Žaliakalnis

Žaliakalnis (literally, "the green hill") is an elderate in Lithuania's second largest city, Kaunas. Žaliakalnis is located north of the old town and the downtown area, between the Neris and Girstupis rivers. It is one of the largest residential areas in Kaunas, with a 2006 population of 38,480.

History

Žaliakalnis became part of Kaunas in 1919, when the city became the temporary capital of Lithuania. Kaunas expanded rapidly, and the need for a comprehensive plan became evident by 1922. The Danish engineer M. Frandsen was invited to devise this plan.

In Frandsen's plan, Žaliakalnis was to be an important part of Kaunas, where all the city's administrative functions would be located. This part of the concept was not fulfilled, although the neighbourhood quickly became very popular and many modern residences were built. In 1924-1925 alone, more than 300 plots were created and sold. In accordance with the plan, its streets were planted with different species of trees, and space was left for gardens. By 1940, the area was largely built up, and only a few plots remained vacant.

Points of interest

Žalikalnis is home to Ąžuolynas (Oak) Park, containing a stand of centuries-old oak trees. It is the largest stand of urban oaks within Europe, covering 63 hectares. A few sections of the park have been separated into Vytautas Park and Dainų slėnis. In the elderate there are is still preserved a large number of functionalism architecture predominant in the interbellum buildings.

Žaliakalnis contains a number of sports facilities and educational institutions:
*Kaunas University of Technology campus
*Lithuanian Academy of Physical Education
*Kaunas Sports Hall
*S. Darius and S. Girėnas Stadium

References

*lt icon [http://zaliakalnis.kaunas.lt/ City of Kaunas - Elderate of Žaliakalnis]