class="apple-converted-space"> Michał Baliński
or Aleksander Połujański
indicated that this town was founded
by
Vikings, and it existed in XII
century. Most likely that settlement with castle was founded in XIII century as
result of young Lithuania state defence policy. Wooden Merkinė castle became
important part of Nemunas defence line castles against Teutonic order. Grand
duke of Lithuania and king of Poland
Jogaila
ensured city rights for Vilnius in
1387, this document was written in Merkinė castle. First church was built in
1387-1392 by
Vytautas the Great
and Jogaila. After battle of
Grunwald
town started rapidly grow. 1532
Lithuanian Council of Lords
was in session in Merkinė. Till
receiving of Magdeburg rights, here worked taxation agencies of goods,
increased number of inns and increased trade.
City
rights (1569-1796)
In 1569
