Welcome to a one-of-a-kind journey that takes you along the river and through time! Together, we’ll bring back the cherished tradition of travelling by water, a custom deeply rooted in the history of this charming city. Over the next few/two hours (duration to be specified), we’ll immerse ourselves in the beauty of historic landmarks, explore the city’s rich heritage through songs, legends, and reflections, and soak up the unique ambience of this port city – a blend of modern vibrancy and the timeless essence of centuries past.
Our journey today begins in the historical heart of the city, along one of the 10 renowned banks of the Dangė River. On our left stands the iconic symbol of the port city – Meridianas, the elegant sailing ship, which lends its name to the quay. Although its imposing appearance conjures up images of ancient sea voyages, Meridianas was actually constructed in 1948 at a shipyard in Turku, Finland. After World War II, it was transferred to the Port of Klaipėda as reparation to the Soviets. For two decades, the ship served as a summer training vessel for students of the city’s maritime school, providing them with experience in the Baltic Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. However, as one urban legend goes, a tragic accident claimed the lives of six students, and this incident ultimately shaped the future of Meridianas. The ship was then converted into a restaurant and has remained anchored on the banks of the Dangė River since 1971. Meridianas survived an attempted bombing in the year 2000 and narrowly avoided sinking in 2012. Since then, after changing ownership, it has been carefully restored. Now, as a timeless symbol of the city, it has proudly raised its sails once again, welcoming visitors and captivating locals. For those wondering about the ship’s length, if it were to be laid on its side, it would stretch as long as Biržos Bridge – that’s 51 metres! Speaking of Biržos Bridge, or Stock Exchange Bridge as it’s also known, the next notable landmark on this quay got its name when the Stock Exchange of Klaipėda Merchants’ Guild was constructed on the river’s right bank in the mid-18th century. Unfortunately, the name is all that remains of the guild, as the building was destroyed during World War II. Until 1770, this bridge, one of the city’s oldest, was known as the Drawbridge, as to cross the river, one would have to pay a fee for opening the bridge. The current version of the bridge, which has been rebuilt multiple times, is as old as the Meridianas. A delightful fact about the bridge is that it still retains its lifting function – during special events, holidays, and regattas, it can be raised to a 50-degree angle on both sides.
Turn to the right, and you’ll be greeted by the panorama of the Shipbuilders’ Quay, named after the sailboat shipyard that once operated at this location. The renowned shipbuilder of Memel (now Klaipėda), Bėrendas Pyperis, worked at this shipyard, where he and his apprentices constructed and launched an impressive 144 ships in the 19th century. One of his most famous ships was the Mary Jane, a timber barque bound for Great Britain. The ship’s romantic and playful name was inspired by sea adventures and a love story. It seems Pyperis had a penchant for giving his ships female names, and he had quite a collection of them: Hannah, Ariadne, Arethusa, Marianne, Bertha, Elizabeth, Maria Amalina, Emma & Jonanna, Margarethe, and even Minerva, after a Roman goddess. Most of the names weren’t random; in fact, they were dedicated to important individuals. There were, however, some surprising name choices too, such as Satisfaction. Today, the site of the former shipyard has been transformed into Danė Square, a peaceful retreat that’s beloved by locals. The square, with its modern small-scale architecture, features a new playground for children and a colourful dancing fountain.
If you turn in the opposite direction, you’ll spot a newly constructed yet ancient-looking building on the banks of the Dangė. This is the legendary herring sorting warehouse, the purpose of which was uncovered by archaeologists who discovered a unique fish sorting system. This remarkable piece of history has since been restored and is now preserved by the History Museum of Lithuania Minor. During the Soviet era, the site was home to the May Day candy factory, and it now hosts an apartment hotel. However, it was once a significant religious centre in Memel for several centuries, with the city’s earliest churches dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. One church, St. John’s, was the parish church for the German citizens, while another, St. Nicholas Church, was frequented by Lithuanians from the region. The locations of the former churches are now conveniently marked with a heritage system that includes QR codes to access detailed stories and gain a deeper understanding of the sites’ historical significance.
While the churches were accessible by land, history tells us that Lithuanian-speaking people from the surrounding areas often travelled by boat to reach them. It’s likely that they docked right where the modern Dangė water bus awaits us today, ready to take us on a journey of new historical discoveries. Please take your seats and enjoy the views as we go along.