Pakruojis Manor
par Jonas Nosalis
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Pakruojis ManorThe World > Europe > Lithuania |
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In the late 18th century Baron Wilhelm von der Ropp was the initiator who financed the construction of Pakruojis Manor. It was completed in the third decade of the 19th century. The von der Ropp’s wereLatvian and northern Lithuanian gentry of German origin who had become Polish. They were among the most powerful landholders in the region cultivating wheat, practicing logging, and operating dairies. It is one of the largest remaining Manor estates in Lithuania, extending for a whole kilometre along the right bank of the Kruoja River. 43 buildings remain to this day. In the centre stands the ornate double storey manor, built in the first half of the 19th century. It is currently being converted into the Pakruojis Museum. Visitors can inspect the most ornate room – the dance hall, located in the main building, or take a walk in the manor park. Excursions are offered also. The estate is decorated by the recently renovated unique arched bridge over the Kruoja River – the only late Classical construction in Lithuania.
Pakruojis Estate of Theodorus von Ropp.
Pakruojis Estate of Theodorus von Ropp - dairy building.
pakruojis, manor, dolomite, bridge, dam, lithuania
Europe is generally agreed to be the birthplace of western culture, including such legendary innovations as the democratic nation-state, football and tomato sauce.
The word Europe comes from the Greek goddess Europa, who was kidnapped by Zeus and plunked down on the island of Crete. Europa gradually changed from referring to mainland Greece until it extended finally to include Norway and Russia.
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Text by Steve Smith.
