Aleksotas Borough of Kaunas, Lithuania | True Lithuania
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Aleksotas Borough

Aleksotas district is immediately beyond Nemunas river from the Old Town but it has a certain suburban feel, just like the entire southwestern Kaunas. The Nemunas valley, deep by lowland Lithuanian standards, means that Aleksotas has a lower part and the higher part built atop a wooded hill. This hill can be ascended by another of the Kaunas interwar funiculars still running on its Swiss machinery manufactured in 1935 (closed on Sundays).

The best vantage point in Kaunas is near the funicular upper station. You can see most of the historical boroughs of the city with Old Town dominating the foreground. This place may be reached by stairs or by car as well as the funicular.

Winter in Kaunas, as seen from the top station of Aleksotas funicular. ©Augustinas Žemaitis.

In the higher part of Aleksotas, the Darius and Girėnas airfield is located. Built in 1915 it was the main airport of Kaunas until the 1980s when it was replaced by a new one in Karmėlava suburb. Now it is overtaken by sports aviation but Aviation museum is also located here. You should probably skip it if you aren't a fan of aviation; that said the museum has interesting pictures and aircraft models from interwar Lithuania when the country was known for its aircraft manufacturers and had a mighty air force with some 100 fighter planes. There are some Soviet aircraft and helicopters in the exposition outside. Darius and Girėnas airport one of the oldest continuously operating airports in Europe. However, with old buildings replaced by new ones that dawn of the aviation era remains largely in the museum pictures.

Aleksotas was considered to be a separate town until 1919. In fact, it was on different Governorate of Russia with Kaunas being the capital of Kaunas governorate and Aleksotas being part of Suvalkai (Suwalki) governorate. The differences between these two governorates were no small deal: not only the laws were different but also the calendar. Kaunas Governorate had the old Julian one and was lagging two weeks behind Aleksotas where Gregorian calendar was used.

As such, Aleksotas bridge was nicknamed "time machine". This was not the bridge you see now, however, as the current one was built by the Soviets after the previous one was destroyed in World War 2. The monumental columns of Aleksotas bridge (rebuilt in 1948) are the last place in central Kaunas where the Soviet symbols are still not removed. They are safeguarded for their architectural value. This sometimes raises heated arguments as some politicians prefer to cover them.

A view towards Aleksotas from the Old Town with Aleksotas Bridge visible. ©Augustinas Žemaitis.

Compared to Žaliakalnis Aleksotas is less interesting.

Aleksotas map is included in the map of Kaunas fortress area.

Article written by Augustinas Žemaitis

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  1. Augustinas,

    My grandfather Antanas Szeszkewiczius was born in Kaunas (Aleksotas) on 03 April 1892. He emigrated to America on 27 November 1912, and I believe he made return visits to Kaunas in 1916 & 1923. Any info regarding his birth and siblings would be appreciated.

    Thank you for your assistance. Please let me know what info is available and the charge for your efforts.

    Lawrence Seskes
    Herndon VA USA

    • We will send you the information and prices by e-mail.

      Indeed, it is possible to search in the church records for his siblings.

      • Thank you. I’ll look for your email. Not received as of 29 October.

        Additional info (differs from previous report).

        Line 3 U.S. Immigration Arrival List for 27 November 1912:

        Full Name: Antanas Szeszkewicrius

        Place of Birth: Alexantki Russia

        Father’s name: Mateusz Szeszkewicrius

  2. Love this site that you so kindly were involved in. Read many of the post of others and your responses. This site opened my eyes to my husbands family and why they moved to the United States. I was wondering do you or would you do genealogical research for those of us that might be interested? The cost? If you do not, could you lead me in give me an idea of whom I could contact for such help with learning more about the history of my husband family for him? Thank you for all your caring and kindness. Doris

  3. I am searching for relatives here. I had an old phone number of suvalkia 38357 but I doubt people have home phones now. My grandpa was a gruzas. What is the best way of location people?


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