Discover Kuršėnai: Manor House, Ceramics and the Venta

Kuršėnai brings together a remarkable wooden manor house, a strong ceramic tradition and the banks of the Venta. This gives you a range of themes to consider when planning your trip: the town’s history, traditional crafts and views of the river and town. You can take these into account when choosing the focus of your stay, depending on which interests you most.

Wooden Manor House Architecture and Exhibitions

The history of Kuršėnų Manor House begins in 1564. It is considered the most valuable surviving example of wooden manor house architecture in Šiauliai District. Authentic staircases, window frames and exterior wooden doors have been preserved. They add concrete details to the architecture and make the wooden building an important part of Kuršėnai’s cultural heritage.

The Centre for Ethnic Culture and Traditional Crafts of the Šiauliai District Municipality Administration is based in the manor house. It has permanent exhibitions on the folk art and ethnography of the Šiauliai region, with more than 2,500 exhibits. If you are planning a visit, check visiting arrangements in advance, as they may change. This allows you to consider the historic architecture and regional collections as two distinct aspects of the manor house.

Ceramic Tradition and Kuršėnų Vyniotinis

Kuršėnai was recognized as the capital of Lithuanian folk ceramics at a craft day in Šiauliai in 1971. The town is also associated with the elections for Lithuania’s Potter King, held there every three years since 1977. Individual event dates may change. The history of ceramics is also reflected in the offerings of the Centre for Ethnic Culture and Traditional Crafts.

In ceramics workshops, participants can shape and decorate clay and learn basic techniques. The centre also offers an individual session at the potter’s wheel. The formats differ in whether you explore various stages of working with ceramics or try throwing on the wheel. Advance booking may be required for current offerings.

Another distinctive local product is the Kuršėnų vyniotinis. Tastings introduce its history and origins. The centre also offers a tasting and cooking activity focused on the traditional Kuršėnų vyniotinis and how it is made. If you are interested in culinary heritage, this experience combines learning about the product with preparing it. Advance booking may be required for tastings and cooking activities.

Footbridge, the Venta and Town Views

A 262-metre-long footbridge connects Laurynas Ivinskis Square with the park at Kuršėnų Manor House. The bridge provides access to the restored Gruževskių Manor House, the Cultural Centre of the Šiauliai District Municipality Administration and the old town park. It is also used to take in views of the Venta and panoramas of Kuršėnai. It therefore offers both a connection between several of the places mentioned and a vantage point overlooking the river and town.

Near the bridge, footpaths run along the right bank of the Venta. The riverside area also has a jetty, a swimming area, an outdoor terrace and a landscaped green space. Swimming conditions may vary by season. When planning your visit, you can distinguish the cultural attractions around the manor house and crafts from the paths and views by the river: Kuršėnai offers different points of interest depending on what matters to you during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Margiai, Vijoliai, Pakruojis, Joniškis, Meškuičiai, Kelmė, Šiaulių kaimiškoji seniūnija, Gaugariai

For the broader travel overview: Šiauliai District.