Telšiai History: A Look at Lithuania's Second Largest City
Telšiai is the second largest city in Lithuania and it has a long and fascinating history. Located in the northwestern part of the country, the city was first mentioned in written records in the 13th century. It has had a turbulent past, having been ruled by various powers over the centuries. Today, it is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage.
The earliest mention of Telšiai is from 1253, when it was referred to as Telšiai Castle. It was part of the Trakai district of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. The castle was destroyed during the Lithuanian Civil War in 1362, and the city was rebuilt a few years later. During the 16th century, Telšiai was part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. In the 17th century, it was part of the Swedish Empire, and in the 18th century, it was part of the Russian Empire.
In the 19th century, Telšiai became an important center for the Lithuanian national movement. It was the birthplace of the first Lithuanian newspaper, Varpas (The Bell), which was published in 1883. The city was also an important center of the Lithuanian cultural movement, and it was home to several prominent writers, including Vincas Kudirka, the author of the Lithuanian national anthem.
During World War I, Telšiai was occupied by German forces. After the war, it became part of the newly independent Lithuania. In the interwar period, it was an important center of the Lithuanian agricultural economy, and it was home to several factories and mills.
During World War II, Telšiai was occupied by the Soviet Union. After the war, it was part of the Lithuanian SSR, and it was an important center of industrial production. In the late 1980s, Telšiai was an important center of the Lithuanian independence movement, and it was the site of several major protests against Soviet rule.
Today, Telšiai is a vibrant city with a population of around 70,000. It is an important center of industry, commerce, and culture, and it is home to several universities and museums. The city's rich history is reflected in its many monuments and landmarks, including the Telšiai Cathedral and the Telšiai City Hall. It is a popular tourist destination, and it offers a wide range of attractions for visitors to explore.