Girininkai and the Commemoration of Petras Varkala
Accommodation in Girininkai
In Girininkai, several local landmarks tell of different forms of remembrance: an iron cross with a religious dedication and a chapel post commemorating Petras Varkala. A central street is also named after him. A specific direction of travel helps locate the site of his former farmstead.
Girininkai at a glance
- The Girininkų kaimo kryžius is an iron cross on a stone base. It was erected in 1935 and dedicated to the saints of 1933 to 1935.
- The chapel post commemorating Petras Varkala was erected in 1991, on the 50th anniversary of his death, and entered in the Register of Cultural Property in 1992.
- Girininkai’s central street is named after the book smuggler Petras Varkala.
How do the cross and chapel post differ?
The two landmarks represent different forms of remembrance. The cross is distinguished by its form and its dedication to the saints of 1933 to 1935. The chapel post, by contrast, commemorates Petras Varkala. It was erected in 1991, on the 50th anniversary of Varkala’s death, at the initiative of Antanina Varkalytė-Baltrušienė. She was his daughter and a deportee.
The years also have different significance: 1935 marks the erection of the cross, 1991 the erection of the chapel post, and 1992 its entry in the Register of Cultural Property. This distinguishes the cross’s religious dedication, the personal commemoration of Varkala, and the post’s later registration.
What role does Petras Varkala play in finding your way around?
His name appears both on the chapel post and on Girininkai’s central street, which is named after him. The street name is a different point of reference from the memorial itself: it places Varkala’s name within the local street layout, while the chapel post was erected specifically in his memory.
Varkala’s life story is also part of the region’s history. After returning to Lithuania, he devoted himself to book smuggling.
How can you identify the site of the former farmstead?
A chapel post on the right-hand side of the road, together with a long, plastered brick house, marks the site of Petras Varkala’s former farmstead. Both landmarks can be seen when travelling from Rokai towards Prienai, beyond Raželių Forest. To find it, note both the direction of travel and the combination of the post and the house.
When using this information to plan your trip, follow the sequence described: from Rokai towards Prienai, beyond the forest, on the right-hand side of the road. This helps distinguish the reference point from the other memorials.
What should you consider when looking for a hotel?
If the memorial sites are among the things that interest you in Girininkai, compare the specific address of each hotel with your own plans when choosing where to stay. The destination name alone is no substitute for checking the location. Use Girininkai as your search destination, then assess whether each location suits your travel plans.
Discover more destinations: Raudondvaris, Mastaičiai, Kačerginė, Dievogala, Neveronys, Čekiškės seniūnija, Domeikava.
FAQ
How can you identify the site of the former farmstead?
A chapel post and a long, plastered brick house mark the site on the right-hand side of the road. Both can be seen when travelling from Rokai towards Prienai, beyond Raželių Forest.
When were the chapel post and cross erected?
The cross was erected in 1935. The chapel post commemorating Petras Varkala was erected in 1991, on the 50th anniversary of Varkala’s death.
What connects Petras Varkala with the central street?
Girininkai’s central street is named after Varkala. After returning to Lithuania, he devoted himself to book smuggling.
For the broader travel overview: Kauno rajono savivaldybė.
