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Gireišiai Point of the Struve Geodetic Arc

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The Struve Geodetic Arc is a unique monument in the history of science, stretching across 10 countries from Norway to the Black Sea. In 2005, it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List for its significant contribution to accurately determining the Earth's dimensions and advancing cartography. In Lithuania, one of the key points was located in Pandėlys, Rokiškis District, where geodetic measurements began in 1820 under the leadership of Friedrich Struve. Other measurement points were established in Jokšiai (Kupiškis District) and Gireišiai, near Panemunėlis.

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Rokiškis Tourism Information Center

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The Struve Arc is an extraordinary example of scientific achievement and international collaboration. Spanning 2,820 kilometers, it extends from Hammerfest in Norway to the Black Sea, enabling the first precise measurement of Earth’s parameters, which contributed significantly to the development of accurate maps and the advancement of geodesy. In Lithuania, the first measurement points were established in Pandėlys and Jokšiai, with work beginning in 1820 under Friedrich Struve and his team. Wooden towers, known as triangulation stations, were constructed in these areas to facilitate accurate measurements. A third

point was added in Gireišiai, near Panemunėlis, completing a geodetic triangle essential for the triangulation network. The wooden towers built in Pandėlys and Jokšiai were comparable in height to the Rokiškis Church, ensuring precise alignment for the measurement instruments. This remarkable process highlights not only the progress of science but also the spirit of international cooperation that achieved groundbreaking results. The Struve Geodetic Arc remains an essential part of Lithuania’s and the world’s scientific heritage, inviting visitors to explore its legacy and the fascinating history of geodesy.

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