Monument to Martynas Mažvydas

Martynas Mažvydas (1510?-1563) prepared and in Karaliaučius (Konigsberg) 1547 published the first Lithuanian book – “Katekizmas” („Catechism“). Commemorating the 450th anniversary of its publication in Klaipėda, Lietuvininkų Squarethere was built a monument, createdby sculptor, the Laureate of the Lithuanian National Culture and Arts Award R. Midvikis and architect V. Mazurkevičius. The sculpture stands on the edge of the square, which has been already formed a long time ago. Area of square and the central street of the city are unclosed in front of it. The middle of the square is designed for people. On its side there is created like a little school: granite benches, and on the pavement there are engraved the Gothic letters as in M. Mažvydas‘s primer. M. Mažvydas‘s figure seems like having climbed into the pulpit – over those on whom Lithuanian faith and the word of truth are pronounced. Figure is clothed by robe, creating atmosphere of calmness and concentration. Beneath the pulpit – the cover page of the first Lithuanian book.