second study visit of the BRIDGE project
On 24–26 November 2025, the second study visit took place as part of the international BRIDGE project, bringing together representatives of the culture, education and tourism sectors from several European countries. The three-day meeting in Lithuania was an opportunity to learn about local heritage, exchange experiences and discuss joint activities for historical education and tourism development.
Rietavas – the history of the Ogiński family and shared heritage
The participants spent the first day of the visit in Rietavas (Polish: Retów) – a small but extremely atmospheric town strongly associated with the Ogiński family. It was from this family that Michał Kleofas Ogiński, composer of the famous polonaise ‘Farewell to the Fatherland’, came from, which still holds a special place in Polish and Lithuanian cultural tradition.
Although the Ogiński palace itself has not survived to our times, many valuable reminders of its former glory can still be seen in Rietavas: the White and Red Gates, farm buildings, a chapel-mausoleum and the remains of the former manor complex. The vast manor park, once the largest in Lithuania, also made a huge impression. Even in winter, it delights with its ponds, avenues and almost fairy-tale atmosphere, conducive to reflection and walks in the footsteps of history.
It was here that discussions were held on regional historical education for the youngest residents, with the shared historical ties between Poland and Lithuania being an important topic. The two countries share over 600 years of common history, dating back to the Middle Ages and culminating in the times of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth (1569–1795) – one of the largest and most powerful states in Europe at the time, often referred to as the prototype of the European Union. It was the common homeland not only of Poles and Lithuanians, but also of the ancestors of today’s Ukrainians, Belarusians and Latvians.
Cold War Museum – the difficult legacy of the 20th century
On the second day, the participants visited the Cold War Museum, located in the Samogitian National Park, near Plungė. The museum is housed in a former Soviet missile launch complex, which was once part of the Soviet Union’s military system.
The museum exhibition presents not only weapons and military infrastructure, but also the daily functioning of the facility and the mechanisms of political propaganda, which was an integral part of the arms race. This place encourages reflection on the history of the 20th century and is an important point on the map of historical education in the region.
Telsiai – a town with a rich past
On the third day, at the invitation of our Lithuanian partners, the delegation visited Telsiai (Polish Telsze). It is a small but very well-kept town, which stands out for its large number of monuments carefully displayed for visitors.
Telsiai was granted city rights in the 18th century by King Sigismund Augustus of Poland. Until the Third Partition of Poland, the city, like Rietavas, belonged to the Duchy of Samogitia in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, which was part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. The town also played an important role in the history of Polish-Lithuanian national uprisings. During the November Uprising of 1831, it was a refuge for partisans fighting against the Russians – a revolutionary insurgent government operated here, as well as schools training officers and non-commissioned officers. Also, during the January Uprising of 1863, Telsiai was one of the main centres of fighting in Samogitia.
Joint inspiration for the future
The participants of the visit emphasised that the meeting in Lithuania was not only an opportunity to learn about the history and heritage of the region, but also a source of inspiration for further international cooperation. The common goal remains the development of cultural tourism and initiatives involving children and young people in discovering the history of the place where they live.
Participants of the visit
The study visit was attended by representatives of:
- Association of Municipalities ‘Polish Gothic Castles’ (Poland),
- Tourist and Business Information Centre in Rietavas (Lithuania),
- Warmia-Masuria Regional Tourist Organisation (Poland),
- Hovdala Castle, Hässleholm Municipality (Sweden),
- PI On the Samogitian Roads (Lithuania),
- Public Institution Samogitia Tourism Information Center (Lithuania),
- Warmińsko-Mazurskie Voivodeship (Poland).
