Discover Smalvos: a bell, lakes and an October gathering
Accommodation in Smalvos
Key facts
The church in Smalvos is named Smalvų Å vÄ. MergelÄ—s Marijos RožanÄinÄ—s bažnyÄia; an old bronze bell that still rings hangs in its tower. It was cast in 1780 by bell founder Antanas ApanaviÄius of Vilnius. A relief depicts Saint George; the bell also bears the name of the parish priest Petras Žvaginas and the Latin motto “IN OMNIA TERRAM EXIVIT SONVS EORVMâ€. Its casting date, maker, image and inscription come together in a single object, forming a tangible piece of cultural history. For culturally curious travellers, the bell is a striking point of reference that brings together history and religious imagery in Smalvos.
File:Smalvos 32400, Lithuania - panoramio (10).jpg
Photo: VietovesLt via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
- A bronze bell cast in 1780 by Antanas ApanaviÄius of Vilnius still hangs and rings in the church tower in Smalvos.
- The bell bears a relief of Saint George and the name of the parish priest Petras Žvaginas, as well as a Latin motto.
- The largest lakes in the surrounding area include Smalvas, Smalvykštis, Kiaulinis and Gilutis.
- Smalvykštis has a recreational area with changing cabins, a bathing pier, a sandbox, a toilet and a table with benches; check their condition on site.
- In summer, holidaymakers, anglers and families with children visit the area.
- A traditional gathering in early October brings locals and former residents back to Smalvos; dates and programme may vary.
A bell with a story of its own
Lakes and a recreational area nearby
The lakes are close to Smalvos: the largest include Smalvas, Smalvykštis, Kiaulinis and Gilutis. Smalvas and Smalvykštis are two different lakes. The recreational area is on Smalvykštis, one specific lake in this group. It has changing cabins, a bathing pier, a sandbox, a toilet and a table with benches. Check the condition of the facilities on site. In summer, holidaymakers, anglers and families with children visit the area. This gives visitors two distinct ways to enjoy the natural surroundings: a specific stretch of shore with facilities, and a wider choice of lakes.
A regional gathering in early October
A cultural event may also be a factor when choosing when to travel. A traditional gathering in early October in Smalvos brings together people from the region, including locals and former residents who travel back for the occasion. The fact that people who have moved away from Smalvos return for the gathering connects the event to the local community. Dates and programme may vary; check both if you plan your stay around the event. Unlike the summer use of the recreational area, this offers a reason to include Smalvos in your travel plans at a different time of year.
Choose accommodation based on your travel focus
When choosing accommodation, it helps to keep these different points of interest in mind. The bell and the gathering are directly connected to Smalvos; the lakes and recreational area are nearby, with the recreational area located on Smalvykštis.
Discover more destinations: Dusetos, ZabiÄiÅ«nai, Suviekas.
Back to the main travel overview: Zarasų rajono savivaldybė.
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