Panevezys

Panevezys is a city in eastern Lithuania, situated on the left bank of the Nevėžis River, approximately 90 kilometres northwest of the capital Vilnius. It serves as the administrative centre of Panevezys District Municipality within Kaunas County. According to the 2021 census, the city has a population of around 27,000 residents, making it one of the larger urban areas in the region.

The settlement was first recorded in the early 14th century, when it was mentioned as a fortified village. Throughout the Middle Ages it developed as a trading post due to its proximity to important river routes. The town gained municipal rights in 1413 and experienced significant growth after the arrival of the railway in the late 19th century. During the interwar period Panevezys became an important industrial centre, a status that was maintained, with some interruptions, during the Soviet era.

Today Panevezys’s economy is diversified, with key sectors including textiles, timber processing, and food production. The textile plant Utenis is one of the largest employers in the area, producing a range of woven and knitted goods. In addition, the city hosts a small media centre and a manufacturing plant for household appliances. Recent development projects have focused on modernising infrastructure and promoting light industry and logistics.

Cultural life in Panevezys features several museums and galleries, most notably the Panevezys Art Gallery, which houses works by local and national artists. Annual festivals such as the Panevezys Cultural Days celebrate regional folk music, dance, and traditional cuisine. The city is also home to a botanical garden and a historic castle ruin that draws visitors interested in Lithuania’s medieval history.

Public transport connectivity includes the Panevezys Railway Station, which lies on the main line between Vilnius and Kaunas. Road links are provided by the A14 and A1 highways, offering access to neighboring towns and the national motorway network. Local bus services operate on a regular timetable, linking the city with surrounding villages and the wider region.