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{{Short description|City in Alytus County, Lithuania}}
{{Infobox Settlement <!--more fields are available for this Infobox--See Template:Infobox Settlement-->
{{other uses}}
|name = Alytus
{{Redirect|Olita|the anti-cancer drug|Olmutinib|the name|Olita (name)}}
|settlement_type=City municipality
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2023}}
|image_map =
{{Infobox settlement
|map_caption = Location of Alytus
| name = Alytus
|image_shield = Coat of arms of Alytus (Lithuania).svg
| native_name =
|image_skyline=alytauspanorama.jpg
| native_name_lang = lt
|image_caption=Panorama of Alytus
|subdivision_type = ] | settlement_type = ]
| image_skyline = {{multiple image
|pushpin_map=Lithuania
| border = infobox
|pushpin_mapsize=300
| total_width = 270
|subdivision_name = {{LTU}}
| image_style = border:1;
|subdivision_type1= ]
| perrow = 1/2/2
|subdivision_name1= ]
| image1 = Alytus.png
|subdivision_type2= ]
| caption1 = Aerial view of Alytus
|subdivision_name2= ]
| image2 = Alytus Sanct Louis church.jpg
|subdivision_type3= ]
| caption2 = Church of St. Louis
|subdivision_name3= Alytus city municipality
| image3 = Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Help of Christians, in Alytus, Lithuania in 2014.jpg
|subdivision_name4=
| caption3 = ]
|subdivision_name5=
| image4 = Alytaus Arena in Alytus, Lithuania in 2011.jpg
|subdivision_type6= ]
| caption4 = ]
|subdivision_name6= ] <br>Alytus city municipality <br> ]
| image5 = Alytus College in 2014.jpg
|established_date = 1377
| caption5 = Alytus College
|established_title= First mentioned
}}
|established_date2= 1581
| image_shield = Coat of arms of Alytus (Lithuania).svg
|established_title2=Granted city rights
| shield_size =
|population_total = 74,563
| image_flag = Flag of Alytus.gif
|population_footnotes=
| blank_emblem_size = 120px
|population_as_of = 2009
| image_blank_emblem = Alytus logo.svg
|area_total_km2 = 45
| blank_emblem_type = ]
|latd=54 |latm=24 |lats= |latNS=N
| mapsize = 275px
|longd=24 |longm=3 |longs= |longEW=E
| image_map = {{Maplink|frame=yes|plain=y|frame-width=275|frame-height=275|zoom=11|frame-lat=54.4|frame-long=24.05|type=shape-inverse|id=Q450625|title=Alytus}}
|coordinates_type =region:LT_type:city(68800)
| map_caption = Interactive map of Alytus
|coordinates_display= inline,title
| pushpin_map = Lithuania#Europe
|timezone=]
| pushpin_map_caption = Location within Lithuania##Location within Europe
|utc_offset=+2
| pushpin_relief = 1
|timezone_DST=]
| pushpin_label = Alytus
|utc_offset_DST=+3
| pushpin_mapsize = 275
|website=http://www.ams.lt
| map_alt1 =
| map_caption1 = Location of Alytus
| coordinates = {{coord|54|24|05|N|24|02|57|E|region:LT_type:city(68800)|display=inline,title}}
| coor_pinpoint =
| coordinates_footnotes =
| parts_style = para
| subdivision_type = ]
| subdivision_name = {{flag|Lithuania}}
| subdivision_type1 = ]
| subdivision_name1 = ]
| subdivision_type2 = ]
| subdivision_name2 = ]
| established_title = First mentioned
| established_date = {{Start date and age|1377|p=yes}}
| established_title1 = City privileges
| established_date1 = {{Start date and age|1581|p=yes}}
| seat_type = ]
| seat = Alytus
| parts_type = ]
| p1 =
| government_type = ]
| governing_body = ]
| leader_title = ]
| leader_name = ] (])
| leader_party =
| leader_title1 = ]
| leader_name1 = ]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vrk.lt/|title=Titulinis - vrk.lt|website=www.vrk.lt}}</ref> {{Composition bar|20|27|hex=#e10514}}
| unit_pref = Metric
<!-- ALL fields with measurements have automatic unit conversion -->
<!-- for references: use <ref> tags -->
| area_footnotes =
| area_rank = ]
| area_total_km2 = 40
| area_total_sq_mi =
| elevation_footnotes =
| elevation_m = 200
| elevation_ft =
| population_footnotes =
| population_as_of = 2024<ref>{{cite web |url=https://osp.stat.gov.lt/lt/statistiniu-rodikliu-analize?hash=12281496-bf90-48e1-a846-9ee85f863265 | date=2024-07-19 |title=Resident population on 1 July |website=osp.stat.gov.lt}}</ref>
| population_total = 50996
| population_rank = ]
| population_density_sq_mi =
| population_density_km2 = auto
<!-- Requires a fix in population density rank alignment as it too far from the left side -->
| population_density_rank = ]
| population_demonym ={{lang|en|Alytian(s)}} (])<br /> {{lang|lt|alytiškiai}} (])
| timezone1 = ]
| utc_offset1 = +2
| timezone1_DST = ]
| utc_offset1_DST = +3
| postal_code_type = ]s
| postal_code = 62001–64355
| area_code_type = Phone code
| area_code = +370 (315)
| website = {{URL|https://alytus.lt}}
| footnotes =
}} }}


'''Alytus''' ({{pronunciation|Alytus.ogg}}) (]: ''Olita'', ]: Олита ''Olita'', ]: Аліта ''Alita'', ]: אליטע ''Alite'', ]: ''Olita'', ]: ''Alīta'') is a city with ] in southern ]. It is the ] of ]. Its population in 2007 was 68,835. Alytus is the historical centre of the ] region. The city lies on the banks of the ]. The major highways linking ], ], ], and ] in ] pass through Alytus. The distance from Alytus to Kaunas is {{convert|70|km|mi|0|abbr=on}}; the distance from Alytus to ] is {{convert|105|km|mi|0|abbr=on}}. '''Alytus''' ({{IPA-lt|ɐlʲiːˈtʊs|lang|Alytus.ogg}}) is a city with ] in southern ].<ref name="AlytusVle">{{cite web |last1=Daugirdas |first1=Vidmantas |title=Alytus |url=https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/alytus-1/ |website=] |access-date=25 November 2024 |language=lt}}</ref> It is the ] of ].<ref name="AlytusVle"/> The population as of July 2024 was 50,996. Alytus is the historical centre of the ] region.<ref name="AlytusVle"/> The city lies on the banks of the ] river.<ref name="AlytusVle"/> The major roads linking ], ], ] (border with ]), and ] in ] pass through Alytus.


Divided onto two separate entities for centuries, it consists of two parts still frequently referred to as ''Alytus I'' and ''Alytus II'', the earlier being a smaller town and the latter forming the city centre with parks, ]s and industrial areas. Divided onto two separate entities for centuries, it consists of two parts still frequently referred to as ''Alytus I'' and ''Alytus II'', the earlier being a smaller town and the latter forming the city centre with parks, ]s and industrial areas.<ref name="AlytausArchitekturaVle">{{cite web |last1=Miškinis |first1=Algimantas |title=Alytaus architektūra |url=https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/alytaus-architektura/ |website=Visuotinė lietuvių enciklopedija |access-date=25 November 2024 |language=lt}}</ref>


== History == ==Name==
The name of the city is believed to be derived from the ] ] Alytupis (river).<ref name="city-name-origin">{{cite web|title=Lietuvos miestų pavadinimų kilmė – tik upės ir pavardės?|trans-title=The origin of Lithuanian city names - only rivers and surnames?|url=https://www.delfi.lt/grynas/gyvenimas/lietuvos-miestu-pavadinimu-kilme-tik-upes-ir-pavardes-54756379|date=28 January 2012|access-date=29 September 2023|website=]|language=lt}}</ref> Its name in other languages includes ]: ''Olita'' {{IPA-pl|ɔˈlita|}},<ref>{{Cite book |title=Urzędowy wykaz polskich nazw geograficznych świata |publisher=Główny Urząd Geodezji i Kartografii |year=2019 |isbn=978-83-254-2578-4 |editor-last=Zych |editor-first=Maciej |edition=2nd |location=Warsaw |pages=165 |language=pl |trans-title=Official List of Polish Geographical Names of the World |editor-last2=Kacprzak |editor-first2=Justyna}}</ref> ]: ''Aliten'', ]: Олита ''Olita'', ]: Аліта ''Alita'', ]: אליטע ''Alite''.


==History==
The first historical record of Alytus dates back to 1377,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.alytus-tourism.lt/index.php?id=186 |title=History of Alytus City |accessdate=2008-06-14 |last= |first= |coauthors= |date= |work= |publisher=Alytus tourism information centre}}</ref> when it was mentioned in the Chronicles of ] under the name of ''Aliten''. According to the chronicle the spot was occupied by a small, wooden fortress guarding the Lithuanian frontier with the ]. The fort and the surrounding village gradually grew, despite being frequently a target of raids of both the Lithuanians and the Teutons. The ] left the town on the Teutonic side of the border, but it was retaken soon afterwards. On June 15, 1581 ] and ] ] granted the town the city rights based on the ]. The event is celebrated as the ''Alytus Day''.
] river from the Alytus ]]]
]' visit to Alytus in 1920]]
] parading in Alytus in 1936]]
]
]
The first historical record of Alytus dates back to 1377,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.alytus-tourism.lt/index.php?id=186|title=History of Alytus City|access-date=2008-06-14|publisher=Alytus tourism information centre|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080628160130/http://www.alytus-tourism.lt/index.php?id=186|archive-date=2008-06-28|url-status=dead}}</ref> when it was mentioned in the Chronicles of ] under the name of ''Aliten''.<ref name="AlytausIstorijaVle">{{cite web |last1=Miškinis |first1=Algimantas |title=Alytaus istorija |url=https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/alytaus-istorija/ |website=Visuotinė lietuvių enciklopedija |access-date=25 November 2024 |language=lt}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Kokia seniausia Alytaus data ir kas toks yra Alštatas? |url=https://alytausgidas.lt/naujiena/kokia-seniausia-alytaus-data-ir-kas-toks-yra-alstatas/ |website=Alytausgidas.lt |access-date=25 November 2024 |language=lt |date=22 January 2023}}</ref> According to the chronicle the spot was occupied by a small, wooden fortress guarding the Lithuanian frontier with the ]. The fort and the surrounding village gradually grew, despite being frequently a target of raids of both the Lithuanians and the Teutons. The ] left the town on the Teutonic side of the border, but it was retaken soon afterwards. On 15 June 1581 ] and ] ] granted the town the city rights based on the ]. The event is celebrated as the ''Alytus Day''.


Until the ] the town was a part of the ] of the ] and a notable center of commerce on the ], serving as the main route for export goods from ]. The town was also important as the place where one of the royal economic offices was located. In the third partition of Poland and Lithuania, in 1795, the town was divided between the ] and the ]. During the ], following the ], the western part was ceded to the ]. After the ] it became part of the duchy's ], the ]. Although the state was tied with a ] with Russia, both parts of the town remained completely separate until the ] of 1863. After that date the autonomy of Poland was liquidated, but both parts of the town remained governed separately. Until the ] the town was a part of the ] of the ] and a notable center of commerce on the ] river, serving as the main route for export goods from ]. The town was also important as the place where one of the royal economic offices was located. In the third partition of Poland and Lithuania, in 1795, the town was divided between the ] and the ]. During the ], following the ], the western part was ceded to the ]. After the ] it became part of the duchy's ], the ]. Although the state was tied with a ] with Russia, both parts of the town remained completely separate until the ] of 1863. After that date, the autonomy of Poland was liquidated, but both parts of the town remained governed separately.
]
In the late 19th century the town was incorporated into a chain of Russian fortified garrisons along the border with ]. It was tied with the rest of the world by a railway and a new road. In addition, the tsarist authorities constructed several ] and an ] (in modern times converted to a ]). However, despite the fortification effort by the Russians, during the ] the ] managed to capture the town intact, without any major skirmish. In 1915 the town was incorporated into the so-called ] and both parts were once again united into a single administrative entity - for the first time since 1795.


In the late 19th century the town was incorporated into a chain of Russian fortified garrisons along the border with ]. It was tied with the rest of the world by a railway and a new road. In addition, the tsarist authorities constructed several ] and an ] (in modern times converted to a ]). However, despite the fortification effort by the Russians, during ] the ] managed to capture the town intact, without any major skirmish. In 1915 the town was incorporated into the so-called ] and both parts were once again united into a single administrative entity for the first time since 1795.
Following the end of ] the area remained contested by newly-independent Poland and Lithuania, with the actual control held by the ] stationed in the area. When the Germans withdrew in early 1919, the town was seized by the ]. On February 12, 1919, the town became a battlefield for the first skirmish between the Russians and the Lithuanian forces, which eventually took control over it. Since then the town has been a part of the ].


Following the end of ] the area remained contested by newly independent Poland and Lithuania, with the actual control held by the ] stationed in the area. When the Germans withdrew in early 1919, the town was seized by the ]. On 12 February 1919, the town became a battlefield for the first skirmish between the Russians and the Lithuanian forces, which eventually took control over it. Since then the town has been a part of the ].
Following the ] a large ] camp for Polish soldiers was established in the city. Following the German occupation of the city in 1941, the camp was converted into a ] for Soviet soldiers (]). In the nearby forest of ] the Nazis murdered approximately 60,000 people, mostly Jews from nearby towns in ] and Lithuania.<ref></ref>

Following the ] a large ] camp for Polish soldiers was established in the city. During ], Alytus was under ] occupation from 22 June 1941 until 15 July 1944.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.soldat.ru/spravka/freedom/1-ssr-1.html|title=Освобождение городов|website=www.soldat.ru}}</ref> Following the German occupation of the city in 1941, the camp was converted into a ] for Soviet soldiers (]). The 1965 Soviet-era book ''Masinės žudynės Lietuvoje, 1941–1944'' lists two major mass graves in Alytus: Vidzgiris forest, then at the southeastern suburbs on the left bank of the river, estimated 60,000 people, most likely Jews from the eastern Soviet Union, and the Alytus forest, then at the eastern suburbs, estimated 35,000 people, most probably Soviet prisoners of war.<ref>''Masinės žudynės Lietuvoje, 1941-1944: dokumentų rinkinys'' (''Mass Murders in Lithuania, 1941–1944: collection of documents''), vol. 2, 1965, as cited by {{Cite web |url=http://www.shtetlinks.jewishgen.org/Alytus/alite3.html |title=The Jewish community of Alytus during World War II and afterwards (JewishGen article) |access-date=2007-03-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090609172859/http://www.shtetlinks.jewishgen.org/Alytus/alite3.html |archive-date=2009-06-09 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Historian Gintaras Lučinskas argues that these numbers were politicized and grossly inflated, and the actual number of victims is in single digits of thousands.<ref>Lučinskas, Gintaras, ("The number of victims of the Holocaust in Alytus - a Soviet hoax?"), ''Terra Jatwezenorum'', 2017, 9, 2, p. 63-85, 373-374, 351-352 ()</ref><ref>, ]</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.memorialmuseums.org/eng/denkmaeler/view/1600/Memorial-to-the-murdered-Jews-of-Alytus|title=Information Portal to European Sites of Remembrance|website=www.memorialmuseums.org}}</ref>

In 2015, a HVDC back-to-back station for the realization of a power interconnection between Poland and Lithuania (LitPol) was inaugurated west of Alytus. The facility built by ABB has a transmission capacity of 500 MW at a voltage of ±70 kV.

The coat of arms features a white rose, one of two coat of arms in the country that features roses. "The bridge of White Rose" is the country's largest pedestrian bridge, whose name was chosen by the citizens. The bridge was built on the remains of a railway bridge, which was blown up by the Russians when they were retreating back in 1915.

==Climate==
Alytus has a ] with quite large seasonal differences.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather.php3?s=592846&cityname=Alytus-Alytaus-Apskritis-Lithuania|title=Alytus, Lithuania Climate Summary|publisher=Weatherbase|access-date=17 June 2015}}</ref>

{{Weather box
|location = Alytus
|metric first = 1
|single line = 1
|Jan high C = -2.2
|Feb high C = -1.1
|Mar high C = 3.9
|Apr high C = 11.1
|May high C = 18.3
|Jun high C = 21.1
|Jul high C = 22.2
|Aug high C = 22.2
|Sep high C = 16.7
|Oct high C = 11.1
|Nov high C = 4.4
|Dec high C = -0.6
|year high C = 10.6
|Jan mean C = -5.0
|Feb mean C = -4.4
|Mar mean C = 0.0
|Apr mean C = 6.1
|May mean C = 12.2
|Jun mean C = 15.6
|Jul mean C = 16.7
|Aug mean C = 16.7
|Sep mean C = 12.2
|Oct mean C = 7.2
|Nov mean C = 2.2
|Dec mean C = -2.8
|year mean C = 6.4
|Jan low C = -7.8
|Feb low C = -7.8
|Mar low C = -3.9
|Apr low C = 1.1
|May low C = 6.1
|Jun low C = 10.0
|Jul low C = 11.7
|Aug low C = 10.6
|Sep low C = 7.2
|Oct low C = 3.3
|Nov low C = 0.0
|Dec low C = -5.0
|year low C = 2.1
|Jan rain mm = 41
|Feb rain mm = 27
|Mar rain mm = 36
|Apr rain mm = 41
|May rain mm = 56
|Jun rain mm = 74
|Jul rain mm = 80
|Aug rain mm = 70
|Sep rain mm = 60
|Oct rain mm = 48
|Nov rain mm = 51
|Dec rain mm = 50
|year rain mm = 634
|Jan precipitation days = 8
|Feb precipitation days = 9
|Mar precipitation days = 14
|Apr precipitation days = 16
|May precipitation days = 16
|Jun precipitation days = 12
|Jul precipitation days = 13
|Aug precipitation days = 14
|Sep precipitation days = 12
|Oct precipitation days = 14
|Nov precipitation days = 8
|Dec precipitation days = 7
|year precipitation days = 143
|source 1 = <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather.php3?s=592846&cityname=Alytus-Alytaus-Apskritis-Lithuania|title=Alytus, Lithuania Temperature Averages|website=weatherbase.com|publisher=Weatherbase|access-date=17 June 2015}}</ref>
}}


==Culture== ==Culture==
]' legacy<ref>{{cite web |title="Jotvos vartai" kviečia į gyvosios istorijos festivalį Alytuje |url=https://www.alytusinfo.lt/jotvos-vartai-kviecia-i-gyvosios-istorijos-festivali-alytuje/ |website=Alytaus turizmo informacijos centras |access-date=10 November 2024 |language=lt}}</ref>]]
'' is a local newspaper in Alytus.
Alytus hosted the Art Strike Biennial between 18 and 24 August 2009 in response to ] becoming ] for 2009. This included a demonstration<ref>'Alytus -meno streiko sostine', ''Alytus Naujienos'', Nr 15521st August 2009</ref> and a ] match.<ref> accessed 30 August 2009</ref> The universal indoor ] hosted the ] Group C matches in Alytus. In 2010, Alytus was awarded the Honourable Plate of the European Council.


Alytus has a museum dedicated to veterans of both the Afghan wars.
Alytus hosted the ], August 18-24th, 2009 in response to ] becoming ] for ]. This included a demonstration<ref>'Alytus -meno streiko sostine', ''Alytus Naujienos'', Nr 15521st August 2009</ref> and a ] match.<ref> accessed 30th AUgust 2009</ref>


In Alytus, several Bonsai exhibitions were held with participants from European and other countries, such as Japan and the United States.
==International relations==
]
===Twin towns - Sister cities===
Alytus is ] with:
{| cellpadding="10"
|- valign="top"
|
*{{flagicon|USA}} ], USA
*{{flagicon|Ukraine}} ], Ukraine
*{{flagicon|Sweden}} ], Sweden
*{{flagicon|Latvia}} ], Latvia
*{{flagicon|Poland}} ], Poland
*{{flagicon|Poland}} ], Poland
||
*{{flagicon|Belarus}} ], Belarus
*{{flagicon|Norway}} ], Norway
*{{flagicon|Denmark}} ], Denmark
*{{flagicon|Poland}} ], Poland<ref name="OpoleTwin">{{cite web|url=http://www.opole.pl/miasto/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=20&Itemid=108|title=Opole Official Website - Twin Towns|accessdate=2009-06-18|publisher=<small> ] ] {{fontcolor|Green|(in ] and ])}} ] 2007-2009 Urząd Miasta Opola}}</small>''</ref>
*{{flagicon|Poland}} ], Poland
||
*{{flagicon|Russia}} ], Russia
*{{flagicon|France}} ], France
*{{flagicon|Argentina}} ], Argentina
*{{flagicon|Poland}} ], Poland
|}


Alytus has hosted an annual Tomato tasting since 2007. Participants offer a wide variety of tomatoes and discuss the various factors which help produce a rich crop of the fruit.<ref>{{cite web|title=POMIDORŲ DEGUSTACIJA|url=http://pomidorai.apie.lt/|publisher=JŪSŲ DARŽUI|access-date=24 August 2013}}</ref> Alytus has an industrial company named ], which manufactures ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.snaige.lt/index.php/contact_information/general/267|title=Refrigerators &#124; Freezers &#124; A++ class refrigerators &#124; SNAIGE<!-- Bot generated title -->}}</ref>
== References ==

{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}
==Twin towns – sister cities==
{{See also|List of twin towns and sister cities in Lithuania}}
Alytus is ] with:<ref>{{cite web |title=Tarptautinis bendradarbiavimas|url=https://www.alytus.lt/lt/apie-alytu/tarptautinis-bendradarbiavimas-1|website=alytus.lt|publisher=Alytaus miesto savivaldybė|language=lt|access-date=2022-01-21}}</ref>
{{div col|colwidth=18em}}
*{{flagicon|LVA}} ], Latvia
*{{flagicon|UKR}} ], Ukraine
*{{flagicon|SWE}} ], Sweden
*{{flagicon|GBR}} ], United Kingdom
*{{flagicon|POL}} ], Poland
*{{flagicon|ARG}} ], Argentina
*{{flagicon|POL}} ], Poland
*{{flagicon|JPN}} ], Japan
*{{flagicon|UKR}} ], Ukraine
*{{flagicon|NOR}} ], Norway
*{{flagicon|DEN}} ], Denmark
*{{flagicon|CHN}} ], China
*{{flagicon|POL}} ], Poland
*{{flagicon|POL}} ], Poland
*{{flagicon|USA}} ], United States
*{{flagicon|FRA}} ], France
*{{flagicon|POL}} ], Poland
*{{flagicon|FRA}} ], France
{{div col end}}

The city was previously twinned with:<ref>{{cite web |title=Alytus nutraukė bendradarbiavimą su Rusijos Federacijoje ir Baltarusijoje esančiais miestais partneriais |url=https://alytus.lt/lt/gyventojams/naujienos/alytus-nutrauke-bendradarbiavima-su-rusijos-federacijoje-ir-baltarusijoje-esanciais-miestais-partneriais |website=alytus.lt |access-date=17 March 2022 |date=28 February 2022}}</ref>
*{{flagicon|BLR}} ], Belarus
*{{flagicon|BLR}} ], Belarus
*{{flagicon|RUS}} ], Russia
*{{flagicon|BLR}} ], Belarus

==Gallery==
<gallery mode="packed" heights="130">
Alytus Saint Casimir church.jpg|Saint Casimir Church
Alytus Angelu Sargu church2.jpg|Church of the Guardian Angels
Alytaus sinagoga 2 (2021).jpg|Alytus Synagogue
Alytus, Benedikto gimnazija.JPG|Saint Benedict Gymnasium
Alytus. Piliakalnio progimnazija.JPG|Piliakalnis Progymnasium
Memorejo 'silenta sonorilo' en Alytus b.jpg|"Silent bell" memorial for the ]
Commemoration of Nazi-Soviet Pact, Alytus, 23 Aug 2013.jpg|Commemoration of ] on 23 August 2013
Alytus. Dailiųjų amatų mokykla.JPG|School of Fine Crafts
File:Alytus, estrada.JPG|Stage in the Valley of Songs
Alytus Tomato Tasting 2013, tiny tomatoes.jpg|Alytus Tomato Tasting 2013
</gallery>

==Crater of Mars==
In 1979, one of ] in planet ] was named 'Alitus' after the city of Alytus by the ].<ref>{{cite web |title=Alytus |url=https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/alytus/ |website=Visuotinė lietuvių enciklopedija |access-date=25 November 2024 |language=lt}}</ref>

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist}}


==External links== ==External links==
{{commons cat|Alytus}} {{commons category|Alytus}}
* *
* *
* *
*
*
* during ], at ] website.
{{Municipalities of Lithuania}} {{Municipalities of Lithuania}}
{{Alytus County}} {{Alytus County}}


{{Authority control}}
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]
] ]
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Latest revision as of 13:30, 28 December 2024

City in Alytus County, Lithuania For other uses, see Alytus (disambiguation). "Olita" redirects here. For the anti-cancer drug, see Olmutinib. For the name, see Olita (name).

City Municipality in Dzūkija, Lithuania
Alytus
City Municipality
Aerial view of AlytusChurch of St. LouisChurch of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Help of ChristiansAlytus ArenaAlytus College
Flag of AlytusFlagCoat of arms of AlytusCoat of armsOfficial logo of AlytusBrandmark
Interactive map of Alytus
Alytus is located in LithuaniaAlytusAlytusLocation within LithuaniaShow map of LithuaniaAlytus is located in EuropeAlytusAlytusLocation within EuropeShow map of Europe
Coordinates: 54°24′05″N 24°02′57″E / 54.40139°N 24.04917°E / 54.40139; 24.04917
Country Lithuania
RegionDzūkija
CountyAlytus County
First mentioned1377 (648 years ago) (1377)
City privileges1581 (444 years ago) (1581)
CapitalAlytus
Government
 • TypeCity Council
 • BodyAlytus City Council
 • MayorNerijus Cesiulis (LSDP)
 • LeadingSocial Democratic Party 20 / 27
Area
 • Total40 km (20 sq mi)
 • Rank60th
Elevation200 m (700 ft)
Population
 • Total50,996
 • Rank6th
 • Density1,300/km (3,300/sq mi)
  • Rank5th
Demonym(s)Alytian(s) (English)
alytiškiai (Lithuanian)
Time zoneUTC+2 (EET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+3 (EEST)
ZIP Codes62001–64355
Phone code+370 (315)
Websitealytus.lt

Alytus (Lithuanian: [ɐlʲiːˈtʊs] ) is a city with municipal rights in southern Lithuania. It is the capital of Alytus County. The population as of July 2024 was 50,996. Alytus is the historical centre of the Dzūkija region. The city lies on the banks of the Nemunas river. The major roads linking Vilnius, Kaunas, Lazdijai (border with Poland), and Grodno in Belarus pass through Alytus.

Divided onto two separate entities for centuries, it consists of two parts still frequently referred to as Alytus I and Alytus II, the earlier being a smaller town and the latter forming the city centre with parks, microdistricts and industrial areas.

Name

The name of the city is believed to be derived from the Lithuanian hydronym Alytupis (river). Its name in other languages includes Polish: Olita [ɔˈlita], German: Aliten, Russian: Олита Olita, Belarusian: Аліта Alita, Yiddish: אליטע Alite.

History

Nemunas river from the Alytus hillfort
Prime Minister of Lithuania Kazys Grinius' visit to Alytus in 1920
Lithuanian 2nd Uhlan Regiment parading in Alytus in 1936
Damaged buildings of the Alytus Old Town in the World War II in 1941
Alytus centre in winter in 2008

The first historical record of Alytus dates back to 1377, when it was mentioned in the Chronicles of Wigand of Marburg under the name of Aliten. According to the chronicle the spot was occupied by a small, wooden fortress guarding the Lithuanian frontier with the Teutonic Order. The fort and the surrounding village gradually grew, despite being frequently a target of raids of both the Lithuanians and the Teutons. The Treaty of Lake Melno left the town on the Teutonic side of the border, but it was retaken soon afterwards. On 15 June 1581 Grand Duke of Lithuania and King of Poland Stefan Batory granted the town the city rights based on the Magdeburg Law. The event is celebrated as the Alytus Day.

Until the Partitions of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth the town was a part of the Trakai Voivodeship of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and a notable center of commerce on the Nemunas river, serving as the main route for export goods from Lithuania proper. The town was also important as the place where one of the royal economic offices was located. In the third partition of Poland and Lithuania, in 1795, the town was divided between the Russian Empire and the Kingdom of Prussia. During the Napoleonic Wars, following the Treaty of Tilsit, the western part was ceded to the Duchy of Warsaw. After the Congress of Vienna it became part of the duchy's successor state, the Kingdom of Poland. Although the state was tied with a personal union with Russia, both parts of the town remained completely separate until the January Uprising of 1863. After that date, the autonomy of Poland was liquidated, but both parts of the town remained governed separately.

In the late 19th century the town was incorporated into a chain of Russian fortified garrisons along the border with East Prussia. It was tied with the rest of the world by a railway and a new road. In addition, the tsarist authorities constructed several barracks and an Eastern Orthodox church (in modern times converted to a Catholic church). However, despite the fortification effort by the Russians, during World War I the Central Powers managed to capture the town intact, without any major skirmish. In 1915 the town was incorporated into the so-called Ober Ost and both parts were once again united into a single administrative entity for the first time since 1795.

Following the end of World War I the area remained contested by newly independent Poland and Lithuania, with the actual control held by the German army stationed in the area. When the Germans withdrew in early 1919, the town was seized by the Red Army. On 12 February 1919, the town became a battlefield for the first skirmish between the Russians and the Lithuanian forces, which eventually took control over it. Since then the town has been a part of the Republic of Lithuania.

Following the invasion of Poland a large prisoner of war camp for Polish soldiers was established in the city. During World War II, Alytus was under German occupation from 22 June 1941 until 15 July 1944. Following the German occupation of the city in 1941, the camp was converted into a prison camp for Soviet soldiers (Stalag 343). The 1965 Soviet-era book Masinės žudynės Lietuvoje, 1941–1944 lists two major mass graves in Alytus: Vidzgiris forest, then at the southeastern suburbs on the left bank of the river, estimated 60,000 people, most likely Jews from the eastern Soviet Union, and the Alytus forest, then at the eastern suburbs, estimated 35,000 people, most probably Soviet prisoners of war. Historian Gintaras Lučinskas argues that these numbers were politicized and grossly inflated, and the actual number of victims is in single digits of thousands.

In 2015, a HVDC back-to-back station for the realization of a power interconnection between Poland and Lithuania (LitPol) was inaugurated west of Alytus. The facility built by ABB has a transmission capacity of 500 MW at a voltage of ±70 kV.

The coat of arms features a white rose, one of two coat of arms in the country that features roses. "The bridge of White Rose" is the country's largest pedestrian bridge, whose name was chosen by the citizens. The bridge was built on the remains of a railway bridge, which was blown up by the Russians when they were retreating back in 1915.

Climate

Alytus has a humid continental climate with quite large seasonal differences.

Climate data for Alytus
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) −2.2
(28.0) 		−1.1
(30.0) 		3.9
(39.0) 		11.1
(52.0) 		18.3
(64.9) 		21.1
(70.0) 		22.2
(72.0) 		22.2
(72.0) 		16.7
(62.1) 		11.1
(52.0) 		4.4
(39.9) 		−0.6
(30.9) 		10.6
(51.1)
Daily mean °C (°F) −5.0
(23.0) 		−4.4
(24.1) 		0.0
(32.0) 		6.1
(43.0) 		12.2
(54.0) 		15.6
(60.1) 		16.7
(62.1) 		16.7
(62.1) 		12.2
(54.0) 		7.2
(45.0) 		2.2
(36.0) 		−2.8
(27.0) 		6.4
(43.5)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) −7.8
(18.0) 		−7.8
(18.0) 		−3.9
(25.0) 		1.1
(34.0) 		6.1
(43.0) 		10.0
(50.0) 		11.7
(53.1) 		10.6
(51.1) 		7.2
(45.0) 		3.3
(37.9) 		0.0
(32.0) 		−5.0
(23.0) 		2.1
(35.8)
Average rainfall mm (inches) 41
(1.6) 		27
(1.1) 		36
(1.4) 		41
(1.6) 		56
(2.2) 		74
(2.9) 		80
(3.1) 		70
(2.8) 		60
(2.4) 		48
(1.9) 		51
(2.0) 		50
(2.0) 		634
(25.0)
Average precipitation days 8 9 14 16 16 12 13 14 12 14 8 7 143
Source:

Culture

History Festival Jotvos vartai, dedicated to the Yotvingians' legacy

Alytus hosted the Art Strike Biennial between 18 and 24 August 2009 in response to Vilnius becoming European Capital of Culture for 2009. This included a demonstration and a three sided football match. The universal indoor Alytus Arena hosted the Eurobasket 2011 Group C matches in Alytus. In 2010, Alytus was awarded the Honourable Plate of the European Council.

Alytus has a museum dedicated to veterans of both the Afghan wars.

In Alytus, several Bonsai exhibitions were held with participants from European and other countries, such as Japan and the United States.

Alytus has hosted an annual Tomato tasting since 2007. Participants offer a wide variety of tomatoes and discuss the various factors which help produce a rich crop of the fruit. Alytus has an industrial company named Snaigė, which manufactures refrigerators.

Twin towns – sister cities

See also: List of twin towns and sister cities in Lithuania

Alytus is twinned with:

The city was previously twinned with:

Gallery

  • Saint Casimir Church Saint Casimir Church
  • Church of the Guardian Angels Church of the Guardian Angels
  • Alytus Synagogue Alytus Synagogue
  • Saint Benedict Gymnasium Saint Benedict Gymnasium
  • Piliakalnis Progymnasium Piliakalnis Progymnasium
  • "Silent bell" memorial for the Lithuanian partisans "Silent bell" memorial for the Lithuanian partisans
  • Commemoration of Nazi–Soviet Pact on 23 August 2013 Commemoration of Nazi–Soviet Pact on 23 August 2013
  • School of Fine Crafts School of Fine Crafts
  • Stage in the Valley of Songs Stage in the Valley of Songs
  • Alytus Tomato Tasting 2013 Alytus Tomato Tasting 2013

Crater of Mars

In 1979, one of craters in planet Mars was named 'Alitus' after the city of Alytus by the International Astronomical Union.

Notes

References

  1. "Titulinis - vrk.lt". www.vrk.lt.
  2. "Resident population on 1 July". osp.stat.gov.lt. 19 July 2024.
  3. ^ Daugirdas, Vidmantas. "Alytus". Visuotinė lietuvių enciklopedija (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 25 November 2024.
  4. Miškinis, Algimantas. "Alytaus architektūra". Visuotinė lietuvių enciklopedija (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 25 November 2024.
  5. "Lietuvos miestų pavadinimų kilmė – tik upės ir pavardės?" [The origin of Lithuanian city names - only rivers and surnames?]. Delfi (in Lithuanian). 28 January 2012. Retrieved 29 September 2023.
  6. Zych, Maciej; Kacprzak, Justyna, eds. (2019). Urzędowy wykaz polskich nazw geograficznych świata [Official List of Polish Geographical Names of the World] (in Polish) (2nd ed.). Warsaw: Główny Urząd Geodezji i Kartografii. p. 165. ISBN 978-83-254-2578-4.
  7. "History of Alytus City". Alytus tourism information centre. Archived from the original on 28 June 2008. Retrieved 14 June 2008.
  8. Miškinis, Algimantas. "Alytaus istorija". Visuotinė lietuvių enciklopedija (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 25 November 2024.
  9. "Kokia seniausia Alytaus data ir kas toks yra Alštatas?". Alytausgidas.lt (in Lithuanian). 22 January 2023. Retrieved 25 November 2024.
  10. "Освобождение городов". www.soldat.ru.
  11. Masinės žudynės Lietuvoje, 1941-1944: dokumentų rinkinys (Mass Murders in Lithuania, 1941–1944: collection of documents), vol. 2, 1965, as cited by "The Jewish community of Alytus during World War II and afterwards (JewishGen article)". Archived from the original on 9 June 2009. Retrieved 24 March 2007.
  12. Lučinskas, Gintaras, "Holokausto aukų skaičius Alytuje - sovietų pramanas?" ("The number of victims of the Holocaust in Alytus - a Soviet hoax?"), Terra Jatwezenorum, 2017, 9, 2, p. 63-85, 373-374, 351-352 (erticle content onlinee)
  13. "Murder story of Alytus Jews in the Vidzgiris Forest", Yad Vashem
  14. "Information Portal to European Sites of Remembrance". www.memorialmuseums.org.
  15. "Alytus, Lithuania Climate Summary". Weatherbase. Retrieved 17 June 2015.
  16. "Alytus, Lithuania Temperature Averages". weatherbase.com. Weatherbase. Retrieved 17 June 2015.
  17. ""Jotvos vartai" kviečia į gyvosios istorijos festivalį Alytuje". Alytaus turizmo informacijos centras (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 10 November 2024.
  18. 'Alytus -meno streiko sostine', Alytus Naujienos, Nr 15521st August 2009
  19. Alytus art strike: 3-sided football (trišalis futbolas) accessed 30 August 2009
  20. "POMIDORŲ DEGUSTACIJA". JŪSŲ DARŽUI. Retrieved 24 August 2013.
  21. "Refrigerators | Freezers | A++ class refrigerators | SNAIGE".
  22. "Tarptautinis bendradarbiavimas". alytus.lt (in Lithuanian). Alytaus miesto savivaldybė. Retrieved 21 January 2022.
  23. "Alytus nutraukė bendradarbiavimą su Rusijos Federacijoje ir Baltarusijoje esančiais miestais partneriais". alytus.lt. 28 February 2022. Retrieved 17 March 2022.
  24. "Alytus". Visuotinė lietuvių enciklopedija (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 25 November 2024.

External links

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