Punia, Lithuania

Infobox Settlement
name = Punia
nickname =
settlement_type = Village
pushpin_

pushpin_map_caption = Location of Punia
pushpin_label_position =
image_shield = Punia COA.gif
latd=54|latm=30|lats=47|latNS=N|longd=24|longm=06|longs=01|longEW=E
coordinates_display= inline,title
coordinates_type =region:LT_type:city(800)
subdivision_type = Country
subdivision_name = LTU
subdivision_type1= Ethnographic region
subdivision_name1= Dzūkija
subdivision_type2= County
subdivision_name2= Alytus County
subdivision_type3= Municipality
subdivision_name3= Alytus district municipality
subdivision_type4= Eldership
subdivision_name4= Punia eldership
subdivision_type5= Capital of
subdivision_name5= Punia eldership
established_title= First mentioned
established_date = 1382
population_total = 809
population_as_of = 2001
timezone=EET
utc_offset=+2
timezone_DST=EEST
utc_offset_DST=+3

Punia is a historic village in the Alytus district municipality, Lithuania. Situated on the right bank of the Neman River, it has a population of about 800. It was an important early city of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.

The town was first mentioned in 1382. The first church was built in 1425, likely by Vytautas the Great. Because of its good geographical location (Neman River, direct route to Trakai), Punia became a local center. In 1503 the town received Magdeburg rights and was promoted to city status. In the 17th century the city reached its peak, and became known for its pottery and smithery. In 1688 the third church was built. At the beginning of the 18th century, Punia suffered a great deal of damage from the Swedish wars, and did not recover until the end of the century. In 1785 a town hall was built. During the middle of the 19th century Jews settled in the town, developing trade and helping the town recover from two large fires. After the second fire a new brick church replaced the old wooden church. By 1866 the number of residents had almost doubled since 1833, reaching 1,000. Punia suffered from another major fire, the World Wars, Soviet repressions and by 1939 it had only about 200 residents left. It recovered a bit only in the 1960s, when it became the administrative center of the local kolkhoz.

Punia is proud of the Hill of Margiris ( _lt. Margirio kalnas, 30 metres high), one of the largest hill forts in Lithuania, in the bend of the Neman River. It is believed to be the location of legendary Pilėnai which was destroyed in 1336 by the Teutonic Knights. The heroic defence of the castle is described by Władysław Syrokomla in his poetic novel "Margier". The castle was rebuilt in 16th century only to be soon destroyed again.

External links

* [http://punia.puslapiai.lt/ Unofficial Punia town website]
* [http://viduramziu.istorija.net/pilys/punia.htm Reconstruction of Punia Castle]