History Merkinė

merkinė mound

the town or castle first mentioned in written sources in 137bc, in novgorod annuals. historians michał baliński or aleksander połujański indicated settlement founded vikings, , existed until 13th century. settlement castle founded in 13th century result of young lithuania state defence policy. wooden merkinė castle became important part of nemunas defence line castles against teutonic order. grand duke of lithuania , later king of poland, władysław ii jagiełło, ensured city rights vilnius in 1387, document written in merkinė castle. first church built in 1387-1392 vytautas great , władysław ii. after battle of grunwald town started rapidly grow. until receiving magdeburg rights, several taxation agencies of goods operated here. notably source of rapid growth , increased trade.

in 1569 december 7, city granted magdeburg rights monarch of polish-lithuanian commonwealth. towards end of 16th century town hall built in centre of market square , n first half of 17th century dominican church , monastery constructed. town known 1 of favorite holiday places king of poland , grand duke of lithuania, władysław iv vasa, died here in 1648.