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Ukmergė

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Rolandas Janickas

Situated in the centre of Lithuania, Ukmerge is one of the oldest cities in the country. In written sources its name was first mentioned in the chronicle of Hermann Wartberg, back in 1333 which read that this year the Master of the Livonian Order ".... was next to Wilkenberg." The name of the city was associated with the "Wilk" root until the First World War.

All information about the castle of Ukmerge, which stood on an artificial hill, is linked to the Gediminas dynasty. The famous British historian, SS Rowell, who studies Lithuanian history, argues that "the beginning of the Gediminas dynasty can be attributed to the Duke Villicilla, who lived during the XIII century in Ukmerge (Wilmerge)." If this is true, then the city of Gediminas - Vilnius was created as an analogue of the then Ukmerge. There is a similarity in the fact that the Ukmerge River flows to Shventaya and nearby, a fortified hill rises in the center of the city. Similarly, the Vilnius River in Vilnius flows into Neris, and near the central city area is the Gediminas Fortress.

The region of Ukmerge is famous for the significant European battles that took place there. In 1431, at Paabaiskas, men fought for the throne of the ruler of the Great Lithuanian Principality, and in 1812, in Deltouva the armies of Napoleon Bonaparte and Alexander I clashed. The revolt of 1863 broke out in Ukmerge, as well.

Ukmerge is also the land where the first Lithuanian President Anthony Smetona (born in 1874 in the village of Ujullenes) was raised.

Ukmerge is a city in Aukštaitija, Vilnius County. The Ukmerge district covers an area of 1 395 km² (29% of the area is covered by forests, 55% by agricultural land). The territory of the city of Ukmerge is 20.45 km². The residents are around 35 000. Distance to airports: Vilnius - about 80 km, Kaunas - about 55 km.

Back in the Middle Ages, the most important roads in the region - to Riga, St Petersburg, Daugavpils - have passed through Ukmerge. Since the old times, the surroundings of this largesest crossroads in Lithuania have favored the development of trade and production.

750 companies and establishments operate within the region of Ukmerge. More than 2/3 (72.8%) of the companies provide services. A big number of them are engaged in commercial activity. Industrial enterprises are 13%, agricultural and forestry holdings - 6.4%, construction companies - 7.8%. Most companies (over 70%) are founded in the city of Ukmerge.

As early as the XVI-XVII century, Ukmerge was famous for the production of his blacksmiths, weavers, tailors and bakeries. Later, metal, textile, and wood goods became traditional for the industry of the Ukmerge region. Therefore, its main industrial branches today are woodworking, wood and furniture production, sewing industry, metalworking.

A favourable business environment encourages the establishment and distribution of companies with foreign capital. Over the last 10 years, direct foreign investment per inhabitant has increased almost 10 times.

Ukmerge offers good opportunities for investments. It is one of the few cities which still has room for construction in the central area. The unused, abandoned territory (22 ha) of the former military town will be upgraded and adapted for business development. Great opportunities are provided by the Palace park of the First President of Independent Lithuania A. Smetona - Ujujiris, as well as the Castle Park of the Sesikyay Mansion.

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Tourism

The old town of Ukmerge is one of the seven most valuable ancient cities in Lithuania. Jewish cultural heritage, small architectural sculptures, the interactive route of the singing doves - that's just a small part of what can be seen in the city. In Ukmerge lies also the only artificial hill in Lithuania with a spiral pathway that is accessible to people with disabilities.

The area of ​​Ukmerge is rich in noble mansions. They are restored, adapted and open to tourists. There are six estates - Tauiyen, Siesikai, the estate of the first Lithuanian President Antanas Smetona, Vaikushkis, Lidoukiai and Shventoupe. Since these mansions are located in a circle on the map, a decision has been made to link them in a “Palace ring of Ukmerge“ route.