Some of these places are small villages, others are big cities or seaside resorts.
This summer we invite you to embark on a journey through the birthplaces of presidents. Such a route will not only allow you to better understand the history of Lithuania but also discover lesser-known places in the country.
How many presidents has Lithuania had?
Since 1918, Lithuania has had eight Presidents of the Republic – Antanas Smetona, Aleksandras Stulginskis, Kazys Grinius, Algirdas Mykolas Brazauskas, Valdas Adamkus, Rolandas Paksas, Dalia Grybauskaitė, and Gitanas Nausėda.
A special place in history is also held by Jonas Žemaitis-Vytautas, chairman of the presidium of the Lithuanian Freedom Fighters’ Council, whom the Seimas recognized as the head of the Lithuanian state during the Soviet occupation.
If you started the journey in Vilnius and visited all the presidents’ birthplaces, it would form an impressive route leading almost across the entire Lithuania – approximately 1,100–1,200 kilometers.
Antanas Smetona’s birthplace – Užulėnis (Ukmergė district)
Distance from Vilnius – about 80 km
The first President of Lithuania, Antanas Smetona, was born in the village of Užulėnis. Here stands the restored A. Smetona manor, which was gifted to the president by the Lithuanian public in 1934 on his 60th birthday. The manor houses an exhibition telling about the president and his family’s life, and nearby you can also visit the Užugiris school, which is also closely associated with Smetona’s name.
Aleksandras Stulginskis – Kutaliai (Kelmė district)
Distance from Vilnius – about 210 km
The second President of Lithuania, Aleksandras Stulginskis, was born in the village of Kutaliai. Although the original homestead has not survived, a memorial site nearby commemorates one of the most important founders of the Lithuanian state. When traveling, it is worth stopping by Kelmė – its manor and museum tell about the history of Lithuania in the 19th–20th centuries.
Kazys Grinius – Selema (Marijampolė district)
Distance from Vilnius – about 145 km
The third President of Lithuania, Kazys Grinius, was born in the village of Selema. A doctor, public figure, and one of the founders of democratic Lithuania, he is still considered one of the brightest personalities in the country’s history.
Although born in the village of Selema, his memory is especially cherished in Marijampolė – here operates a memorial museum, and streets and institutions named after the president remind of his contribution to state-building.
Algirdas Mykolas Brazauskas – Rokiškis
Distance from Vilnius – about 160 km
The first directly elected President of Lithuania after the Restoration of Independence was born in Rokiškis. Although the family soon moved to Kaunas, Rokiškis still prides itself on this famous native. When visiting, it is worth stopping by one of the most beautiful manor museums in Lithuania, the Rokiškis manor museum, which tells not only about the legacy of the Tyzenhauz counts but also the history of the region.
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Valdas Adamkus – Kaunas
Distance from Vilnius – 100 km
Valdas Adamkus was born in Kaunas – this is where his childhood passed. Perhaps the most interesting place for travelers is the Valdas Adamkus library-museum.
Here are preserved the president’s office furniture, gifts from heads of states, photographs, documents, and other authentic exhibits that allow a close look at one of Lithuania’s most popular presidents.
Rolandas Paksas – Telšiai
Distance from Vilnius – about 290 km
Rolandas Paksas was born in Telšiai – a city often called the capital of Samogitia. It is worth walking through the historic old town, counting the famous Telšiai bears, and visiting the Samogitian Museum “Alka,” which tells about the history and culture of the entire region.
Gitanas Nausėda – Klaipėda
Distance from Vilnius – about 310 km
The current President of Lithuania was born in Klaipėda. When visiting the port city, it is worth strolling through the old town, the Danė river quay, the Theatre Square, and remembering that this is where the life story of the current head of state began.
Jonas Žemaitis-Vytautas – Palanga
Distance from Vilnius – about 330 km
Although Jonas Žemaitis was not directly elected as President of Lithuania, in 2009 the Seimas recognized him as the head of the Lithuanian state during the Soviet occupation. He was born in Palanga, where today his memory is commemorated by a monument and a memorial plaque.
When visiting the resort, it is worth stopping not only by the sea but also at places that remind of one of the most important symbols of Lithuania’s freedom fights.
Dalia Grybauskaitė – Vilnius
So far, the only female president of Lithuania was born in the capital. The future president studied at the then Salomėja Nėris secondary school (now Vilnius Salomėja Nėris Gymnasium). The school is considered one of the oldest in the capital – it was founded back in 1904, and among its graduates are many well-known figures in Lithuanian culture, science, and politics.
The presidents’ route is worth finishing with a visit to the Presidential Palace. During the summer season, tours are organized here, you can explore the historic courtyard, and on weekends a solemn flag-raising ceremony takes place.
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