In the mid 16th century, the Biržai area became a Duchy and the centre of territories belonging to a branch of the influential Radziwiłł family.

In 1811 Duke Dominik Hieronim Radziwiłł sold the Biržai lands to Count Michał Tyszkiewicz[1] for 450,000 silver rubles.

[3] The Italian villa-style two-storey palace with belvedere tower was built in several stages during 1849–1862, and exudes a characteristic Romantic era elegance.

There he studied local history, organized the manor's library and the archives of the Radziwiłł family, wrote historical treatises and gathered primary sources for publication.

Meanwhile, after falling in love with a cabaret dancer in Paris, Michał Tyszkiewicz (1828-1897) left his wife, Maria née Radziwiłł (1830-1902) and family and lived in Italy and France.

The full collection is now split between different cities in Lithuania, Paris, London, Copenhagen, Berlin, Boston, Rome, and the Tyszkiewicz palace at Lahojsk, Belarus.

He was remembered for: ...his long experience, his passion for beautiful things, his delicate instinct for style, and also the urbanity and good fellowship which rendered intercourse with the friend we have lost so especially delightful.

However, as Józef was unable to manage the estate, he passed it to his younger brother, Jan Leon Antoni Tyszkiewicz (1852-1901).

[9] Jan married Maria Potocka (1856-1921), one of the richest brides of the times, a blonde beauty with fiery temperament.

Count Alfred Tyszkiewicz also owned a small but beautiful, one-storey, light yellow villa in Kaunas at Laisvės Alėja 6, where Antanas Smetona lived when he first became President of Lithuania.

[3] Alfred Tyszkiewicz mostly lived in Paris (Avenue D ' Iéna 92) or in Verneuil Castle Indre Department (Château De Verneuil-Sur-Indre).

When writer Hypatia Yčas visited Biržai in the 1930s, she noted that:A palace called Astrava, now in ruins, was across the water.

The building was deserted and falling into disrepair, but two majestic lions in stone continued to guard the front steps.

The once splendid park was now a jungle of weeds.Povilas Variakojis who, as guardian of the property, set up a wool spinning mill and then a linen factory.