Four kings and queens, three princes, twelve presidents, Pope John Paul II and other famous people from all over the world – all of them have visited the City Hall of Kaunas and signed in the city's book of guests of honour. The history of the Town Hall, which became the centre of attraction in the temporary capital, began almost 500 years ago when the first foundation stone was laid. Countless magistrates' rulings and court decisions have been declared there, and countless happy newlyweds have stepped down the monumental staircase. This is a gateway to history that connects the time of Grand Duchy of Lithuania, that of occupations and the contemporary times.

The 53-meter high tower of Kaunas Town Hall, a dominant feature of the Old Town, glows in the landscape of the red roofs. The history of the institutions that have operated in the Town Hall is colourful. In the 16th century this was the place for Town Council’s meetings and the Magistrate’s work. The premises were used as an orthodox church, a warehouse for artillery ammunition, and later the Town Hall became the temporary residence of the Tsar. In 1850 the building was turned into an observatory post for firemen and afterwards – into a theatre. Finally, after restoration, it became a place for the Wedding Palace and the first museum in Kaunas.

However, the Kaunas Town Hall square goes back to even earlier times. It is the main and oldest square in Kaunas, bustled around since the Middle Ages: with operating eight wax melting ovens, markets, fairs and different celebrations organised. Year after year the heart of the city of Kaunas was complemented by the following monumental buildings and sculptures: Kaunas Parochial Arch-Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter and Paul, St. Francis of Xavier Church (The Jesuit Monastery Church), Church of the Holy Trinity (Kaunas Priest Seminary Church), Zabieliai Palace, Siručiai Palace, monument to Maironis, one of the most prominent Lithuanian poets, and memory of Motiejus Valančius, the Samogitian Bishop.

The foundations of the Kaunas Town Hall, the construction of which took nearly 20 years, still hold one florin and a barrel of meadow. This traditional trousseaux is a wish for the city to thrive and become wealthier. Kaunas is counting its fifth century of fulfilment of these wishes...