete segments.
- •In 1988, the architects received the USSR Academy of Arts gold medal for the design of the square.
- •The golden restoration in 2013 required 63 grams of gold and 1900 gold foil sheets just a few microns thick.
- •The sundial's pavement includes hour marks at 3, 6, and 12, integrating functional timekeeping into urban design.
History
The concept for Šiauliai Sundial Square originated in 1981 through a design competition celebrating the 750th anniversary of Šiauliai's name, won by local architects Algimantas Černiauskas, Remigijus Jurėla, and Algis Vyšniūnas.
Construction began in 1985 on the site of a former vehicle inspection lot, and the square was inaugurated in autumn 1986.
In 1988, the creators received the USSR Academy of Arts gold medal for their work.
The gilded sculpture "Šaulys" was added as a central feature and was officially registered as a cultural heritage object in 1993.
Restoration efforts have been made to maintain the sculpture's gold leaf, notably in 2013 when it was temporarily removed for refurbishment.
Place Guide
Sundial Pavement1986
The square's ground is designed as a functional sundial with hour markings embedded in the pavement, allowing visitors to observe the passage of time through shadows cast by the central column.
"Šaulys" Sculpture1986
A gilded bronze sculpture nearly 4 meters tall representing a shooter, created by Stanislovas Kuzma, mounted atop the 18-meter column. It is a cultural symbol of Šiauliai and protected as a heritage object.
Column Structure1986
An 18-meter-high column composed of six cylindrical concrete segments, supporting the "Šaulys" sculpture and forming the gnomon of the sundial.