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Šilutė Old Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery

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Established in 1832, the Verdainė Cemetery became the new burial site for the residents of Šilokarčema, Žibai, and Verdainė. Wealthier townspeople built family vaults adorned with wrought iron crosses and fences. In 1907, a brick mortuary chapel was constructed within the cemetery.

After 1945, the cemetery fell into neglect and was officially closed in 1962. However, in 2009, renovation of the chapel began, and it was consecrated in 2013, breathing new life into this historic site. The parents of writer Hermann Sudermann, as well as the Sekunai and Štaliai families, notable book traders, are buried here.

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Religious Heritage
Šilute
Šilutė Tourism Information Centre

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55.345047, 21.487747

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The Verdainė Cemetery, founded in 1832, served as an essential burial ground for the communities of Šilokarčema, Žibai, and Verdainė when the churchyard cemetery could no longer meet the needs of the growing population. Located at the intersection of today’s Geležinkelio and Tilžės streets, the cemetery became a place where wealthier residents built family crypts, embellished with forged or cast iron crosses and enclosed with metal fences. Later, the entire cemetery was surrounded by a metal fence, and around 1907, a brick mortuary chapel was added. Unfortunately, the cemetery suffered significant neglect

and vandalism after 1945. By 1962, it was completely abandoned and officially closed. Sunken graves and a crumbling chapel were left unattended. However, a restoration project began in 2009, reviving part of this historical heritage. On May 25, 2013, the renovated chapel was consecrated and reopened. The Verdainė Cemetery is the final resting place of the parents of writer Hermann Sudermann and includes the graves of prominent townspeople, such as the Sekunai and Štaliai families, notable book traders. These graves tell the story of the town’s history, cultural heritage, and the traditions of its communities.

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