Kdainiai

Kėdainiai, sometimes written Kedainiai, is a city in central Lithuania. It is the administrative center of Kėdainiai district municipality in Kaunas County. The city lies on the Nevėžis River, in the Nevėžis lowland, and serves as a regional hub for the surrounding agricultural area.

Its history extends to the medieval era when it developed as a local market town and trading center connected to broader routes in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and later the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Over the centuries, Kėdainiai grew as a municipal center, adopting urban characteristics reflected in its street plan and historic buildings.

The Old Town preserves a collection of historic churches and other architectural remains, while nearby districts feature traditional wooden houses and mid-urban landmarks. The city hosts cultural institutions and regional events that reflect its long-standing role as a local center for commerce and community life.

Demographics have shifted over time; the area historically hosted a significant Jewish community, and before World War II Jews formed a substantial portion of the town’s population. In contemporary times, the population is predominantly Lithuanian with minority communities represented in the region.

Economy is diversified, including food processing, milling, and light manufacturing, with agriculture in the surrounding rural areas contributing to local activity. Kėdainiai is connected by road and rail to larger Lithuanian cities, supporting commerce, commuting, and access to services throughout the region.