Daugai: History, Culture and Experiences

History and notable places

The brick Daugų Dievo Apvaizdos bažnyčia was built from 1858 to 1862 to a design by the architect Tomas Tišeckis. Its architecture features modified Gothic, Classicist and Baroque elements; the church also houses valuable works of art. For travellers interested in history and architecture, it is a striking starting point for exploring Daugai’s architectural heritage.

The oak sculpture Daugis, bearing the inscription “Daugai”, offers a different way to recognise the town. It was erected in 1979 at the initiative of Algimantas Zubavičius. Sculptor Romas Klimavičius carved it from an oak tree selected by Daugai forester V. Šerpenskas. The work thus connects its visible material with a carefully documented history of its creation.

The tree-lined Šventapetrio kalnelis lies in the old town centre and was once a castle hill. The first church in Daugai was probably built there later; today, a wooden cross stands on the hill. The tentative account of the church’s origins and the site’s earlier use as a castle hill give it a historical dimension distinct from the architecture of the brick church.

The cemeteries also preserve specific memories. The old Jewish cemetery in Daugai was in use from the 18th century until the Second World War; 81 tombstones remain. The grave of the Lithuanian partisans is also in Daugai Cemetery. Opposite the entrance to the central cemetery stands their memorial: dedicated in 1992, it consists of an oak cross and oak panels bearing the partisans’ names and years of birth and death. In 1990, the remains of 24 partisans killed in the post-war period were reburied there.

Leisure and hands-on activities

The renovated old marketplace is a place for families to spend their leisure time. A children’s playground, outdoor fitness equipment and a flower garden shape the space. This combination of play, exercise and garden offers a different focus from the historical sites and can be taken into account when planning a day together.

At Daugų amatų kiemelis, at Pergalės g. 6, educational programmes are offered on buckwheat, baking buckwheat babka, cooking fish soup in an outdoor kitchen, willow weaving and traditional games. If you would like to include one of these programmes in your stay, arrange a time with the provider in advance. The topics range from cooking to crafts, giving your outing a focus of its own.

On foot, by bike or on the lake

Prepared walking and cycling routes are available for exploring the area and can be used with the “Gatvės gyvos” audio guide app. The app is free to download; check its availability before travelling.

A raft trip is offered on Lake Daugai along the route Daugai – North Beach – Perkūnkalnis – Salos piliakalnis – Aukakalnis – Skonių kampas – Bandūragis. It passes several named stops, making it clearly distinct from the prepared routes on land. As this is a local offering, confirm its current availability with the provider in advance.

Seasonal highlights and nearby surroundings

At the beginning of July, Daugai traditionally celebrates the Coronation Day of King Mindaugas, Lithuania’s Statehood Day. If you would like to include culture and local traditions in your travel plans, you can use this recurring occasion as a seasonal point of reference; check specific event dates in advance.

Near Daugai, in the village of Bukaučiškės II, a red-brick chapel stands on a hill near the southern shore of Lake Didžiulis. It broadens the view beyond the town’s history to include another named place in the surrounding area.

Plan your stay around your interests

When looking for a holiday apartment in Daugai, you can first consider how you would like to spend your holiday days: the church, sculpture and memorial sites offer a historical focus; the prepared routes provide ways to explore on foot and by bike, and a raft trip is available on the lake. There is also the traditional Statehood Day celebration in early July. Sorting these themes according to their importance to your trip helps you choose a holiday base that suits your planned activities rather than relying on a simple list of sights.

Discover more destinations: Ilgininkai, Druskininkai, Šventežeris, Taikūnai, Alytus, Stračiūnai, Atesninkai I, Vilkanastrai.

See the broader travel guide: Alytus District.