“Retro” is Latin for “back”. The leitmotif of my excursions is back to the past, i.e. learning about the development of the town of Druskininkai by means of old photographs and drawings, presenting historical events, the old architecture of the resort, the famous people who lived here, who spent their holidays here, and the way of life they led.
I specialise in thematic excursions, during which I will give a more detailed introduction to a particular important aspect of Druskininkai.
I offer guided tours of Druskininkai not only on foot, but also by bicycle. The renewed cycle paths offer even more discoveries than on foot!
Retro Druskininkai’s mission is to commemorate and give a modern twist to what is valuable, without looking to the past just for nostalgia.
Private tours are available at arranged times.
Tours are available in Lithuanian, Russian, German, English and French:
Retro Druskininkai – back in time:
A sightseeing tour of the Old Town: the development of the history of the mineral town since the mid-17th century, the disappeared and today’s Druskininkai, the distinctive wooden architecture, the cultural heritage of the once large Jewish community, and the traces of the unique artist M. K. Čiurlionis.
Druskininkai is a health springs resort:
We will visit the Karolis Dineika Wellness Park, where we will hear the history of its foundation and get ideas for healthy living. We will learn about the history of the resort’s development, old spas and sanatoriums, taste mineral water and discover other natural resources that help maintain and restore health.
Jewish cultural heritage in Druskininkai:
Tracing the history and culture of the city’s Jewish community, we will learn where the synagogue stood, which world-famous sculptor was born and raised in Druskininkai, which buildings belonged to the local wealthy Jews, what fate befell them in the mid-20th century and where the old Jewish graves are.
Wooden architecture of Druskininkai:
The wooden architectural heritage of Druskininkai is characterised by the features of the resort architecture of the late 19th and early 20th century in Europe and by its distinctive ethnic building traditions. Two thirds of the wooden buildings were destroyed during the Soviet era and can only be seen in photographs; however, there are still some fine villas and a wooden Orthodox church built in 1865 (!)
Druskininkai is the city of M. K. Čiurlionis:
Druskininkai through the eyes of M.K. Čiurlionis, where he grew up, sought inspiration and worked from 1878 to 1910.We will visit the M.K. Čiurlionis Memorial Museum and learn about the artist’s Symbolist work through reproductions of his paintings, which are spread all over the city.
Old Druskininkai City Cemetery (on foot only):
The cemetery by the Druskonis Lake bears witness to the history of the town since 1858: the graves of famous personalities who contributed to the development of the resort and who found their final resting place among the lush pines of Dzūkija. In the Old Cemetery complex, we will discover both the early 20th century neo-Gothic chapel and the recently restored St. Archangel Gabriel Orthodox Church.
Druskininkai, the City of Love:
A walk along the trails of love legends in Druskininkai, the relics of St Valentine, the patron saint of lovers, at the Church of St Valentine. The relics of St Valentine’s Relics in the Church of the Virgin Mary Scapular, romantic love stories and spicy spa romances. A boat trip up the Nemunas will introduce you to the Island of Love, where passions once boiled over.
