Located in the valley of the Salanta River, the town of Salantai dates back to the times when it was called Skilandžiai, first mentioned in 1556. In the 17th century, Skilandžiai became an important crossroads of trade routes. This helped the village quickly grow into a town, which has been called Salantai since 1638. The town has a radial layout, which was formed in the second half of the 16th century and the first half of the 20th century. After a fire in 1926, the town of Salantai was redesigned. The main architectural highlight of the town is the neo-Gothic, twin-towered Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, built between 1906 and 1911 (architect K. E. Strandmanas). Prelates P. Urbonavičius and A. Simaitis and canon K. Genys are buried in its churchyard. Prelates P. Urbonavičius and A. Simaitis and canon K. Genys are buried in its cemetery. Opposite the church stands a monument to the suffering of the Lithuanian people, erected in 1989 by V. Orvydas, and behind the church stands the Independence Monument, built in 1930 (restored in 1989). The Salantai Manor was located in the rustling park nearby since the 16th century. Its owner, M. Pasamovskis, built the first church in Salantai in 1630, and the nobles Vainos established a parish school in 1667. It is believed that the oldest chestnut tree in Lithuania has been growing here since the days of the old manor park. The town of Salantai has long been famous for its special "Salantai cake," which has been appreciated, recognized, and loved even by the greatest gourmets. The farmstead of Mindaugas Ivanauskas, with its collection of exotic birds and animals, is also famous in this region.