Raudondvaris Manor: Interactive ways to immerse yourself in history and noble life

By Ndéla Faye | Photos: Raudondvaris Manor

At Raudondvaris Manor in Lithuania’s Kaunas district, visitors can explore noble life firsthand through interactive workshops and immersive tours that bring the Renaissance estate’s centuries-old history to life.

Raudondvaris Manor is steeped in centuries of noble lineage and has long served as a centre of culture, learning and social life. Today, that legacy lives on through a growing programme of immersive activities that transform the historical monument into a space for discovery, creativity and play.

Considered one of the finest surviving Renaissance-style residences in Lithuania, the origins of Raudondvaris Manor trace back to the noble Radvila (Radziwiłł) family, although construction began in the early 17th century.

Immersive audio experiences, Raudondvaris Dramaturas, offer a fresh way to explore the estate’s past.

New ways to experience history

In recent times, the manor’s educational and experiential programme has expanded significantly, offering activities for visitors of all ages. “While Raudondvaris remains committed to preserving its historical and cultural heritage, it now presents that legacy through interactive experiences designed to engage contemporary audiences,” says the manor’s director, Snieguolė Navickienė.

Highlights include The Legend of Count Benediktas Tyszkiewicz and the Hidden Treasure, where visitors become explorers, solving puzzles and uncovering hidden symbols throughout the manor. Visitors can also try 19th century parlour games, partake in historical leisure traditions and join the immersive cellar tour Let There Be Darkness!, exploring historic lighting methods and everyday noble life. Meanwhile, Would You Survive Manor Etiquette? transports visitors to the Tyszkiewicz family’s golden age, delving into the rules and social customs of early 20th century etiquette.

A tour in the manor’s cellar is one of many offers for visitors.

Art, innovation and creative dialogue

Raudondvaris Manor also houses an Arts Incubator in the castle’s former stables. The space hosts resident artists working in textiles, ceramics, design, architecture, ethnoculture and sustainable crafts. In addition to creating their own projects, residents lead workshops, educational programmes and open sessions for visitors.

Maintaining a dialogue between history and contemporary innovation is central to the manor. Immersive audio experiences, Raudondvaris Dramaturas, created with AI tools, offer a fresh way to explore the estate’s past. The first instalment, a cinematic-style journey weaving the manor’s history with the romance of Sigismund Augustus and Barbora Radvilaitė, won the 2025 national Tourism Innovation of the Year award from Travel Lithuania. A second, The Invisible Inhabitants of the Castle, explores quieter and more mysterious layers of the manor through sound and storytelling.

In spring 2025, the manor also launched The Return of Count Tyszkiewicz / When the East Met Raudondvaris, a project that brings history to life through performances, projections, digital reconstructions, and community participation. Visitors can now explore the digital reconstruction inside the castle, experiencing a contemporary interpretation of the estate through art and technology.

“Together, these initiatives highlight that Raudondvaris Manor is more than a historical site. The manor has evolved into a contemporary cultural centre where past traditions intersect with modern technology, education and creative practise,” says Navickienė.

Soon, visitors will be able to spend the night at Raudondvaris Manor, as renovations currently nearing completion are transforming part of the building into cosy accommodation. Guests can enjoy a subtle sense of historical romance, with views of the meticulously maintained manor park evoking a sense of romantic elegance and charm.

Raudondvaris Manor: Interactive ways to immerse yourself in history and noble life

Celebrating the region’s rich cultural heritage

Each year on 6 July, Raudondvaris Manor comes alive for the historical festival Lithuania at Raudondvaris Manor, celebrating the State of Lithuania and the coronation of King Mindaugas. The festival, known for its warm and festive atmosphere, brings visitors together for an engaging celebration of historical, cultural and culinary heritage. The event includes traditional crafts and medieval-era amusements as well as performances by both amateur and professional artists.

Each year on 6 July, Raudondvaris Manor comes alive for the historical festival Lithuania at Raudondvaris Manor.

In winter, Raudondvaris becomes a magical setting for the Kaunas District Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. With a bustling Christmas market, an outdoor ice rink as well as concerts, musical theatre and ballet performances, the event draws in families and visitors alike.

The centuries-old manor is bustling year-round with cultural events that connect visitors to the region’s heritage. “Year after year, Raudondvaris continues to evolve, inspiring and captivating visitors with its immersive experiences, vibrant events and stunning setting,” the director concludes.