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Kernavė
54.8833° N, 24.8500° E
About
Kernavė was a medieval capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and today is a tourist attraction and an archeological site (population 238, 2021). It is located in the Širvintos district municipality located in southeast Lithuania. A Lithuanian state cultural reserve was established in Kernavė in 1989. In 2004 Kernavė Archaeological Site was included into UNESCO World Heritage list.
Historical Timeline
Journey through time and discover key events in this site's history
End of Paleolithic habitation
end of the Paleolithic era
Neolithic settlement increase
Neolithic
Mesolithic settlement increase
Mesolithic
Medgrinda construction
4th–7th centuries
Teacher deported by Soviets
14 June 1941
First museum exhibition opened
28 December 1930
First written mention
1279
Town burned in Lithuanian Civil War
1390
Vytautas Church construction
1420
Magni Ducatus map inclusion
1613
Bell cast in Vilnius
1667
Wooden church constructed
1739
Bernatowicz novel
1826
Chapel mausoleum construction
1851–1856
Syrokomla excavation
1859
Present day church construction
1910–1920
Primary school built
1929
Chapel restorations
1959; 1993–1994; 1987
Vilnius University excavations resumed
1979
Lithuanian Institute of History excavations
1980–1983
Museum of sacramental relics opened
1987
State cultural reserve established
1989
State Cultural Reserve of Kernavė created
2003
UNESCO World Heritage inscription
2004
Archaeological Features
Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site
Defensive Structures
Burial and Funerary Structures
Religious and Ritual Structures
Artistic and Decorative Features
Domestic and Habitation Structures
Environmental and Natural Features
Transportation and Communication Structures
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan Your Visit
Tours, travel arrangements, and practical information