Unexpected Kaunas - a grandiose church where the Šilalis TVs were made

Kaunas is a unique city in many respects. It is filled with little-known attractions among tourists, there is where to go and what to do. For about 20 years this city seemed to be in hibernation, and only in recent years it began to feel signs of rebirth.

You can walk here for weeks, and I suggest starting my first, but not the last virtual walk, with the most interesting, namely ...

Of course, the most interesting and unusual building in the Zalyakalnima district is the Church of the Resurrection of Christ (Kauno Kristaus Prisikėlimo bazilika). It can be seen from almost anywhere in the old city in Kaunas. With its laconic forms in the Art Nouveau style, he largely forms the modern look of the city. In addition, the roof of the church is the best observation platform of Kaunas.

The history of the construction and revival of this place is a real detective story with unexpected plot twists and an unpredictable denouement. I can not tell about her at least briefly. The idea of building a new cathedral appeared in 1922, almost immediately with Lithuania's long-awaited independence. Naturally, this building was supposed to be something outstanding and symbolize the spirit of freedom and faith in a better future.

Six years later, a national competition was announced. 15 projects were selected, winners received good prizes. Now it’s hard to imagine, but the new church could look, for example, like this (first prize).

And yet, in the end, a more economical project was selected, which received only third place in the competition. Its author is an engineer of Latvian origin Carolis Rason. Yes, Kaunas in those days attracted the attention of many people from all over the world.

The soil in this place was unstable and had to drive almost a thousand piles. It took all the allocated finances. Construction stood up. Money for further construction had to be collected by the whole world. Special commemorative coins and postcards were issued. Everyone could acquire and personally lay a registered brick in the walls being erected. But the then emigrants of Lithuanian descent from America were especially helpful.

By the spring of 1940, the main construction work was completed. And here in the further fate of the temple there is a sharp turn.

The German occupation authorities placed a paper warehouse here, and with the advent of Soviet power, the building of the unfinished church falls into the possession of a nearby radio engineering plant.

Here is the renovation. The interior space is used to the maxim and remodel the temple of God into a five-story building with workshops for the assembly of radio equipment. It is no secret that the Šilalis mini-TVs, famous throughout the USSR, were assembled here.

A huge banner “Glory to the CPSU!” Is hung over the main entrance, and instead of crosses above the bell towers, antennas are installed. At the same time, the structure itself is treated quite carefully, as if anticipating that it will still have to be returned for its intended purpose.

And so it is! In the 90s, the factory went bankrupt, and the church was returned to the faithful of Kaunas. For almost 20 years, large-scale renovation has been taking place here. It was especially difficult with the acoustics of buildings. When all factory floors were removed, it was terrible. But it seems like at the moment the problem is solved.

Personally, the Church of the Renaissance of Christ made a great impression on me. Its internal and external appearance is very concise. Details and decorations are few. And it's cool in its own way!

In fact, this Catholic church resembles a Protestant church. Although someone is likely to have an abundance of reinforced concrete, white paint and square columns will surely recall the same assembly shop.

Nevertheless, it’s worth coming here at least for the sake of city panoramas from its roof. You can get here for a small fee by elevator or stairs. The roof is a large open space. By the way, services are also held here.

But the main thing is stunning views of Kaunas.

From here, we can clearly distinguish the old city, as well as the entire district of ляalyakalnis. Here you can easily get stuck for a long time, because look at Kaunas - do not see enough! The city is wonderful!

It is worth remembering that you can get to the Church of the Resurrection of Christ through yet another architectural monument - the city funicular.

He is the same age as the temple and was built back in 1931. A couple of wooden wagons transporting up to 36 people at a distance of 125 meters is one of the symbols of Kaunas. The cars themselves are German-made by Curt Rudolph from Dresden, and the motor is already made by the Swiss company T. Bell.

Together, these no longer existing companies have created a product for Kaunas for centuries. In any case, while the funicular has been operating virtually uninterrupted for the ninth decade. A great place for a selfie, clip, report or just a photo for memory!

If you are here, then after climbing the funicular and visiting the Church of the Resurrection, look into the burger Kuhne. She is right there on the corner. They cook deliciously and the prices do not bite much.