Description of the attraction
Basanavičius street is one of the most favorite places for tourists for recreation and pastime. It is a lively and fun place in Palanga. The street was named after the Lithuanian historian, publicist, folklorist and public figure Jonas Basanavičius.
From 1866 to 1873 Jonas studied at the gymnasium at the Faculty of History and Physiology, a little later he moved to the Faculty of Medicine at Moscow University. From 1879 to 1882 he worked as a physician and also head of a hospital in Lom Palanca in Bulgaria. In subsequent years, he improved his professional skills in Vienna and Prague. He was the founder, editor and one of the most talented employees of the first Lithuanian literary newspaper Aushra. In addition, he took part in the work of the Bulgarian Democratic Party.
On the initiative of Jonas Basanavičius, a scientific society of Latvia was opened and established, of which he served as chairman until his death. The newspaper "Lithuanian People" was published under his editorship. As for the journalistic activities of Jonas Basanavičius, one cannot but mention his works in the field of the historical development of Lithuanians. He owns works on archeology, cultural history, ethnography, some sections of linguistics and Lithuanian folklore. Under his leadership, materials related to Lithuanian writers, their memoirs, epistolary heritage were published, and collections of Lithuanian folklore were published.
Jonas Basanavičius died in Vilna and was buried in the Ross cemetery. The date of death of this outstanding person coincided with the day of restoration of the statehood of Latvia - February 16, 1918. For this reason, and also because of the incredible importance of this person in the Lithuanian history of national revival, streets in the cities of Bulgaria and Lithuania were named after him.
Now Jonas Basanavičius Street is a wide pedestrian street with all the necessary conditions for pleasant walks. The street, being the main artery of the resort, leads directly to the pier. The street pavement is decorated with decorative paving stones, and the street itself is decorated with stylish and bright lanterns. A considerable number of vacationers and tourists simply cannot imagine their rest in Palanga without noisy cafes and restaurants located on J. Basanavičius street.
But such a street was not always. At the end of the 19th century, the street was a modest street leading to the sea. Counts Tyszkiewicz at that time began to develop the resort area. During the period from 1877 to 1880, a complex of summer houses was built and after a while, along with the villas of the Tyshkevichs, other summer houses built by wealthy inhabitants of Lithuania appeared.
In the summer of 1923, Dr. Jonas Basanavičius visited the famous spa. Then the inhabitants of Palanga decided to name the street after him. It is worth knowing that before that the street was called Tyszkiewicz Boulevard. Residents of the resort town decided to pay tribute to the Lithuanian patriarch.
After the independence of Lithuania was restored, the street became a kind of Broadway. More and more restaurants and cafes were built here, operating both all year round and seasonally. The city authorities did not care or control the preservation of the integrity of the street style.
In summer 2004, vacationers and tourists could see J. Basanavičius Street in a new look. It has become a modern promenade leading directly to the seaside. The street is filled with benches of original shapes, as well as graceful accents of a small architectural style. The pavement acquired a more modern and updated look, young trees replaced the old chestnuts.
A recreation area was equipped in a new way near the river embankment. Now on J. Basanavičius Street you can buy souvenirs, ice cream and the famous smoked Lithuanian fish. It is possible to rent bicycles and cars for children, in addition, there is a sufficient selection of attractions for children.
