Next week the 26th edition of European Heritage Days in Lithuania will open doors to the country’s intangible cultural heritage. More than 300 free events for visitors of all ages will be held from 20 to 22 September, inviting visitors to re-discover their cities and towns, travel around their native country and explore its regional historical and cultural heritage.

A huge variety of events will take place across Lithuania, from its big cities to smaller towns such as Dieveniškės and the seaside of Karklė, inviting all Lithuanian residents to join in.

The Department of Cultural Heritage under the Ministry of Culture is organizing the grand opening of the European Heritage Days in Lithuania at the Sapiegos Palace (L. Sapiegos str. 13, Vilnius), where participants will be able to choose from a wide variety of activities: quizzes,  the history of European Heritage Days, and relaxation in a temporary cinema hall.

The Sapiegos Residence Complex, a testament to its deep history and difficult heritage restoration path, will offer an insight into the efforts that heritage restoration requires. During the opening event, temporarily revived rooms of the Sapiegos Palace will be filled with music. The concert will be performed by a the famous quartet “Subtilu Z”.  Participants will also be able to admire a light installation created by the managers of the Sapiegos Palace, the Contemporary Art Centre.

European Heritage Days promotes exploration of heritage not only through excursions and lectures, but also through spending time with family and friends, and this year the public is invited to take part in hikes around the outermost municipalities of Vilnius. Guided cycling tours will also take place across Lithuania. And for those who like to enjoy nature at a slower pace, the VU Botanical Garden (Vingis section) will offer an exploration of "The Harmony of Plants and Heritage", and the Tartle Art Gallery will invite to take a walk in a sculpture garden.

This year, Lukiškės Prison will open its doors especially for European Heritage Days. Staff will share breathtaking experiences with visitors, while the National Martynas Mažvydas Library Workshop will share secrets about document preservation and restoration.

European Heritage Days in Lithuania are organized by the Department of Cultural Heritage under the Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with 59 national municipalities, regional and national parks directorates, libraries and museums, cultural, vocational training and tourism information centres, as well as galleries, gymnasiums, local communities, neighbourhoods, etc.

Information on these and other events, as well as the full program of the European Heritage Days, can be found at:  http://kpd.lt/epd2019/

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