Situated to the west of the city along the meandering Neris river, this wooded park covering 160 hectares of pine woods was famed as far back as the 16th century. It’s believed that Alexander I was at a ball here when he received news of Napoleon’s invasion in 1812, an event mentioned in Tolstoy’s War and Peace. The park is more famous these days as the setting for rock concerts, firework displays, jogging and the launching of hot-air balloons during balmy summer evenings. Also within its confines are a botanical gardens and a fabulous little children’s zoo.