[1] The site of Panemunė Castle has been strategically important due to its location along the Nemunas River, a key waterway in the region that was historically used for trade and military purposes.

The earliest traces of the castle date back to the 14th century, during the Lithuanian Crusade when the region was frequently contested between the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the Teutonic Order, who sought to expand their influence in the Baltic area.

However, a year later, in 1314, Grand Duke Vytenis of Lithuania attacked the castle with his army and besieged it for 17 days and later captured it.

[3] After Teutonic Order was defeated at the Battle of Grunwald the castle lost much of its military significance, and it was repurposed for various administrative and residential uses.

In 1597, the Panemunė Manor was inherited by Stanislovas Stankevičius-Bilevičius, who sold it soon after to János Eperjes, a nobleman of Hungarian descent and timber merchant.

[4] The castle showcased a blend of Renaissance and late Gothic elements, reflecting the evolving architectural trends of the time.

[5][2] By the close of the 17th century, the Eperjes family's financial situation had deteriorated to such an extent that a portion of their landed estate was mortgaged or sold.

Antanas Gelgaudas became the commander-in-chief of the November Uprising in Lithuania against the Russian Empire but perished in the fights and his brother Jonas fled to Prussia.

In 1929, Panemunė Castle was acquired by the priest Antanas Petraitis, who hailed from Skirsnemunė and resided in the United States.

Further restoration works were interrupted by World War II and the subsequent occupation of Lithuania by Soviets, during which the castle was vandalized by the Red Army.

The castle's original construction features a rectangular layout with four corner towers, a defensive wall, and a main building that housed the noble family.