Kupiskis was mentioned for the first time in written sources in 1480, when Stanislaus Johannis de Cupyschky, i.e. Stanislovas Jonaitis from Kupiskis, started the studies at Krakow University. Kupiskis, as the lord’s township, was first mentioned in 1529, when regulations, obligating towns and townships to pay for war matters, were concluded. According to written historical sources, witch trials were organized in town in the middle of the 17th century. Kupiskis was repeatedly devastated by the fires, wars, and was also affected by the plague. Nearby cities are Panevezys, Rokiskis and Utena, where one can arrive at in just more than half an hour. The distance from Kupiskis to capital city Vilnius is 154 km, 289 km to Klaipeda and 149 km to Latvian capital city Riga.
Kupiškis: 10 places to visit
1. The Ascension church of Kupiskis.
The first thing you see, as entering the town on whichever way, are its’ red brick towers. The Church is a monument of the Neo-Gothic style, hall type (60 x 43 m), built of bricks, and has two towers, 2 sacristies, 3 naves and 5 altars inside. Its’ arches are ferroconcrete. The roof is adorned by 22 crosses. The Church was built in 1900–1914 and is one of the largest in Lithuania.
2. Kupiskis lagoon.
It is the fourth largest artificial pond in Lithuania. In 1984 the artificial pond of area of 828 ha and 25 km long was formed by dammed up the river Levuo. On shores are made bathing-places and recreation areas.
3. Mother in law’s Tongue Dendropark.
On the island of Kupiskis there is a dendropark of Mother-in-law’s Tongue with an area of 8.97 ha. There are more than 50 species of trees growing alongside, which nearby there are the information boards. In the territory of the park there are cognitive paths, recreation areas with bowers, garbage cans, toilets, a place for events. Nearby there are 2 spacious parking lots, information stands. The park can be reached from the Pajuodupe village side by bridge or from Aukstupenai resting place by a pontoon bridge.
4. Small architecture “The open – air museum” of H. Orakauskas sculptures in the town.
The sculptor creative’s area is very diverse: metal, wooden and stone sculptures, drawings and graphics. Currently the town is adorned with over 20 art works of f this sculptor. The Open-Air Museum is tourist route, revealing the distinctive face of the city.
5. Kupiskis Ethnographic Museum.
Kupiskis Ethnographic Museum is located in the stonework building of a former school (1823) at Gediminas str. 2. It is the only museum in Lithuania established during World War II. The Museum and its’ branches store 56 747 thousand exhibits. Presently the Museum executes educational activities and organizes art, folk art, photography and other exhibitions. Educational classes for children, schoolchildren and adults.
6. Kupiskis mound.
The Mound is situated just by Kupiskis, near Kupiskis Lagoon and Aukstupenai village. It is made on the massive and oblong hill on the left bank of the river Levuo. In ancient times the Selonians (the Balts tribe) have lived in Kupiskis surroundings, whose were their southern lands.
7. Adomyne manor.
The Adomyne Manor is a beautiful and rare wooden architectural monument of the Romantic Classicism. It is included into the Heritage Registry of the Lithuanian Culture. Educational activities in Adomyne Manor: cooking of “Adomyne Pagrabines” buns.
8. Palevene St. Dominic’s (Dominican) Church and Monastery Ensemble
It is the only exponent of the Late Baroque in Higher Lithuania (Aukstaitija). The interior of Palevene Church (including eight altars) is one of the most authentic exponents of the so-called Folk Baroque. Educational activities in monastery mysterious cellars: culinary dishes. Nowadays the festivals of sacral art and music are being organised in Palevene Ensemble of the Monastery and Church.
9. The Museum of Adomas Petrauskas.
For the first visitors, Adomas Petrauskas opened his barn’s door in 1969. At that time, in the self-contained exposition was an ethnographic exhibits, an archaeological finds.
10. The former Jewish synagogue.
The synagogue is currently being restored.
