DRUSKININKAI AND GRUTAS PARK (8 HOURS)

Druskininkai, Lithuania’s premier spa and southernmost town lies some 140 km from Vilnius. Picturesquely set on the Nemunas River and surrounded by pine forests with wonderfully fresh, scented air is a delightful place to spend a restful few days. A one day trip to the town features its main attractions: neo-gothic Church of the Virgin Mary of the Scapular, Ciurlionis Memorial Museum, Jacques Lipchitz Memorial Gallery and Grutas Park, a unique park in which pompous statues of soviet revolutionaries and political leaders, once dominating squares of Lithuanian towns and villages, have found their shelter after being removed more than 10 years ago.

According to some sources the site of the present-day Druskininkai was inhabilitated by local Yotvingian tribes in the early middle Ages. In the 13^th century the area was conquered by Lithuanian population. A small castle was built in the area as a part of the defence system against the Teutonic Order. (Order of the Teutonic House of St. Mary in Jerusalem). The castle was destroyed in 1308 and the area was soon depopulated. The first mention of the present –day Druskininkai dates back to 1636. The name comes from Lithuanian root “druska” meaning “salt”. It suggests the local population has been collecting this precious mineral. In the late 18^th century it was discovered that minerals found in the waters of Druskininkai area are healthy and their usage in medical treatment of asthma started. In the early 19^th century I. Fonberger, The Vilnius University professor, focused on analysis of chemical composition of Druskininkai waters and discovered that they contain large amounts of calcium, sodium, potassium, iodine, bromine, iron and magnesium. He also promoted the town as a holiday resort for the population of what is now Vilnius.

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