History of Rukainiai

The written sources first mentioned Rukainiai in 15^th century. It is known that in 1453 Sigismund Kęstutaitis transferred the Manor to Archdeacon of Vilnius. In 18^th century, Rukainiai was a large settlement; Medininkai Road, which went through the town, brought large income. The town was given the privilege to collect bridge toll. In 19^th century, Jews comprised a large part of Rukainiai citizens; they controlled the mill and inn, and one of the Jews was the owner of the post station. In 1866, Jews had built a synagogue. Near Rukainiai, in Bareikiškės, a poet Władysław Syrokomla lived; he wrote much about the settlements of Vilnius region, including, Rukainiai.