Sculpture "Jūratė and Kastytis"

Located at the very end of J. Basanavičius Street, just before the dunes leading to the sea pier, stands the sculpture “Jūratė and Kastytis” (erected in 1961 by Nijolė Gaigalaitė). This artwork is more than just a visual landmark; it is a tribute to one of the most beautiful and poignant folk tales in Lithuanian culture.

The sculpture captures a moment from the legend of the goddess Jūratė, who lived in an amber palace at the bottom of the Baltic Sea, and a simple fisherman named Kastytis. When Jūratė fell in love with the mortal man, Perkūnas, the god of thunder, grew furious and destroyed her palace with lightning, punishing Jūratė for her defiance. According to legend, the pieces of amber washed ashore after storms are the fragments of her palace, while the tiny, tear-shaped bits are Jūratė’s tears mourning her lost love.

Today, the sculpture is surrounded by a graceful fountain and has become a beloved meeting spot for locals and tourists alike. It serves as a poetic reminder of the deep connection between humanity and the sea, explaining why the Baltic is often called the "Amber Sea."