Trakai Island Castle by

1. Where is Trakai Island Castle?

acliffor3714 — 2013-04-21 20:47:24 UTC

The address of the castle (Lithuanian style) is

Traku Salos Pilis, Kestucio Gatve 4,

Trakai 21104, Lithuania

2. Views from different Angles

acliffor3714 — 2013-04-21 20:51:57 UTC

Because of it's odd but magnificent structure, the castle has 9 views from the side, 1 from the top, I from the front, and 3 from the back.

3. Google Earth Coordinates

acliffor3714 — 2013-04-21 21:07:02 UTC

The coordinates of Trakai Island Castle from google earth are: 54º 39' 10.45" N 24º 55' 06. 58" E

4. Castle Size

acliffor3714 — 2013-04-22 00:29:48 UTC

Because this is not a major castle, information is limited. I found that the size of the surrounding Trakai National Park is 31. 66 miles squared, but I have no knowledge of the footprint or number of rooms.

5. Architecture and Style

acliffor3714 — 2013-04-22 00:37:44 UTC

Style of castle classified as "15th century". The build is a picturesque combination of function and gothic elegance. An old type of Gothic bricks are used to give it it's red color on the roof and stone is used for other sections. The castle is also famous for it's old, colorful stained-glass windows.

6. Original Purpose and Inhabitants

acliffor3714 — 2013-04-22 00:43:46 UTC

The castle was started by Grand Duke Kestutis as a part of an expansion of nearby Trakai Peninsula Castle. It would have strategic importance because of it's lake location. It was then completed by Kestutis's son, another Duke, Vatautus who lived a comfortable life in the castle and died there.

7. Surrounding Landscape

acliffor3714 — 2013-04-22 00:59:08 UTC

Trakai Island Castle is strategically situated on a small, natural island on Lake Galve (also natural). The lake is in Trakai National Park, where the forests are lush and green.

8. Special Purpose Rooms

acliffor3714 — 2013-04-22 01:01:57 UTC

There are no explicitly identified 'special purpose rooms', but the castle is famous for it's beautiful, wooden galleries filled with colorful frescoes.

9. Legends, ghosts and stories

acliffor3714 — 2013-04-22 01:04:13 UTC

Due to all the changes made to the castle, there are no specific ghosts or stories, and if there were they were lost over time. It is said though, that lovesick couples haunt Lake Galve that drowned on romantic boat rides.

10. Transitions/changes made

acliffor3714 — 2013-04-22 01:08:17 UTC

The castle was first a home to the Great Dukes of Lithuania until it was ruined by an attack by the Teutonic Knights in 1377. After this, it was turned into a neglected jail for years and decayed even more. Reconstruction plans started to fall into place in the years after the castle's dark ages, but the remodels weren't fully finished until 1961

11. Curent purpose/inhabitants

acliffor3714 — 2013-04-22 18:02:03 UTC

Nobody lives in the castle right now, instead it's been turned into a historical art center. It's famous galleries hold well-preserved frescoes that are visited all the time. Festivals, concerts, and performances are held there in the summer. The surrounding lake is used for water sports including sailing and kyaking

12. Current State of Castle

acliffor3714 — 2013-04-22 18:05:49 UTC

The Lithuanian castle is currently in perfect condition thanks to all the remodel from 1935-1961.

Map of Trakai Island Castle

acliffor3714 — 2013-04-22 23:10:37 UTC

In this Lithuanian map they are actually mapping a hotel (Apvalaus Stalo Klubas) but it accurately points out the land bridge across Lake Galve and the roads you would take to access the identified castle (Traku Pilis).

Fun and Crazy Facts about Trakai Island Castle

acliffor3714 — 2013-04-23 00:01:06 UTC

Here are some whacky points about this gorgeous fortress...

Town of Trakai is the historical capitol of Lithuania and is also known as the 'town of lakes'.
Historically, the castle was famous for something other castles didn't have: a form of interior heating.
The castle has many secret passageways outside, to the lake, and to other rooms.
It's the only castle in all of western Europe situated on it's own island!
It is also sometimes nicknamed "Little Marienborg" because of it's resemblance to Malbork Castle.
The town of Trakai was originally known for it being built by a group of very diverse peoples, including Karaites, Tartars, Lithuanians, Russians, and Polish people.
During the time when the town was being planned and built by all these ethnic groups, separate Christian and Karaite Groups were granted special self p right, making politics quite complicated.