In 2021, the Square of Grand Duke of Lithuania and King of Poland Władysław Vasa was established near Merkinė town square and the so-called Vasa House. The main feature of the square is the statue of the king, created by sculptor Dalius Drėgva.

Why Merkinė? Merkinė was a favorite place of this ruler. Having granted the town various privileges, the king often spent time here, resting and hunting. He even housed his beloved and son here. Fatefully, Merkinė’s square became famous as the place where, on May 20, 1648, “with a true wise smile on his face and saying like an angel, ‘Goodnight, brothers!’ to his saddened servants and friends, one of the most chivalrous and best of our kings – Władysław IV – died, much to the sorrow and grief of the entire nation” (quote from St. Moravskis).

The square’s establishment was funded by Živilė and Marius Valukynai. The statue was created with donations from local townspeople.