Kėdainiai: A Lithuanian cultural capital shaped by Scots and the Radziwills

Kėdainiai, a historic town in central Lithuania, has been designated this year as the Lithuanian Capital of Culture, highlighting its rich and multifaceted heritage shaped by centuries of interaction among different ethnic groups and religions. Known colloquially as the country's "cucumber capital," Kėdainiai offers more than just agricultural produce, its compact historic center reveals a deeper narrative marked by architectural diversity, religious significance, and cultural legacy. The town’s history is deeply intertwined with the influential Radziwill family, who played a pivotal role in shaping its identity. During the 17th century, Kėdainiai thrived as a hub of coexistence, hosting six distinct ethnic and religious communities. Today, remnants of that era remain evident in the town’s varied religious structures, each telling a part of its storied past. At the heart of Kėdainiai’s spiritual landscape is the Church of the Transfiguration of Christ, a brick structure from the latter half of the 19th century. This church preserves early 20th-century paintings and valuable icons, offering insight into the region's artistic and religious evolution. Two Catholic churches further enrich the town’s architectural tapestry. The Gothic Church of St George, constructed in the 15th century, stands as one of Lithuania’s oldest churches. Within its walls lie notable works of art, including late Baroque altars and a relic of Blessed Teofilius Matulionis. Nearby, the wooden Church of St Joseph, dating back to the 18th century, features intricate paintings of St Joseph and the Virgin Mary with the infant Jesus, adorned with ornate metal coverings. Rimantas Žirgulis, director of the Kėdainiai Regional Museum, emphasized the uniqueness of these structures. He noted that the Church of St George is one of the few remaining 15th-century brick churches in Lithuania, while the wooden Church of St Joseph is remarkable for standing in the center of what was once a substantial town. Kėdainiai’s religious heritage extends beyond Christianity, reflecting the presence of once-powerful Protestant communities. The 17th-century Evangelical Reformed church serves as a resting place for the Radziwill family, housing a mausoleum that marks the first restored 17th-century burial site of Lithuanian Grand Duchy nobles. This site includes the sarcophagi of several Radziwill family members, including Krzysztof I “Perkūnas” and others. The church was historically the principal Evangelical Reformed church in Samogitia before becoming the main church of the Lithuanian Reformed community. Another notable structure is the 17th-century brick Evangelical Lutheran church, which retains original frescoes depicting the apostles Peter and Paul along with the four evangelists. This church reflects the influence of Kėdainiai’s German Lutheran community, situated in Jonušava, a former suburb named after Radziwill nobleman Janusz Radziwill. The town’s Jewish heritage is equally prominent, exemplified by the synagogue complex on Senosios Rinkos Square. This complex comprises the Great Summer Synagogue and the Small Winter Synagogue. The Great Synagogue, rebuilt in the Baroque style following an 18th-century fire, now houses the Kėdainiai Art School. The 19th-century Neoclassical Small Synagogue functions as a multicultural center, featuring an exhibition dedicated to the town’s Jewish community and the Holocaust. As one of only three surviving synagogue complexes in Lithuania, this site holds immense historical value. The entire Old Town of Kėdainiai is a major attraction, recognized as a state-protected urban heritage site and one of just seven such locations in Lithuania. Its compact streets showcase a blend of Baroque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Neoclassical architecture. Four historic market squares, Senosios Rinkos, Didžiosios Rinkos, Knypavos Rinkos, and Janušavos, highlight the town’s historical role as a regional commercial center. Among the landmarks is the former 17th-century town hall on Didžiosios Rinkos Square, one of only three surviving historic town halls in Lithuania. These structures collectively underscore Kėdainiai’s enduring cultural significance and its status as a vital piece of Lithuania’s heritage.