TRAKAI CASTLE AND MUSEUM

This jewel rests peacefully on its small island in the heart of Lac Galvé. A footbridge provides access from the shore. Built of red brick, the castle was erected in various phases from the late ^14th century onwards, but the most important expansion took place under Grand Duke Vytautas, who made it his residence (and died here). It was partly destroyed in the ^17th century during the invasion of Tsarist Russia, and was not renovated until the ^20th century. The complex comprises the Grand Duke's Palace, surrounded by a defensive wall, and a fore-castle, separated from the palace by a deep moat. Some of the castle's rooms house the Trakai Historical Museum (Trakų istorijos muzeijus). The fore-castle is dedicated to exhibitions of handicrafts (glasswork, ivory, pearls, etc.), important objects such as seals and hunting trophies, temporary exhibitions, and also houses monetary treasures found in the region. The castle itself presents its history, that of Grand Duke Vytautas, life in Trakai and that of its inhabitants, including the Tatar and Karaites minorities (you can learn more about their origins and see their traditional costumes). You can admire medieval weapons and armor, furniture... and the "throne room" where Vytautas received his guests. Every year, the castle grounds host a medieval festival in July, and a festival of ancient crafts in mid-August.