The seven-meter-high column-shaped sculpture “Thunder Horses” by the famous sculptor Vytautas Kašuba is the only surviving work of the author in Kaunas. It was restored as part of the cultural heritage value research, conservation, and restoration program.
Read more The Sea Festival procession will become the premiere of the fresco «Sticky Foot»
First, the sculpture was carefully cleaned of deposits accumulated over a long period, stone cracks and other damages were repaired. A historical sealing technology was also used – the block joints were sealed with lead strips.
The restorers polished and restored the inscription by the artist and composition author Telesforas Kulakauskas: “Žemaičių plentas Kaunas–Klaipėda 220 kilometers 1933–1938”.
Finally, the monument was covered with a special protective coating that protects against moisture and environmental impact.
The value of the restoration work amounted to more than 22 thousand euros. It was carried out by UAB “Statybų laikas”.
“The interwar modernism heritage recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage is mostly associated with buildings, but the monumental works of art created during that period, which have reached our days in very few numbers, are no less valuable. Therefore, this authentic sculpture is especially valuable and important to the city of Kaunas,” said Saulius Rimas, head of the City Development and Heritage Protection Department of Kaunas Municipality.
Read more The mother of the beaten teenager in Marijampolė suspects that the execution was planned
The heritage object built in 1939 commemorates a historic event – the opening of the Žemaičių highway. The highway, constructed between 1934 and 1939, connected the then temporary capital of Lithuania, Kaunas, with Klaipėda and became one of the most prominent symbols of the country’s technical progress.
The coats of arms of Klaipėda and Kaunas are carved on the sides of the column, and its top is decorated with the head of Perkūnas, lightning bolts, and two horses looking in different directions – symbols of strength, progress, and speed, inspired by Baltic mythology and the development of communication.
The monument was restored once in 1999, marking the 60th anniversary of the Žemaičių highway.
Later, when setting up the Milikonys observation deck, it was moved to its current location, which offers an impressive panorama of Kaunas Old Town and Vilijampolė.
During this relocation, a brass capsule containing various interwar coins and documents was found in the foundation. Today, these historical finds are kept at the Lithuanian Road Museum.
Read more Treating this disorder may pose serious diseases: the pharmacist explained where to start
