Balbieriškis

Balbieriškis (Balwierzyszki; Bauwerischeck, Bauwersk; Бальвержишки, Бальберишкис; באַלבירישאָק) is a small town in Kaunas County in central Lithuania. It is situated on the left bank of the Neman River. As of 2011 it had a population of 966. The town was established by German lumberman Hanus, who received a plot of land in wilderness of Suvalkija from Grand Duke Sigismund I the Old. Hanus cleared the forest and built an estate. The settlement grew around the estate and was awarded city rights in 1530. However, the privileges were revoked in 1776.