The wealth of Tyshkevich family: from Palanga to Lentvaris

One of the most influential families and landowners

The Count Tushkevich family was one of the most influential and wealthy families in Lithuania during the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries. They owned several magnificent manors, many of which are still standing and are open to the public today.

The family's origins can be traced back to the early 16th century when they established themselves in Belarus and Lithuania. The Tyshkevich family became prominent landowners, and over the centuries, they amassed an impressive collection of manors, castles, and estates throughout the region^[1].

One of the family's most impressive estates is the Trakai Island Castle, which is located in the picturesque town of Trakai, about 28 km west of Vilnius. This castle is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Lithuania, and it is known for its beautiful architecture and stunning views of Lake Galvė. The Trakai Island Castle was restored in the early 20th century by Count Michał Tyszkiewicz, who transformed it into a luxurious residence with a large collection of art, furniture, and historical artifacts.

The Counts of Tiškevičiai are probably the most famous noble family in Lithuania. Originating in the 16th century, the Tiškevičiai became Lithuania's richest landowners over several centuries. The dozens of estates owned by the nobility were characterized by sumptuous luxury, delicate aesthetics, and spectacular landscaped parks. The Tiškevičius, who were not only wealthy, built manors but also took care of industrial development, social affairs and contributed significantly to the development of local communities.

You can get a glimpse of the luxury of the life of the counts and their culture by visiting the manor houses of Užutrakis, Trakų Vokė, Raudondvaris, Palanga or Kretinga.

Vacation home and other manors near the Baltic sea

Another one of the family's famous manors is the Palanga Manor, located in the coastal town of Palanga. This elegant estate was built in the 19th century by Count Feliks Tyszkiewicz, and it served as the family's summer residence. The Palanga Manor is surrounded by a beautiful park, which features several ponds, a fountain, and a variety of exotic plants.

The Tiškevičius family, who acquired Palanga Manor in 1824, are also considered the founders of the resort. They were responsible for the development of the beach, the construction of roads, and the building of summer houses, including the first restaurant and hotel in Palanga, named Kurhaus.

The current Manor House was built in the time of Feliks Tiškevičius and was designed by the German Franz Schwechten in 1891. Around the palace, E. Andre created a spectacular park, which is still a delight for the citizens of Palanga and the city's visitors today. Paths have been laid among the centuries-old pine trees, ponds have been dug, many trees and shrubs have been planted, and a huge rose garden has been preserved to this day.

Another place in the same region have been liked by Tyshkevich family. Kretinga Manor was acquired in 1874 by Juozapas Tiškevičius, who soon moved here with his family. The palace in the Neo-Renaissance style had stood in Kretinga before, but Tyshkevich rebuilt and beautified it a little.

The two-building palace was connected by an impressive conservatory, one of the largest private winter gardens in Europe. The exotic plants, which bloomed and greened all year round, seemed like a true miracle to the guests of the manor.

The Tiškevičius invested heavily in industry and social affairs. The first hydroelectric power station was installed at the water mill, an old people's and orphanage was established next to the manor, and later the first Lithuanian kindergarten.

The legacy of the Tyshkevich family all over Lithuania

The Raudonė Castle, situated in the western part of Lithuania, is another one of the Tyshkevich family's impressive estates. This castle was built in the 16th century and underwent several renovations over the years. It served as the family's residence until the early 20th century, and it is now open to the public as a museum.

The family also owned the famous Lentvaris Manor, which was located near the town of Lentvaris, about 25 km west of Vilnius. This estate was one of the largest in the region, and it served as the family's main residence for many years. The Lentvaris Manor was known for its beautiful architecture, stunning gardens, and luxurious interior decor.

Today, many of the Tiškevičius family's manors have been restored and are open to the public as museums, hotels, or cultural centers. These historic estates serve as a reminder of Lithuania's rich cultural heritage, and they attract visitors from all over the world who come to admire their beauty and learn about the country's fascinating history.

Tyshkevich family played a significant role in the history of Lithuania, and their legacy is still visible today in the many impressive manors and estates they owned throughout the region. These historic landmarks serve as a testament to the family's wealth, power, and influence, and they continue to inspire and educate visitors from all over the world.

Raudondvaris Manor was given to Benediktas Emanuel Tiškevičius as a wedding gift from his father Mykolas Tiškevičius in 1825. The new owner rebuilt the red brick palace, which had been destroyed by fire, and spared neither time nor money for the manor itself. Heated by Swedish wood-burning stoves and decorated with portraits of kings and noblemen, the palace had a bathroom and even four toilets - amenities that were unusual for many at the time^[2].

The estate's park and conservatory were no less well-equipped. The latter was famous for its collection of citrus trees and exotic plants brought back by the Counts from their travels. There were parrots chirping, monkeys frolicking, and even three alligators being kept at one time.

Impressive mansions and the humble family

The Tyshkevich family inherited Užutrakis Manor, located on Galvė Lake, in 1897. Juozapas Tiškevičius, who was the caretaker of the manor, together with his wife Jadvyga, decided to transform the wooden building in the forest into an elegant, classical palace, the interior of which is decorated with furniture and crystal chandeliers brought from Paris.

Designed by the Warsaw architect Jan Hus, the white brick palace was used by the Tyszkiewiczs as a summer residence. The only land route to the estate was too poor for the luxury-loving counts, who reached their property by water via the confluence of the Galvė and Skátis lakes.

The Užutrakis Manor Park, designed by the Frenchman Eduard Francois Andre and decorated with avenues of lime trees, flowerbeds and sculptures, is still a favorite with wedding guests and visitors who are hungry for romance.

Trakų Vokė Manor was acquired by Jonas Vitoldas Emanuelis Tiškevičius and his wife Izabela in the middle of the 19th century. Initially only visiting the estate in the summer, the Counts later decided to move to Trakai Voke permanently^[3]. The magnificent manor house was designed by Italian architect Leandro Marconi, after the model of the royal residence in Warsaw.

The two-storey palace was decorated with eight sculptures, and the interior was surprisingly luxurious: the walls were hung with paintings, the rooms were warmed by marble fireplaces, and the furniture was bought at auctions or specially commissioned.

After the Count's death, his son, Jonas Juozapas, inherited the Trakų Vokė estate. In 1982, thanks to his efforts, the estate park was redesigned by the landscape architect E. Andre, a favorite of the Tiškevičius. The cascades on the slope were even equipped with stone baths for ladies and gentlemen.