The Mighty Oak Reborn as an Impressive Work of Art
A few years ago, a storm felled a mighty oak that had stood for over 350 years near the Vilnius-Zarasai road. This oak, marking the border between the town of Ignalina and the village of Bėčiūnai, was listed as a Protected Cultural Heritage Object.
Elder Jonas Polito took the initiative to "revive" the oak along with the village’s history. He was joined by one of the most renowned folk artists of our region, Svajūnas Rimkevičius, whose impressive works adorn not only parks and private homesteads in Lithuania but are also spread across many foreign countries. The master had one goal – to give the sculpture the name "VISUMA" ("WHOLENESS"). And he succeeded. The sculpture depicts all that breathes life into the land of Ignalina: water, sun and moon, trees, owls, grass snakes, eagles, swans, and wild herbs...
The sculpture, weighing over 7 tons and standing 7 meters tall, was returned to the very spot where the tree once grew. On October 12th, it was ceremoniously unveiled, blessed, and presented to the public.
Updated on 2025-10-06:
Six years after its creation by folk artist Svajūnas Rimkevičius, the Bėčiūnai Oak sculpture, outdoor furniture, and small park have been improved. Thanks to the efforts of the Ignalina eldership, routine maintenance was carried out, and the wood was impregnated and repainted. A symbol of the village, the sculpture once again warmly welcomes visitors, bids farewell, and awaits the return of local residents.
Information updated on 06/10/2025
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