There are even several religious cultures in Kretinga town alone. The Church of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary Church is standing in the centre already for 400 years. It is well-known for traditions of Franciscan brothers, historical heritage, heritage of art, wood carvings. The church is a witness of final establishment of Christianity in Kretinga lands. There is a younger but not less important Kretinga Evangelical Lutheran Church near it. It was built at the end of the 19th century and is famous for the organs manufactured in 1785 by Königsberg master J. Preuss. When the church was built, money for its stained glass was donated by Kretinga Jewish community. The main sign of culture of the latter, i.e. synagogue, no longer exists. However, the place of the former mikveh at the address Akmenės Str. 11 may be examined, only several houses which belonged to the Jewish families remained.
When Lithuania became a part of the Russian empire, a church was built in the place of the current Town Hall Square. It does not exist any longer, but there is a monument for orthodox culture in Kretinga, i.e. Saint Eleutherius Chapel which is in J. Jablonskio street, near the lutheran and old orthodox cemetery. And although the chapel may be rarely, i.e. during celebration of Mass, examined from the inside, the Byzantine style building constructed in 1905 may be examined from the outside.
The path goes from Kretinga to Dimitravas, Joskaudai forest and Erškėtynas located in the forest. It is believed that once a pagan temple was here. Today, there is a chapel, services for the Virgin Mary are held here, the Samogitian cross hill is gradually expanding.
Those who are looking for evident objects of the Baltic culture should include a recreational-discovery path of the Baltic Mythology Park. Looking from a bird’s eye, a park created several kilometres from Darbėnai reminds of the Tree of Life which is particularly important to the Baltic culture. While wandering along the paths of the well-maintained and very natural park, you will familiarise with the Baltic gods. The park has three parts revealing the structure of the pantheon of the Baltic gods, expresses the harmony of the human way of life and nature. There is an altar in the central part of the park in which you can get rid of bad thoughts, heart-wrenching things.
The Japanese Garden which constantly develops and promotes the exotic culture among Lithuanian people and is located near the Baltic culture park surprises with its beauty. It is unique: the only such garden in Lithuanian and the largest in Europe. A garden of several hectares was created and is still created by the master from Japan H. Watanabe and the Lithuanian doctor Š. Kasmauskas. It is beautiful here in all seasons: the Japanese terrain garden is fascinating even when it is covered with snow and in autumn colours and in spring when it is full of Sakura (Japanese cherry), magnolia and other blossoms. When you get tired of walking, you may enjoy the Japanese tea ceremony, take photos with kimonos or calmly meditate in the stone garden. Not to mention the collection of thousands of bonsai trees in which some small trees are even 180 year old.
Darbėnai is not far away from Salantai. Everyone who are interested in the traces of the Jewish culture, since the building of the synagogue built in the 19th century has survived in the town. Jewish prayed in it for decades; later on, the Nazis tortured them in the same prayer home. Today the Cultural Centre is situated in the building and the commemorative plaque reminds of the real purpose of the building. Those who visit Salantai will also find footprints of the Curonians. Since Imbarė hillfort on which the important Curonian castle in Ceklis land stood here.
