About the place

Beside Biržos Bridge, where the outlines of the Old Town are reflected in the waters of the Danė, the sailing ship “Meridianas” stands proudly. The vessel was built in 1948 at a shipyard in Turku, Finland, as part of Finland’s post-war reparations to the Soviet Union. It was later transferred to the Klaipėda Maritime School and became a training ship.

For many post-war seafarers it was the place of their first initiation at sea. Prominent Klaipėda captains Vilius Pakalniškis, Zenonas Kaupas and Ričardas Lučka began their careers here. There were once 48 sailing ships of this type, but only a few have survived to the present day. One of them can now be seen in the Port of Tallinn.

Klaipėda’s “Meridianas” completed its training mission in 1967 and, after returning to the city, operated as a restaurant on the Danė, becoming a legendary meeting place and setting for memorable evenings.

In 2012 the ship was acquired by Aidas Kaveckas and Aloyzas Kuzmarskis. On their initiative, the city landmark was restored in 2013 and returned to its place. Reborn, “Meridianas” is now an inseparable part of Klaipėda’s identity – a living symbol of memory and a witness to dreams of the sea, inviting visitors to pause, admire the view and feel the spirit of Klaipėda.