The ancient Lithuanian capital of Kernavė charms visitors with its irresistible panorama. Four mysterious mounds in a broad river valley evoke several millennia of history and the distant times of the early Baltic tribes. Archaeological discoveries from the early Middle Ages reveal the story of the lost city that once stood here. In the 13th century it was a big feudal town formed around defensive mounds, but in 1390, during an attack by the Crusaders, Kernavė was completely destroyed.
Archaeological digs that have been going on here consistently for 30 years have found evidence of people living here as far back as 11,000 years ago. A cultural reserve has been established to protect the site, which takes up almost 200 hectares and continues to provide valuable information that dates back to the 10th millennium before Christ. The Museum of Archaeology and History in Kernavė contains the archaeological findings that have been discovered here. In 2004, Kernavė was put on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Celebrations and festivals of folklore take place in Kernavė every summer. During the Days of Living Archaeology, the artists and masters of old crafts dress up in the garb of centuries past and put their creativity on display. Visitors can try out dishes of ancient cuisine, model a pot, try their hand at archery, make a coin using a hammer, listen to archaic music or take an unforgettable ride in a horse and cart.