Varniai
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| Varniai | |||
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| Location | |||
| Ethnographic region | Samogitia | ||
| County | Telšiai County | ||
| Municipality | Telšiai district municipality | ||
| Coordinates | |||
| General Information | |||
| Capital of | Varniai rural elderate | ||
| Population | 1,310 in 2005 (90th) | ||
| First mentioned | 1314 | ||
| Granted city rights | 1950 | ||
Varniai is a city in Telšiai County, western Lithuania. In middle ages the city was known as Medininkai.
It was established in the 14th century, on Varnelė River bank, near important Samogitian castle. It was the center of Samogitian Catholic church: after baptism of Samogitia, Samogitian Bishop resided in the town. Around 1414-1416 first church was built, and circa 1464 the first Cathedral.
It was center of Samogitian episcopate until the middle of the 19th century, when authorities of the Russian Empire moved to it Kaunas.
With support of Merkelis Giedraitis, Mikalojus Daukša translated and made ready for print Postilla, first Lithuanian language book printed in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.
It was also residence of Motiejus Valančius.
[edit] Famous people from Varniai
- Merkelis Giedraitis
- Mikalojus Daukša
- Motiejus Valančius
[edit] External links
- (Lithuanian) Varniai – A Resourceful Renaissance Center of 16th Century Cultural and National Ideology
- (Lithuanian) Park of Varniai and history of Varniai
- (Lithuanian) Museum of Samogitian episcopate
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