16. Route: Wooden Architecture of Druskininkai

About

The wooden villas for recreation in Druskininkai, which reflect both the style of the period and the peculiarities of the region, were designed during the Tsarist Russia and Polish interwar periods for wealthy clients: Mrs Mulevskaja, the Miliceris, Grudzinskas, Rožnovas families and others. The architecture of the summer villas of the late 19th and early 20th centuries was influenced not only by the experiences of the clients’ travels abroad, but also by political factors, which is why the wooden villas of Druskininkai represent a unique variety of styles and are characterised by their decorativeness – the facades are ornate and embellished with striking turrets and spires. The facades of the wooden buildings feature the so-called Swiss, German and Zakopane styles, elements of Russian decor, Romanticism, and historicism. During the guided tour, we will explore the peculiarities of the wooden buildings and villas bearing picturesque names: Dworek, Riviera, Maurytanka, Radium, now called Žuvėdra, etc.