Situated to the west of the city along the meandering Neris, this partially wooded park covering some160 hectares 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 immortalised in Tolstoy’s War and Peace. The park is more famous these days as a setting for rock concerts, firework displays, hot-air balloon rides during the summer and huge song festivals. Also in the park are a botanical garden and children’s zoo.