Samogitia

Samogitia (Lithuanian: Žemaitija, literally lowlands) is a region of western Lithuania.

Cities

 * is the country's main beach resort.
 * is near the Hill of Crosses pilgrimage site.
 * is the capital of Samogitia, a lively town.
 * has a famous monastery and pleasant lakes.
 * was home to writer Šatrijos Ragana.
 * was home to writer Šatrijos Ragana.
 * was home to writer Šatrijos Ragana.

Other destinations

 * — famous pilgrimage site, most visitors come in the beginning of July to visit the large church festival.
 * — site of religious significance, north of Šiauliai.

Understand
Historically, Samogitia had the biggest autonomy in Lithuania and had its own grand dukes (the most famous being, probably, Vykintas and Kęstutis). People of Samogitia fiercely resisted from being "colonized" by dukes of Lithuania and by the Order of Germans (crusaders), winning several important battles. Samogitia remained pagan for the longest time - its people were baptized the last of Lithuania. Today, one can find a mixture of Pagan and Christian tastes, represented by sacral sites and folklore.

Samogitia is mostly hilly, with a lot of forests.

Talk
The Samogitian dialect is the one that varies most from official Lithuanian. People from other regions of Lithuania may find it unusual. In Telšiai, at the cathedral, you can find examples of forged/carved Samogitian texts.

Get in
You might fly directly to Palanga International Airport.

By car
Traveling by car you can admire the hilly landscape and reach some beautiful and significant places difficult to reach by other means.

Eat
Samogitia has delicious and unique food, which is related to the rest of Lithuania, but has a unique taste. Especially good are Samogitian foods made from potatoes, such as kleckā, potato cake kogielis and stuffed potato sausages viedarā.

Drink
Samogitia has a long and great beer making tradition, preserved by local brewers.