Coastal Lithuania: Klaipėda, Palanga and Nida
Coastal Lithuania: Klaipėda, Palanga and Nida
Thursday 3 September – Sunday 6 September
Start time/location: 6:30pm/'Švyturys' Brewhouse, Klaipėda
End time/location: 5:30pm/central Palanga
Klaipėda and its surrounding region became part of Lithuania during the interwar period; previously, it had been German territory and even served as a refuge for the Prussian royal family during the Napoleonic Wars. World War II saw 60% of the city destroyed and it was then rebuilt and expanded in the Soviet era. A unique architectural language emerged, a sensitive approach that synthesised modernist egalitarian ambitions with the natural coastal landscape.
OUTLINE ITINERARY
Thursday 3rd September
Pre-tour briefing and drinks in Klaipėda oldtown.
Friday 4th
The day begins with an introductory lecture in a 1975 stained-glass hall by Algimantas Stoškus, followed by a coach tour of 70s and 80s residential districts in Klaipėda. In the afternoon the coach will take us to the Curonian spit, a UNESCO Heritage Site, stopping in the resorts of Preila and Nida. Dinner at the Nida Port (Alfredas Paulauskas, 1964-74, refurbished in 2019).
Saturday 5th
Walking tour of Klaipėda, looking at housing, public and commercial buildings. These will include offices (Paul Giesing and Karl Baxmann, 1938), the Palace for Weddings (Ramūnas Kraniauskas, 1976-80), a church (G. Čičiurka, V. Janulis, S. Plungė, 1990-2000), Klaipėda State Theatre (Algimantas Mikėnas, 1956-63), renovation by Studio Gollwitzer Architekten GmbH and MAMA Architects, 2024. The architect Marius Mateika, who worked on the refurbishment, will give us a tour of the theatre.
Sunday 6th
Coach and walking tour of Palanga, Lithuania’s oldest seaside resort. Highlights include Hotel 'Žilvinas' (Algimantas Lėckas, Kęstutis Augustinas, 1967-69), summer reading pavilion (Albinas Čepys, 1965), a school (Gintautas Petras Likša, Irena Likšienė,1986-87) and 'Eglė' apartments (Donatas Rakauskas, Darius Juškevičius, 2018). We will possibly visit Villa 'Auska', which was built for Leonid Brezhnev (Juozapas Šipalis, 1977).
This trip has been put together by Daumantas Patamsis, who studied at Mackintosh School of Architecture and currently works at Karakusevic Carson Architects. He is also a regular volunteer at C20 events.
Local Guides – Liutauras Nekrošius, (Associate Professor at Vilnius Gediminas Technical University) who previously accompanied C20 on the tour of Vilnius, and Kristina Sadauskienė a professional guide, writer and public relations representative for Klaipėda Drama Theatre.
PLEASE NOTE:
At the time of writing there's a single direct Ryanair flight between London (STN) and Palanga (PLQ) on 3 September. We can organise a transfer from the Palanga airport to Klaipėda (subject to a demand), the price is not included in the tour.
While we can't recommend any hotel, 3* Memel Hotel in Klaipėda is located very close to the daily meeting point.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact lukas@c20society.org.uk
C20 Members only £430
(Included in the price: coach, ferry, one dinner, headsets; and a contribution to the casework and campaigning activities of the Society)
Numbers limited to 25
C20 Society is not liable for any other costs including travel, accommodation, and meals. It is strongly recommended that you take out travel insurance, and read C20's cancellation policy and disclaimer click here.
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Above: Hotel 'Žilvinas' (Algimantas Lėckas, Kęstutis Augustinas, 1967-69). Photo by Daumantas Patamsis.
The Twentieth Century Society is an IHBC (Institute of Historic Building conservation) recognised CPD provider and a registered charity, no 1110244