
Photo by Michał Derela / CC BY-SA 4.0
📜 Historic CuriositiesKaunasEasy access
Kėdainiai Old Town Multicultural Quarter
Kėdainiai, Kaunas2-3 hoursBest: May to September
One of Lithuania's best-preserved Old Towns, where Lithuanian, Jewish, Scottish, and German heritage blend in a remarkable multicultural tapestry spanning five centuries.
Kėdainiai is one of Lithuania's most underrated historic towns, with an exceptionally well-preserved Old Town that tells the story of centuries of multicultural coexistence. Unlike larger cities that were heavily damaged during wars, much of Kėdainiai's historic center survived intact, offering an authentic glimpse into Lithuania's diverse past.
The town's unique character comes from its multicultural heritage. The Radziwiłł family, who controlled the town from the 16th century, encouraged settlement by diverse communities. Scots, Germans, Jews, and Lithuanians all built their own quarters, churches, and synagogues, creating a remarkable mosaic of architectural styles and cultural traditions.
Walking through the Old Town, you'll find a reformed church built by Scottish settlers, remnants of the Jewish quarter with its synagogue, German-style townhouses, and Lithuanian baroque churches — all within a few blocks. The town's market square retains its historic proportions, and many buildings date to the 17th and 18th centuries.
Why Visit
A hidden gem of multicultural history in a beautifully preserved setting. Kėdainiai's Old Town reveals a side of Lithuanian history that's surprising and fascinating.
History
Founded in the 14th century. The Radziwiłł family developed it as a multicultural center in the 16th-17th centuries. Scottish settlers arrived in the 17th century for trade.
Address
Kėdainiai Old Town
55.2833, 23.9833
Visitor Tips
- 1Pick up a walking tour map from the tourist information
- 2Don't miss the Scottish Reformed Church
- 3The Old Town is very compact — walkable in an hour
- 4Good restaurants on the market square
- 5Less than an hour from Kaunas by car