Kėdainiai is one of the places where the shared history of Lithuania and Poland can be clearly felt. It is a town connected with the Radziwiłł family and the events of the 17th century, and located close to the birthplace of Nobel Prize-winning poet Czesław Miłosz.
In 2026, Kėdainiai is hosting the Lithuanian Capital of Culture programme, bringing a wide range of cultural events and experiences throughout the year. Yet the town is worth visiting not only for its events.
One of the key highlights this season is the reopening of the Evangelical Reformed Church and the Radziwiłł Mausoleum after reconstruction. This site is closely linked to one of the most influential noble families of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth and to 17th-century Kėdainiai.
The town is also associated with Janusz Radziwiłł, who in 1655 signed the Union of Kėdainiai with Sweden – a decision that remains widely discussed and interpreted in different ways by historians. Today, visitors can explore places connected to this complex period of history.
From 15 April, the Evangelical Reformed Church and the Radziwiłł Mausoleum are open to visitors from Wednesday to Sunday.
Kėdainiai is also important in 20th-century cultural history. Just a few kilometres away, in the village of Šeteniai, Czesław Miłosz was born. The site can be visited today and offers insight into the origins of his work.
One-day route: Radziwiłłs and Miłosz
Start your day in the old town of Kėdainiai – walk along Didžioji Street, visit the Evangelical Reformed Church and the Radziwiłł Mausoleum. In the afternoon, take time to enjoy local cafés and museums, then continue to Šeteniai, the birthplace of Czesław Miłosz. This short journey allows you to experience different layers of the region’s history in a single day.
Kėdainiai is an excellent choice for a short break or a weekend trip. Its compact old town, easily accessible sites and variety of experiences make it easy to explore at your own pace – combining history, culture and local flavours.
More ideas and practical information for your visit are available on the Kėdainiai Tourism and Business Information Centre website.
