Evidence shows that people lived in the area of Birzai as early as five thousand years ago, and Birzai was first mentioned as a settlement in 1455. Although Birzai was beseiged several times during wars since that time, the town has always rebuilt itself rapidly, a fact that not only reflects the tenacity of Birzai's citizens, but also the desirability of Birzai's beautiful countryside.

A wonderful destination for both the culture lover and the naturalist, the Birzai district is home to 110 cultural monuments, 17 lakes, nine landscape preserves, six state-preserved parks and the 18,070 hectare Birzai forest. In fact, Birzai takes its name from the Lithuanian "Birze", which means "glade".

At the center of the district is the city of Birzai. Home to approximately 17,000 residents, the city is situated on the confluence of the Apascia and Agluona rivers. Both rivers were dammed in the 16th century, creating the beautiful 336-hectare Lake Sirvena just next to the town center. The oldest man-made lake in Lithuania, Sirvena is spanned by the nation's longest footbridge and is frequented today by fishermen, wind surfers, rowers and anyone else looking for a place to relax in the sun.

In 1586, the construction of a castle - complete with bastions, ramparts, moat and drawbridge - began on the banks of the lake. On the same site today is the recently reconstructed palace of Duke Radvilas, one of the city's most interesting attractions. The palace houses the Birzai districtal museum with its diverse exhibitions on regional art, history and nature. The palace is also the site of many concerts and other cultural events and is the home of the comfortable Birzai library.

On the opposite bank of Lake Sirvena stands another residence from antiquity - the Astravas Palace - which is now the administrative headquarters of Birzai's linen company and which is described in greater detail in their text in the business section of this book.