Few facts about Joniskis town - the center of plain land
(this is an active link to more information leaflet)

Joniškis was mentioned for the first time in the written sources in 1523. The discussion still goes on as to the primary place of the town of Joniskis: in the present place or in the present Kalnelis village, from which only after the fire of 1594 it was transfered to the present place.

The end of the 16th century - the first half of the 17th century was transformation into a self-rule town and period of prosperity. At that time the urban structure of 5 main town streets and the market-place was forming. During the whole period from the middle of the 17th century to the 18th century the population of town counted about 1000 inhabitants. Very important fact was that in 1616 Joniškis was granted the privilege of Magdeburg (self-rule). The shoemakers' guild was established in Joniškis in 1617. Among the more important social and cult buildings in Joniškis of the 17th-18th centuries, one can mention the renaissance hall-type one-tower stone church built in 1626 (reconstructed in 1895-1901). In the XIX century Jews constitued 51% of the town's pop.
Today only a complex of synagogues reminds us about that period. There are two synagogues in the centre of the town. In 1823 the white synagogues was built, in 1865 the Red synagogue was built next to the one. Now days there's not any Jewish community in Jonshkis therefore these prayer house aren't used any longer so they are collapsing and derelict. The first part of 18th century was the period of wars and chaos related to  the chaos in the state of Poland-Lithuania. Though the crafts were more or less developed in Joniskis, nevertheless, in the period until the middle of the 20th century, the businesses of agrarian character remained prevailing in the economy of town and district.

The local administration of the district is located now in Joniskis since 1952.

Promotion of information acquiring possibilities to travel around the Joniskis district provide Tourism and business centre of Joniskis district. Call +370 426 51636 or write email to ausra@jvic.lt

About accomodation in Joniskis district is here. You can call to find out for news about tourism services +370 426 51636

For artisans and crafts people in Joiskis district to produce and sell their work in local and tourist market is often critical to the owerall success of a community. We are proud of woriking with craft related assets for both preservation goals as well as encouraging entrepreneurship and small business development. We are proud to present you 5 craft tourism routes that we developed in the cross border project "Mid-Baltic" crafts".

 Tourism route (EN), Tourism route (RU), Tourism route (LV)

We are going to present you more contacts you can visit during your trip to Joniskis district soon. As while you can ask information by email: ausra@jvic.lt