The civic center of Zapyškis

The landmark of the town center

Zapyškis is one of those settlements of Kaunas district located near the Nemunas, which directly experienced both the creative and destructive force of water. Initially developed on the bank of the river, later, suffering from repeated spring floods, the town began to “climb” up the slope.

That is how Kluoniškiai village, located on the upper terrace of the river valley, became the center of Zapyškis. This new development was also marked by the appearance of significant architectural objects: the new church, a lower secondary school and a modern civic center. Built in 1978 it sheltered a library, a kindergarten, a cultural center, a primary health care center and a post office.

The civic center of Zapyškis. Photo from a private R. Jakštas album.

Designed by architect J. Staskevičius, a two-storey administrative center consists of two separate buildings. Although both buildings have separate entrances, they are connected by a corridor. At this connection, the vertical accent of this complex rises to the top – a water supply tower with an observation point, from which an impressive panorama of the Nemunas Valley opens up. This white volume not only marks the administrative center of the town, but also “works” like a road sign, perfectly visible on the long section of Kaunas-Zapyškis-Šakiai road.

Today, the center houses the Zapyškis primary school classrooms, library, leisure hall, and the Zapyškis eldership. Local folklore ensembles are currently working in the Zapyškis leisure hall. Installed in the tower, the observation deck is unfortunately not suitable for visiting at the moment.

Text by Žilvinas Rinkšelis

Sources of information:

M. Oniščik, Pakaunės žiemos pasakos: Zapyškis, 2019 m.

Interviu su pastato statybų priežiūra vykdžius statybų techniku R. Jakštu.