Šiauliai District: Museums, Religious Sites and Culture

Religious history, specialist museums and regional culture come together in Šiauliai District. When planning your trip, it is worth considering the places by their individual themes: from an important religious site to photography and cycling history, Baltic culture and local specialities.

Religious history and orientation

The Hill of Crosses is an important religious site that bears witness to devotion and faithfulness to the sacrifice of the cross. Pope John Paul II visited it on 7 September 1993. For orientation: the hill lies about 12 km north of Šiauliai, near the Šiauliai–Riga railway line. Its approximate distance and location north of the city provide a concise geographical reference without reducing the place to its religious significance.

Museums exploring photography, cycling and history

Šiauliai is home to Lithuania’s only specialist museum of the history of photography, photographic art and photographic technology: the Photography Museum. It appeals to a clearly defined interest in images and their history. The Bicycle Museum offers a different perspective; it is Lithuania’s only specialist museum devoted to the history of the bicycle. Visitors can take part and try out cycling-related activities. The road cycling experience can also be tried in the exhibition on the third floor.

The Chaimas Frenkelis Villa Museum brings together architecture, family history and city history. The villa is one of Lithuania’s few Art Nouveau buildings from the early 20th century. The exhibition “Frenkeliai the Industrialists” presents two generations of the Frenkel family and the history of the Jews in Šiauliai. Alongside the building’s history, it also explores family history and the city’s Jewish history. Every summer, the Chaimas Frenkelis Villa International Summer Festival takes place in the villa’s park; check the current programme before your trip.

Garden, burial mound and Baltic culture

The VU ŠA Botanical Garden covers 6.54 hectares and cultivates more than 4,600 plant species and varieties. Its character is shaped not only by its size but also by the variety of cultivated plants. It regularly hosts events for the university, city and district communities. For trip planning, this offers a different focus from the museums, with plants and garden culture taking centre stage.

A historic trail with information boards runs along the Bubiai burial mound. The boards cover the burial mound’s history, archaeological finds, legends and the traditions of the people who lived there. The trail thus brings together several themes, from archaeological traces to local lore.

Naisiai is home to Lithuania’s only museum of Baltic gods, decorated with more than 50 oak sculptures of Baltic gods. Also in Naisiai, the Baltic Gods educational trail invites visitors to learn about Baltic culture. The Žemaitukai horses at the local stud farm are used for performances and photo shoots, as well as for lessons for children and adults. Check with the operator for the current availability of these activities.

More experiences and regional specialities

The Cat Museum showcases cats from various parts of Lithuania and from many countries around the world. Educational activities take place at the museum; check the current dates when making specific plans. Next to the Cat Museum is the “Gyvūnijos sodas” zoo, home to various exotic animals. Together, these attractions form a distinct theme that differs from the history and cultural history museums.

In Kuršėnai, you can sample Kuršėnų vyniotinis at tastings. Since current tasting arrangements should be confirmed, it is advisable to enquire before your trip.

When planning a hotel stay in the district, you can organise your priorities around religious history, museums, botanical diversity, Baltic culture or regional specialities. These themes differ considerably; which ones shape your trip depends on your interests.

Lithuania as the wider context

Lithuania, the wider travel destination, has five UNESCO World Heritage sites. These include the Vilnius Historic Centre, inscribed in 1994, and “Modernist Kaunas: Architecture of Optimism, 1919–1939”, inscribed in 2023. These examples place the district within Lithuania’s wider cultural context, but they are separate destinations elsewhere in the country.

The “The Tastiest Cities of Lithuania” map also connects regions with signature dishes served in cafés, restaurants and farmsteads, as well as gastronomic experiences, offering creative suggestions for food lovers. Participating venues and offers may change, so check them before making specific plans. The Baltic Song and Dance Celebration takes place in Lithuania every four years, bringing thousands of participants together for singing and dancing. If you are planning a trip around the festival, check the dates for the relevant edition separately.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Bubiai, Joniškis, Šiauliai, Kelmė, Gaugariai, Vijoliai, Jurgaičiai, Kelmė District Municipality, Šiaulių kaimiškoji seniūnija, Radviliškis District Municipality, Šiaulių rajono savivaldybė, Joniškio rajono savivaldybė, Pakruojis District Municipality, Akmenė District Municipality, Radviliškis, Meškuičiai, Kuršėnai, Margiai, Pakruojis.

For the wider travel overview: Lithuania.