Trakai Island Castle / Traku salos pilis - Trakai (Lithuania) - Official Local Tourism Attractions on Waymarking.com

Beautiful Gothic Trakai Island Castle (Traku salos pilis), located on small island in Lake Galve, is not only one of the most important historic and architectural monuments of Lithuania, but also one of key touristic targets of this Baltic country.

The historical capital of Lithuania, Trakai, which is otherwise known as the ‘town of lakes’ owns a unique castle which is the only one of its type in the Baltic region. The castle, surrounded by waters on all four sides, is called the Trakai Island Castle. Though constructed in 1410 just after the famous Battle of Grünenwald as a defense fortress, it was turned into a residence of Grand Dukes of Lithuania Vytautas and Kestutis. Later on, the Trakai Island Castle was used as a prison.

Trakai Castle is an incredible architectural example of Gothic architecture. The castle has a high and well-constructed strong wall all around it and also a forecastle which was built for the purpose of protection. According to historical sources, the Trakai Island Castle was also equipped with a mechanism for forced-air heating and had many lovely wooden galleries, paintings of stained glass, murals, secret passages… Visitors now can come and visit the Trakai Island Castle museum which reflects the former beauty and takes everyone many centuries back in time.

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