Former “Villa Verdainė” Building

Before World War I, a beautiful brick building was constructed on the site of a former wooden inn (known as the “Upper Inn”), which became the “Villa Werden” (Villa Verdainė) restaurant. The yard was planted with various trees and shrubs. In summer, tables and chairs stood outside, and it became a favorite place for Šilokarčema residents to enjoy coffee or fine drinks.
A spacious brick hall with a stage was built in the yard, where amateur plays, concerts, lively dances, meetings, and banquets were held year-round. Verdainė restaurant owned one of the first radios in the Klaipėda Region. From 1924, guests could enjoy music and broadcasts from Königsberg, Berlin, London, and others.
On January 19, 1923, the Šilutė Assembly gathered in this restaurant. More than 120 representatives of the Supreme Committee for the Salvation of Lithuania Minor and cultural and economic organizations of the Klaipėda Region adopted and signed the declaration for the Klaipėda Region’s accession to the restored Lithuanian state with autonomous rights. The document also outlined key principles for future life.

After the war, in 1946, the building housed the Pagėgiai-Šilutė road maintenance division, succeeded by Šilutė Road Maintenance Company. Today, UAB “Šilutės automobilių keliai” operates here.
A commemorative plaque marks the place where the declaration of Klaipėda’s autonomy was signed. The historic moment is highlighted by an artistic light installation called “The Delegates”, depicting the leaders of the committee: Vilius Šaulinskis, Martynas Jankus, Jonas Vanagaitis, Jurgis Lėbartas, and Jurgis Brūvelaitis.