History of Anyksciai

River, contributed to its development. It also lay on a land route between the cities of Vilnius and Riga. Its strategic importance led to frequent assaults by the Teutonic Order. The first written mention of the town dates to 1442; its first appearance on a map is tentatively dated to about 1578.

Wool processing facilities, a winery, and Lithuanian and Jewish schools were established after World War I. Its population reached about 4,000. During World War II its bridges and city center were destroyed and many of its residents executed.

Prior to Lithuania re-establishing its independence after World War I, Anykščiai was part of the Kovno Governorate of the Russian Empire. A shtetl existed within the