Šventoji, Lithuania

Šventoji is a picturesque coastal resort in northern Lithuania, situated where the Šventoji River flows into the Baltic Sea. Its history dates back to the Stone Age, although it was first mentioned in written records in the 14th century. Over the centuries, Šventoji served as a strategically important port that once rivaled Klaipėda and Riga. Interestingly, between 1919 and 1921, this territory belonged to Latvia until a border commission transferred it to Lithuania to grant the nation better access to the sea. This historical link is still palpable in the region's cultural atmosphere today.

A Family-Oriented Coastal Retreat

Nowadays, Šventoji is known as a quieter and more family-friendly alternative to the bustling Palanga. The town's hallmarks are its expansive white sand beaches and dunes surrounded by pine forests. One of the most popular attractions is the "Monkey Bridge"—a swaying pedestrian suspension bridge over the river that connects the town center to the dunes. Another iconic symbol of the town is the monumental sculpture "Fisherman's Daughters," featuring three tall figures gazing out to sea, waiting for their fathers and husbands to return home.

Culture and Sacred Traditions

Šventoji is more than just a destination for sun and sea; it offers a rich cultural experience. The town’s skyline is dominated by the modern Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Star of the Sea, and its historic wooden chapel (built in 1931). For nature and history enthusiasts, a must-visit is the "Žemaičių Alka"—a reconstructed pagan sanctuary on a dune, featuring wooden totems symbolizing ancient Baltic deities. This site serves both as an observatory for tracking solar cycles and a spiritual space where the breath of antiquity can truly be felt.