Raseiniai
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The Bridge of Lyduvenai (photo by A.Norkus) |
Home of famous Lithuanian poet Maironis (photo by A.Norkus) |
Zemaitis (photo by S.Miniotas) |
Raseiniai District covering 1573,4 sq km is located in the Northern part of Lithuania, 76 km from Kaunas City. There are 41 895 inhabitants in the District and there are 15 703 residents in the centre of the District Raseiniai Town (01-01-2008, data of Department of Statistics to the Government of the Republic of Lithuania). Raseiniai District can be easily reached from Kaunas City by the motorway A1.
The main industries in Raseiniai District are construction materials, food processing, and textiles. Raseiniai Municipality has recently attracted significant investment from Scandinavia. Among the best known companies are Lithuanian-Danish company "Danspin", producer of woolen spun yearn, Lithuanian-Norwegian companies "Skorgenes", producer of motor boats and "Norvelita", one of the main fish processing companies in Lithuania. Furthermore, one of the main Lithuanian clothes producers "Šatrija" company operates in Raseiniai. British company Camira Fabrics, producing a wide range of upholstery, as well as company of Austrian capital "Agra Corporation", growing high quality grain crops, are also situated in Raseiniai. Moreover, "Dzeirana" group, which consolidates five companies and is Lithuanian leader in sale income, is also located in Raseiniai District.
The largest river in Raseiniai District - the Dubysa is one of the most beautiful Lithuanian rivers, and is very popular among canoeists, lovers of nature and country tourism. With the aim of preserving the landscape of the erosive valley of the Dubysa, its natural ecosystem and cultural heritage, the Dubysa Regional Park was established in 1992. "Near Raseiniai on Dubysa the sun rises...",- are the song words that every Lithuanian knows by heart. The poem was written by an eminent Lithuanian poet Jonas Maciulis-Maironis (1862 - 1932), who was born in Raseiniai District.
The most frequently visited site of Raseiniai District is Siluva, which is called the Lourdes of Lithuania, following the claims that the Mother of God appeared there in 1608. Siluva is one of the five places in the world, where apparition of the Virgin Marry is officially recognized by Catholic Church. Also, the Apparition in Siluva is considered to be the oldest known apparition, anniversary of which will be celebrated in 2008. In 1993 John Paul II visited Siluva and in 2003 the House of John Paul II was opened to serve various purposes, but mainly for the preparatory course of the Kaunas Seminary.
For more information, please, look at www.raseiniai.lt