Not every ordinary Kaunas resident knows what secrets lie behind the historic walls of Kaunas Castle. You don’t know either? Kaunas – the second-largest city in Lithuania and the temporary capital – is special not only for its architecture and history, but also for its unusual traditions, legends, and symbols. One of these unique symbols is the Kaunas Beast, which has found distinctive roots in the city’s culture. It is not only an exclusive attraction for locals and visitors alike, but also a great example of how art and legends can be combined to spark interest in Kaunas’ hidden places.

The Legend of the Kaunas Beast

Legend has it that one night, a young soldier dreamt of an enchanted princess living in the dungeons of Kaunas Castle. In his dream, she told him that he could become the king of the land if he freed her from the underground and followed all her instructions. Without a moment’s hesitation, the young man obeyed the princess’s command:

— Come to the great tower gate of the castle at night. When you see a flickering flame, start digging. After some digging, you’ll find iron doors guarded by an enchanted wolf. He won’t harm you, so continue digging until you reach the bronze doors. There lies a fearsome lion. Do not be afraid, do not make the sign of the cross—just keep digging until you reach the silver doors, guarded by the Kaunas Beast. Knock on the doors with the back of your hand, and they will let you into the underground kingdom. There, in the shining halls of the castle, you will see me—the enchanted princess glowing in the sunlight, seated on a golden throne, braiding her silky hair and singing sorrowful songs. To free me, you must solve a riddle. If you succeed and lead me and my army out of the dungeons, you will become the king of this land and may take me as your wife.

Delighted, the soldier immediately began to follow all the instructions he had heard in the dream.

At the appointed time that night, the young soldier arrived at the old Kaunas Castle and noticed a flickering flame. As he approached, he heard the clanging of weapons and the sorrowful wailing of the princess. Despite the icy fear gripping his body, the soldier began to dig. And indeed, he soon reached the iron doors...

But word of the determined soldier quickly spread throughout Kaunas. The Russian authorities, fearing a potential uprising, forbade the young man from continuing his excavation of the underground chambers and ordered the entrances to be sealed with massive stones. The soldier himself was exiled to a distant, harsh land, and the townspeople were forbidden to speak of the incident.

Since then, the princess has never appeared to anyone again. But people whisper that on quiet nights, if one walks near Kaunas Castle and listens closely, they can still hear her mournful lament...

And the Kaunas Beast, who guards the silver doors of the underground kingdom, has not vanished either. He still sleeps in the cellars of Kaunas Castle. Locals and visitors may hear the Kaunas Beast snoring—if they listen very carefully. And if nothing can be heard, it means the Beast has awoken and gone out to inspect his realm.

The Symbolism of the Kaunas Beast

The Kaunas Beast is depicted as a mythical creature, becoming one of Kaunas’ legends that intertwines the city’s history with elements of contemporary culture and tells the story of the city and its inhabitants' spirit. After all, almost every ancient castle is said to be inhabited by ghosts or other creatures that guard hidden treasures and various secrets. So, why can't it be the Kaunas Beast, inviting everyone to explore what to visit in Kaunas and solve the mysteries it hides?

The Kaunas Beast's Tooth

Another fascinating detail worth visiting in Kaunas is the Kaunas Beast's Tooth. It can be found near Kaunas Castle, at the intersection of A. Jakšto and Jonavos streets, or as the locals say, "on the corner."

The tooth symbolizes power and strength. It is said that the person who first sees the Kaunas Beast's tooth and shows it to others will become lucky and successful. For this very reason, many tourists visit Kaunas not only to explore unseen places in the city but also to find this mystical artifact, hoping it will bring them good fortune.

What to Do in Kaunas

A walk through Kaunas and an exploration of the Kaunas Beast open a unique window into the city’s culture and history. It’s a great activity for those not only looking to visit well-known landmarks but also eager to gain a deeper understanding of the city’s spirit. So, if you're wondering what to do in Kaunas and what to see in the city, don’t forget that the story of the Kaunas Beast can enrich your visit.

What to See in Kaunas

Aside from the Kaunas Beast, you’ll definitely find plenty to see in Kaunas. The city is home to numerous fascinating landmarks. The Old Kaunas Castle tells the story of the medieval city. Few people notice the thoughtful "Old Wise Man" painted on the wall of a former shoe factory, gazing into the distance. Not to mention the Kaunas Old Town, where the cobblestone streets have absorbed the steps of thousands of passersby over the centuries.

Kaunas' sights go beyond just museums and historic buildings. Art galleries, local cafés, and even the streets offer an opportunity to feel the rhythm of this historic city. So, stop by and discover what to do in Kaunas.

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