About Alytus
Ethnographic capital of the region Dzukija.
At the end of XIX c. Alytus was turned into a fortress to defend town from intruders. The remains of the fortress still can be found in a forest, they are known as the Artillery barracks near the Įgulos Church and the Park with Saratov barracks.
In the woods of Alytus you can find massive graves of the deceased prisoners of war and civilians at the mass grave from World War II. At the Nazi occupation time in the Vidzgiris forest were killed and buried 60,000 Jews, now you can see at the highest hill the memorial monument - a broken Star of David. It is necessary to visit the Old urban park, a monument of freedom (Angel of Freedom), dedicated to gorillas that fight for Lithuanian independence. 1944 in Alytus were staying the legendary French aviation squadron Normandie - Niemen.
Alytus region has beautiful natural landscape and the national Dzukijos, Meteliai, Nemunas Loops Regional Parks and Žuvintas reservation, which contains large variety of birds. Many Dzukija national park ethnographic villages still have the old crafts workshops. From Merkinė, Liskiavaan Punia mounds you can see excellent views of districts.
From XVII c. till nowadays on 15th of August at Pivašiūnai church is very significant and important mess for Catholics, which is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and from the old times in this church you can see magic picture of mother of God.