Visitors to Dievogala can shape their stay around a range of cultural and historical themes: a significant memorial site, historic cemetery markers and a public cultural venue. These themes span remembrance of victims of Nazi rule, art, media and creative work. A sacred stream on the edge of the Nemunas Valley is also part of the town’s traditional history.

Remembrance and Contemporary History

The site of the Jewish massacre and the grave in Dievogala are an object of national cultural heritage with historical and commemorative value. At the end of summer 1941, about 40 Jewish men from Jankai, Paežerėlis and Zapyškis were killed and buried there in an execution organized by the Nazis. The approximate number and the named places of origin give the memorial site a specific historical context.

The Papiškės-Novos partisan bunker in Dievogala tells another story, from a later period. In 1944 and 1945, nineteen partisans stayed there at different times, hiding and receiving treatment. Two distinct chapters of history are therefore in focus: remembrance of the Jewish men murdered in 1941 and the partisan history of 1944 and 1945.

Cemetery, Chapel and Church

The old cemetery of Zapyškis is considered a significant cultural and historical site in the Suvalkija region. The Neoclassical chapel at the old cemetery (“Zapyškio senųjų kapinių koplyčia”) in Dievogala was built around 1860. Old cemetery crosses are kept there, including surviving hand-forged crosses. Inscriptions in Lithuanian and the local dialect were placed on the cemetery’s stone grave markers and memorials during the period of the Lithuanian press ban. This historic site thus brings together architectural history, craftsmanship and the history of written language.

Distinct from this is the old Zapyškis Church of St. John the Baptist (“Senoji Zapyškio Šv. Jono Krikštytojo bažnyčia”), also in Dievogala. Its history dates back to the 16th century. The church organ was once called the “king of Lithuanian organs.” The different dates are helpful in understanding the two religious buildings: the chapel is said to have been built around 1860, while the church’s history dates back to the 16th century.

Culture and Visit Planning

“Nemuno7” is a cultural ship and floating dredger, as well as a public cultural venue beside the Zapyškis pier. It serves as a center for visual art, media, technology, science and creative work. This gives it a cultural focus distinct from the memorial sites and historic architecture. As the program may change, it is advisable to check current listings if you are planning to attend a specific event.

The Zapyškis pier is located at Muziejaus g. 2 in Dievogala. Tourists use it to board and disembark when visiting local attractions or cultural events. A history tour of Zapyškis is free and lasts 1.5 hours; advance registration is required. If you plan to join this tour, allow for the registration and the set time commitment. This makes it possible to treat the guided history tour and a visit focused on your own interest in architecture, remembrance or art as separate parts of your travel plans.

The Stream on the Edge of the Nemunas Valley

The Dievogalos Švento Jono upelis is a sacred site on the edge of the Nemunas Valley. According to tradition, its water had healing properties. This story complements the historical themes of remembrance and culture with a local tradition connected to the stream and its significance as a sacred place. Visitors choosing Dievogala for a variety of interests will find both specific historical points of reference and a traditional interpretation of the landscape.

Discover more destinations: Mastaičiai, Čekiškės seniūnija, Domeikava, Neveronys, Girininkai, Kačerginė, Raudondvaris.

For the broader travel overview: Kauno rajono savivaldybė.