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State Cultural Reserve of Kernave (LT)
Open from:
1989
Member of EXARC:
Yes
Member of ICOM:
Yes
The area around Kernavė, in the district of Širvintos, has been of major inportance for the nascence of the state of Lithuania. It was here that the medieval capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania was situated. After the 14th century, most archaeological remains were covered with peat, leading to a great treasure trove for archaeologists due to the wonderful conservation circumstances.
Even though excavations started by the mid 19th century, first in 2003, the State Cultural Reserve of Kernavė was created, almost 200 hectares along the river Neris, at the centre of the Pajauta valley. The Historical Museum of Kernavė has a restoration workshop and an archaeological research centre which also devotes time to experimental archaeology.
It is from 2006 onwards on the UNESCO World Heritage List. According to UNESCO, “The archaeological site of Kernave presents an exceptional testimony to the evolution of human settlements in the Baltic region in Europe over the period of some 10 millennia. The site has exceptional evidence of the contact of Pagan and Christian funeral traditions” and “the settlement patterns and the impressive hill-forts represent outstanding examples of the development of such types of structures and the history of their use in the pre-Christian era.”
Since the 1960s, Kernavė has been scene of several Summer festivals with a folk and mild patriotic character (The Rasa Festival & the Mindaugas Festival). Demonstrations of ancient handcraft techniques are as well performed for the public in the context of Days of Live Archaeology in Kernavė, a festival that brings together numerous experimenters and re-enactors. On some of the hills, Bronze Age and Medieval dwellings have been reconstructed on the basis of data from the excavations.
It is from 2006 onwards on the UNESCO World Heritage List. According to UNESCO, “The archaeological site of Kernave presents an exceptional testimony to the evolution of human settlements in the Baltic region in Europe over the period of some 10 millennia. The site has exceptional evidence of the contact of Pagan and Christian funeral traditions” and “the settlement patterns and the impressive hill-forts represent outstanding examples of the development of such types of structures and the history of their use in the pre-Christian era.”
Since the 1960s, Kernavė has been scene of several Summer festivals with a folk and mild patriotic character (The Rasa Festival & the Mindaugas Festival). Demonstrations of ancient handcraft techniques are as well performed for the public in the context of Days of Live Archaeology in Kernavė, a festival that brings together numerous experimenters and re-enactors. On some of the hills, Bronze Age and Medieval dwellings have been reconstructed on the basis of data from the excavations.
Country:
Era(s):
Role:
Location
State Cultural Reserve of Kernavė
Kerniaus 4a
4115 Kernave, Sirvintu region Lithuania
Annual Number of Visitors:
Phone:
(370) 382-47441
Website:
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