Industry. Alytus is one of the most important industrial centers in Lithuania, with 27 industrial enterprises. The main economic sectors are woodworking, construction, chemicals, textiles (cotton), sewing, wine production, meat processing and packing, dairy production, etc.

Tourism is developing quickly in southern Lithuania. Several companies offer general tourist services. The air club provides flights for visitors in planes and gliders and classes on piloting and gliding. Holiday lodgings are situated by Lakes Obelija and DidZiulis. Flights in hot air balloons, canoeing and fishing are available in the village of Nemunaitis. Holidays on farms are becoming popular.

History. Though the first documented reference to Alytus dates back to 1377 (Vygandas Marburgietis chronicles), people already lived in the area at the beginning of our era. It is supposed the name Alytus originated from its location -the confluence of Alytis spring and the Nemunas river. In the 14th century a wooden castle, called Aliten by the German chroniclers, stood on the fortress hill at that confluence. In 1581 Alytus was granted the Magdeburg right and Coat of Arms - "rosa alba in campo rubeoČ (a white rose in a red field).

In the 17th century the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth fought several wars with Russia and Sweden. Alytus lost nearly all its inhabitants. Hardly had the town recovered when it was divided into two after the third partition of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth (1795). The Nemunas became the boundary between Prussia and Russia. After the victory against Napoleon, Russia occupied Alytus, and it was under various administrations until 1863.

During World War I the Germans united Alytus.

In 1931 Alytus be-came one of the largest towns in Lithuania and in 1932 it was granted health resort rights. In 1940-41 the Soviet occupies arrested, deported and shot people; 1945-49 were again years of Soviet repression. Alytus be-longed to the guerilla district of Dainava.

Under the communist regime, Alytus became a centre of the country. Due to rapid industrial growth the population also increased greatly. In 1977 Alytus was granted city rights.

Since the restoration of Lithuania's independence in 1990 Alytus has been undergoing a time of change.

Mr. Dobilas Kurtinaitis, Mayor of Alytus.