Historical facts about our city-Siauliai These slides are done by: Robertas Remeika Tomas Gražulis

Siauliai is located in the north of Lithuania and it is between the ethnic groups of Zemaitija and Aukstaitija The birth of Siauliai is determined by the Battle of Saule which is translated as The Battle Of The Sun.

The center of Siauliai has changed deliberately

As you can see, our city, even after being heavily damaged over the wars,occupations,is being rebuilt to save its old architecture

This is how our coat of arms changed

One of the main historical buildings of Siauliai is the Cathedral of saint Petras and Paulius. It was first known as a minor chapel but over the years it has grown to a church and then,a cathedral. Later it was renovated with only a new altar.

No one knows why the cathedral was built on a small hill No one knows why the cathedral was built on a small hill. A folk legend says an enormous bull was walking past Siauliai and decided to have a rest. As it sat down it fell asleep forever. As the time went by , the wind covered the bull up with dirt and soil , so it became a small hill.

The cathedral changed a bit This is how the exterior changed dating from the 19th century up till nowadays.

Another important historical building in Siauliai is Frankells Villa Another important historical building in Siauliai is Frankells Villa. It is in Vilniaus 74 Street. It is one of the ancient buildings in Siauliai which was designed in the XX century.

History says that in 1908 not far from a prosperous leather factory the owners Chaim and Dora Frenkells built the villa as their own residence.

In 1920-1940 the villa was used as a private gymnasium for the jews In 1920-1940 the villa was used as a private gymnasium for the jews . In world war 2 it was a German private military hospital and then a soviet one. In 1994 it was transformed into the museum of Ausra .Later with the help of European Funds it was reconstructed and modernized up to the present state.

The first photo shows how Frenkells Villa looked like in the XX century.The second one has been taken nowadays.

One more famous landmark located not far from Siauliai is the Hill of crosses. It is situated on a remoted hill on the left bank of the river Kulpe.

It is believed that the crosses started to be built after the rise against the occupation of the Russian empire in 1831, in the memory of those who became victims in the fight for freedom.

The Hill of crosses became especially popular when pope John Paul II visited and blessed it.

Come and visit Siauliai Come and visit Siauliai . It is a truly wonderful city full of interesting history and amazing culture. Siauliai is the Sun city.