In Antazavė, on the northern shore of Zalvė Lake, is neoclassical manor house, which formerly belonged to the famous family of Plater. The masonry building was built at the end of the 18th century, fallowing a design by Antanas Naglovskis, by the order of the countess Kunigunda Plater.
Also here were built two Oficina buildings, a church, a presbytery, an almshouse and an inn. There are some written sources about large, interesting and rebellious family of Earl Platers: about Tadeusz and his son Mykolas, who was given to the Recruits, about distinguished Emilia Plater, the daughter of Count Francis-Xavier and Anna von der Mohl from Imbradas. She is famous due to her participation in the uprising of 1831. On the 25th of March 1831, in Antazavė manor Emilija signed a statement, where she has announced, that she joins the uprising. During its long history, the manor has seen changes of owners: Platers, Ledochoskie, von Ropp and Voinarovskij. During the Soviet time there was a school, later it belonged to child care home.
Liudwiga von Ropp, who descended from Antazavė Manor was the first translator of the Grimm Brothers ‘fairy tales from German to Lithuanian language, she published this book in 1908 under the pseudonym - Grandmother.
The largest complex of manor buildings survived to the present day – not only the main building of the manor, but also fragments of farm-hand building, granary, stable, barn, park covering 5 ha territory and ponds. In front of the mansion is a parterre preserved to this day with paths and greenery, typical for the geometric plan. Currently the manor is gradually renovated and it is adapted to different cultural activities. Old decorative elements of walls, old basement stairs and the other elements of interior were uncovered during the renovation of the palace.
This day is here established public historical museum of Antazavė region, which exhibits archival and commemorative material about the owner of the manor, their relativs and the history of the Church of Divine Providence and of parish. The founder of this museum is Stanislava Kirailytė. Fifteen years she has collected the material for this museum collection. In the main building of Antazavė manor is established traditional Zarasai region craft center, there are wood carving, weaving, and pottery ateliers and craft demonstrations take place.
During your visit to this craft center you will get acquainted with crafts typical for
After the visit in this Centre of Crafts, you will get acquainted with crafts typical for Aukštaitija region, you will be able to try them and get new experience, and you will see unique works of folk artists and craftsmen.
The wall of the old manor house will help for you not only to feel the spirit of many centuries, but and get acquainted with rich, but not very fortunate life of its owners. Also you will know more about a rich history of this region, about the lifestyle of people and handicrafts.