Way of Saint James

SECTION OF THE WAY: Pakutuvėnai–Kartena

When traveling from Plungė district, you will enter Kretinga district at Mamiai. You will walk along winding forest tracks and side roads for about 7 km until you reach the town of Kartena, located in the picturesque valley of the Minija River. Kartena and its surroundings have been mentioned since 1253, when Kartena Castle was first mentioned. Its greatness is remembered by the high slopes of the hill and the priceless view of the valley formed by the glacier thousands of years ago. The town is adorned by Kartena Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, built in 1875. It is the only neo-baroque basilica church in Samogitia without a tower. Not far behind Kartena Mound, on the left bank of the Minija, on the outskirts of Abakai village, the Lourdes of Abakai has been famous since ancient times. There is a stone masonry Lourdes grotto with a sculpture of Our Lady of Lourdes. The water of the spring in front of it is said to have healing properties. A stone masonry Lourdes grotto with St. Sculpture of Mary of Lourdes. The water of the spring in front of it is said to have healing properties. On your way to the proposed accommodation, you will pass the Cross of St. James, which is decorated with the symbol of pilgrims - shells, and is carved with St. James walking to the temple with 12 gates and accompanied by a group of pilgrims. Such a cross is the only one in Kretinga district. After walking 3 km from Kartena, we offer you to stay at the rural tourism homestead At Juozas (“Pas Juozą”) located on the bank of the Minija River, or at the campsite “Camp in Kartena” 2 km closer (a tent is required).