Discover Daugai: Culture and Trails

Key facts

• The old market square is a renovated recreational space for families, with a playground, outdoor fitness equipment and a flower garden.
• The brick Daugų Dievo Apvaizdos bažnyčia (Church of Divine Providence in Daugai) was built from 1858 to 1862 to a design by Tomas Tišeckis.
• The oak sculpture Daugis, bearing the inscription “Daugai,” was created in 1979 at the initiative of Algimantas Zubavičius.
• Šventapetrio kalnelis was once a hillfort; today, a wooden cross stands there.
• 81 gravestones remain at the old Jewish cemetery, which was in use from the 18th century until the Second World War.
• A monument at Daugai Cemetery commemorates 24 partisans whose remains were reburied there in 1990.
• At Daugų amatų kiemelis, at Pergalės g. 6, educational programmes cover buckwheat, baking, fish soup, willow weaving and traditional games.
• Prepared walking and cycling routes are available through the “Gatvės gyvos” audio guide app.

Local character and history

Daugų Dievo Apvaizdos bažnyčia (Church of Divine Providence in Daugai) offers a glimpse into the town’s architectural history. It was designed by architect Tomas Tišeckis and built between 1858 and 1862. The brick building features modified Gothic, Classical and Baroque elements, as well as valuable works of art. These varied features make the church a worthwhile stop for travellers interested in architecture.

The Daugis sculpture also tells a story closely tied to the town: Romas Klimavičius carved it from an oak selected by V. Šerpenskas, the forester of Daugai. The inscription “Daugai” and its creation in 1979 give the work a clear local connection. On wooded Šventapetrio kalnelis, local history meets a visible memorial: the hill was once a hillfort, and today a wooden cross stands there. The belief that Daugai’s first church was probably later built here is based on tradition.

The historic memorial sites tell different chapters of the past. The old Jewish cemetery was in use from the 18th century until the Second World War, and 81 gravestones remain. The graves of Lithuanian partisans are also located at Daugai Cemetery. Their monument stands opposite the entrance to the central cemetery. In 1990, the remains of 24 partisans killed in the post-war period were reburied there. Dedicated in 1992, the monument consists of an oak cross and oak walls bearing the partisans’ names and years of birth and death.

For a different kind of visit, the old market square offers a renovated recreational area for families, equipped with a playground, outdoor fitness equipment and a flower garden. In early July, Daugai traditionally celebrates the Coronation Day of King Mindaugas, Lithuania’s Statehood Day. If this event is important to your travel plans, check the specific dates.

Routes, programmes and experiences

At Daugų amatų kiemelis, at Pergalės g. 6, educational programmes focus on buckwheat and baking buckwheat babka, fish soup prepared in an outdoor kitchen, willow weaving and traditional games. If you would like to include one of these programmes in your plans, check availability in advance. The themes offer a choice of culinary insights, hands-on crafts or traditional games.

You can follow the prepared walking and cycling routes using the “Gatvės gyvos” audio guide app, which is free to download. Check that it is available before your trip. A raft trip is offered on Lake Daugų along the route Daugai – North Beach – Perkūnkalnis – Salos Hillfort – Aukakalnis – Skonių kampas – Bandūragis. Confirm the trip’s current availability with the provider.

Near Daugai, in the village of Bukaučiškės II, a red-brick chapel stands on a hill close to the southern shore of Lake Didžiulis. It is another place to consider if you are interested in architecture and history.

Discover more destinations: Šventežeris, Ilgininkai, Ricieliai, Daugų Seniūnija, Grūtas, Atesninkai I, Stračiūnai, Vytautai.

For the broader travel overview: Alytus District.