The story of Žilvinas
The newly renovated “Žilvinas Hotel Palanga” welcomes guests not only with all the comforts necessary for a modern man's rest but also with an invitation to recall the history of this exceptional building. We felt a great responsibility in bringing this building of architectural value and history to a new stage of life. In order to preserve the continuity of the history of “Žilvinas”, we have sought out sustainable, subtle solutions for the renovation of the environment. To ensure that holidaymakers feel the spirit of the place, we have preserved as many of the original interior features in the common areas and suites as possible.
Back in the Soviet era, “Žilvinas” was considered one of the most reflective buildings of the new trends in Lithuanian architecture. In surveys of both architects of different generations and the public, “Žilvinas” has been repeatedly ranked as one of the country's best examples of architecture. On July 11, 2013, “Žilvinas” was entered into the Register of Cultural Heritage. The original spatial composition of the building, its interesting plan structure, its height befitting the resort, and its subtle and sensitive integration into the surrounding environment without overpowering it are some of the attributes of the object's significance, which allowed it to be awarded the status of a cultural property of regional significance for the first time in the city's history.
“Žilvinas” is one of the most unique resort buildings in Palanga, designed in 1967-1968 by architect Algimantas Lėckas together with structural engineer Kęstutis Augustinas following the Bauhaus architectural concepts. The construction of the hotel was completed in 1969. The guest house, which belonged to the Council of Ministers of the Lithuanian SSR during the Soviet era, is today regarded as a rare example of the subtle Brutalist style of the second half of the 20th century, representing the creative explorations of Soviet Lithuanian architecture. With its tree-like form, creating the image of a sculpture, “Žilvinas” harmoniously and sensitively blended into the natural environment of the resort and became an integral part of it.