# Raudonė Castle

- **Country:** Lithuania
- **Coordinates:** 55.096667, 23.130556
- **Location Text:** Raudonė

Raudonė Castle is a residential estate located in Raudonė, Lithuania. Although a Teutonic fortress known as Bayersburg II once occupied the site, the current structures primarily reflect 19th-century development. The complex is recognized as an example of Neo-Gothic architecture, featuring a building constructed in 1877 by architect Cesare Anichini. Earlier foundations include a Renaissance style manor house with a cylindrical tower erected at the end of the 16th century by Krispin Kirschenstein. Throughout its history, the property underwent significant renovations, including work by Laurynas Stuoka-Gucevičius for the Olędzki family and transformations under Russian Prince Platon Zubov.

The castle holds historical significance tied to local legends, specifically the White Maiden of the Bayersburg. Private ownership ended in 1937 when the National Bank of Lithuania acquired the property from the Waxell and Faria e Castro families. Previously serving as a public school, the site now functions similarly to an art gallery or museum. Visitors can access the tower as an observation point overlooking the Nemunas valley. The grounds are surrounded by an old park containing rare trees, including the legendary Gediminas Oak. This oak tree is famously associated with Grand Duke Gediminas, though it no longer produces leaves. The estate remains a prominent cultural landmark within Tauragė County.

![Photo of Raudonė Castle](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/20/Lithuania_Raudone_Castle.jpg)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raudonė_Castle (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)