Švėkšna is a town known for its tallest structure in the region, a two-towered red brick church, and a 19th-century Pliateriai Counts' park with an impressive linden tree alley, Genovaitė's villa, ponds, and sculptures. Švėkšna town belonged to Žemaitija (Samogitia), so its urban structure differs from the small towns of Mažoji Lietuva (Little Lithuania). It used to be a border town between Eastern Prussia and Greater Lithuania. The town is first mentioned in written sources in 1503. Švėkšna Manor was founded in the second half of the 15th century by Samogitian nobles Kęsgailos. The first church was built in 1509.

From 1624 to 1644, when Švėkšna was ruled by Jeronimas Krišpinas Kiršenšteinas, there were paper, glass, and parakas workshops in the manor—among the first serf manufactories in Žemaitija. The last owners of Švėkšna, the Pliateriai family, had about 33,000 hectares of land (including Pajūrio Manor) and over 5,000 serfs. In 1820, the land holdings of the count were divided among his four sons, creating four manors: Švėkšna, Vilkėnai, Gedminaičiai, and Stempliai. The cemetery in Švėkšna is the final resting place of the renowned 19th-century Lithuanian poet and historian Simonas Stanevičius. An interesting fact is that archaeologists have found seven ancient cult statues from ancient Egypt near the Švėkšna cemetery, depicting Egyptian gods and priests.

Today, Švėkšna is a unique place not only because it is surrounded by a rich and interesting past but also because it captivates us with its beautiful nature, architectural monuments, and famous people who originated from here. In the very center of the town, there is a cobblestone market square where trade is bustling every Thursday. The church and architecture of the town attract newlyweds and Lithuanian filmmakers. The neo-Gothic church, built in 1905 according to the design of Swedish architect Karl Eduard Strandman, is one of the main architectural landmarks of the town. The construction of the church was funded by the Pliateriai Counts of Švėkšna and Vilkėnai, and the residents of Švėkšna and neighboring parishes generously contributed to the construction. Some funds were collected from Lithuanian immigrants living in the United States. The churchyard with the park is connected by a viaduct built around 1885. It is a unique and rare structure in Lithuania.

Švėkšna takes pride in its active community, which not only beautifies the town but also promotes its name throughout Lithuania.