Šiauliai District: Museums, Religious Heritage and Regional Culture

In Šiauliai District, cultural experiences range from religious heritage and specialist museums to regional traditions. As you look for accommodation, you can start by asking yourself which of these experiences you want to shape your trip. Different places have different focuses—from photography and architecture to Baltic culture and local tastings.

Key facts

• The Hill of Crosses is about 12 km north of Šiauliai, near the Šiauliai–Riga railway line.
• Pope John Paul II visited the Hill on 7 September 1993.
• The Photography Museum in Šiauliai is Lithuania’s only specialised museum of photographic history, art and technology.
• The Chaim Frenkel Villa Museum presents an exhibition about two generations of the Frenkel family and the history of Jews in Šiauliai.
• The VU ŠA Botanical Garden covers 6.54 hectares and cultivates more than 4,600 plant species and varieties.
• Naisiai is home to Lithuania’s only Museum of Baltic Gods, decorated with more than 50 oak sculptures.

Museums and architecture in Šiauliai

The Photography Museum is dedicated to the history, art and technology of photography. As Lithuania’s only specialised museum of its kind, it offers a clearly defined focus for anyone interested in images and how they are made. The Bicycle Museum offers a different museum experience: it is Lithuania’s only specialised museum devoted to the history of the bicycle. Visitors can try road cycling in the exhibition on the third floor. Other bicycle-related opportunities and activities there also invite visitors to take part.

The Chaim Frenkel Villa Museum brings together architectural history, family history and the history of the city. The villa is one of the few Art Nouveau buildings in Lithuania dating from the early 20th century. The exhibition “Fabrikantai Frenkeliai” presents two generations of the Frenkel family and also explores the history of Jews in Šiauliai. The museum thus focuses both on a distinctive building and on the history of the people connected with it.

Religious heritage and historic routes

The Hill of Crosses is an important religious site, bearing witness to devotion and fidelity to the sacrifice of the Cross. Pope John Paul II’s visit on 7 September 1993 is part of its historical significance. For orientation, the Hill lies about 12 km north of Šiauliai, near the Šiauliai–Riga railway line.

The historic trail at the Bubių burial mound also brings history to life on site. Information boards cover the mound’s history, archaeological finds and legends, as well as the traditions of the people who lived there. If you are interested in different ways of interpreting history, this offers a different focus from the museums: the trail connects the place with explanatory information about the past and its traditions.

Gardens, animals and Baltic culture

The VU ŠA Botanical Garden combines an area of 6.54 hectares with a collection of more than 4,600 cultivated plant species and varieties. The garden regularly hosts events for the university, city and district communities. Both its plant collection and its recurring events are part of the garden experience in Šiauliai.

In Naisiai, the Baltic Gods educational trail offers an introduction to another subject, inviting visitors to learn about Baltic culture. The Museum of Baltic Gods there, with more than 50 oak sculptures, complements the trail. In Šiauliai, the Cat Museum features cats from different parts of Lithuania and many countries around the world, and also runs educational activities. The “Gyvūnijos sodas” animal park, home to various exotic animals, is next to the museum.

The Naisiai stud farm is home to Žemaitukai horses, which are used for performances and photo shoots, as well as lessons for children and adults. Confirm current options with the operator. If your trip depends on a particular offering, it is a good idea to check its availability in advance.

Tastings and seasonal events

In Kuršėnai, you can try Kuršėnų vyniotinis at tastings. If this local speciality is important to your travel plans, confirm current tasting options in advance.

The International Chaim Frenkel Villa Summer Festival is held every summer in the park of Chaim Frenkel Villa. Check the current programme and event dates before your trip.

Local pages in Šiauliai District

More local pages: Joniškis, Bubiai, Radviliškis, Šiauliai, Pakruojis, Meškuičiai, Kelmė, Kuršėnai, Margiai, Gaugariai, Vijoliai, Jurgaičiai, Kelmė District Municipality, Šiaulių kaimiškoji seniūnija, Radviliškis District Municipality, Šiaulių rajono savivaldybė, Joniškio rajono savivaldybė, Akmenė District Municipality, Pakruojis District Municipality.