Section 82. Žemaičių Kalvarija – Paplatelė. Žemaitija ethnographic region.

The exhibition introduces the tragic fate, life and work of the Lithuanian poet Vytautas Mačernis. Tel.: +370 68373252

On this site, there was a Curonian Gardai Castle, first mentioned in 1253. The mound stands by the Varduva river, near which, according to legend, Samogitians were baptized. They got new names, so the river was named Varduva, but the nearby mountain – Mountain of St. John the Baptist.

Located on a separate hill in a valley of a nameless stream.

The complex consists of two mounds of the 1st-18th centuries (they contained the Gegrė (Zegere) – one of the most important castles in Ceklio Land, mentioned in historical sources in 1253), as well as two cemeteries and an ancient settlement. Steep, up to 15 m high slopes of castle mounds create a distinctive relief, panoramic view. The complex has a 1.6 km long nature trail.

Wooden church, built in 1754, in the form of an elevated dwelling house, with a tower. Next to it there stands a wooden bell tower.

Here you can observe cranes, red-necked grebes, great bitterns and other protected bird species included in the Lithuanian Red Book.

The largest and deepest lake in Žemaitija. Stands out for its natural, cultural and landscape value. In the lake, there are 7 islands – state protected natural monuments. The lake is inhabited by a relic fish – a Plateliai whitefish.

It meanders through forested hills along the Sultekis pond. There are great views of the pond and forests from the nearby observation tower, and along the trail you can see wooden sculptures based on fairy tales.