The castle was originally built on the site of a former Order of the Teutonic Knights fortress known as Welona.
It was designed as a residential castle, meaning it prioritized comfort and aesthetic luxury alongside defensive capabilities.
The castle is famously situated on a steep hill overlooking the Nemunas River, which served as a natural defensive barrier.
The interior contains a preserved 17th-century layout with thick walls and vaulted ceilings characteristic of early fortifications.
The surrounding landscape is part of the Panemunė Regional Park, which is known for its biodiversity.
The architectural style represents the transition period between the Renaissance and the Baroque in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.
Panemunės Castle is a 17th-century fortification located on the high right bank of the Nemunas River in Lithuania. Built in 1604 by the Hungarian nobleman Elemér Eperjes, it replaced an older wooden fortress. The structure combines Renaissance and Baroque architectural elements, following the design of Dutch architect Peter Nonhardt. It was originally built as a defensive residence, incorporating a complex system of ponds and terraced parks. The castle has undergone several periods of reconstruction, most notably in the 19th and 20th centuries to preserve its remaining wings. Currently, it serves as a site for historical exhibitions and cultural events. Its grounds feature a distinct layout of five connected ponds.
The view from the lower garden looking back up at the main castle facade reflecting in the pond.
Wear comfortable, sturdy footwear as the grounds feature uneven gravel paths and steep slopes.
Bring a light jacket as the stone-walled interior can be significantly cooler than the outdoor temperature.
Explore the surrounding terraced park areas to see the historical pond system.
Do not attempt to climb or lean on the unrestored external masonry walls, as they are fragile historical structures.
The castle exhibits are typically closed on Mondays; the exterior grounds may have different access hours than the interior museum space.
