Prienai

Infobox Settlement
name = Prienai
nickname =
settlement_type = City
pushpin_

pushpin_label_position =
pushpin_map_caption =Location of Prienai
image_shield = Prienai COA.gif
latd=54|latm=38|lats=0|latNS=N|longd=23|longm=56|longs=30|longEW=E
coordinates_display= inline,title
coordinates_type = region:LT_type:city(11000)
subdivision_type = Country
subdivision_name = LTU
subdivision_type1 = Ethnographic region
subdivision_name1 = Suvalkija
subdivision_type2 = County
subdivision_name2 = Kaunas County
subdivision_type3 = Municipality
subdivision_name3 = Prienai district municipality
subdivision_type4 = Eldership
subdivision_name4 = Prienai city eldership
subdivision_type6 = Capital of
subdivision_name6 = Prienai district municipality
Prienai city eldership
established_date = 1502
established_title = First mentioned
established_date2 = 1609
established_title2= Granted city rights
population_total = 11,131
population_as_of = 2005
timezone=EET
utc_offset=+2
timezone_DST=EEST
utc_offset_DST=+3

Prienai (pronunciation|Prienai.ogg) is a city in Lithuania situated on the Neman River. In 2001 the city had 11,353 inhabitants. The name of the city is a derivative from a surname "Prienas". [A. Vanagas. Lietuvos miestų vardai. 1996, p.182]

History

The first documented mention of Prienai is in 1502 when the Grand Duke of Lithuania Alexander gave the land of Prienai to the noble Mykolas Glinskis. Magdeburg rights were granted to the city in 1609, beginning a period of growth that continued through the 17th and 18th century.

During World War II, when it was occupied by German troops, Prienai lost many of its inhabitants. People emigrated or were expelled, while the Nazis killed the Jews.

ee also

*Pociūnai Airport

References