Kaunas castle, rebuilt in the first decades of the 15th century, had become an important and vibrant centre of the Lithuanian state. Kaunas political power, concentrated in its castle and local rulers, started diminishing after the Melno treaty of 1422 had solved the problem of Lithuanian-German Order borders. Kaunas castle turned from state administrative unit into the centre of the county. The rulers often visited Kaunas castle. In the 15th century and the beginning of the 16th century Lithuanian Grand Dukes travelled around the country and while staying in their estates and castles solved disputes, presided over courts and managed state and local matters. The rulers were accompanied by a large group of courtiers and state officers. Kaunas castle must have been able to accomodate the rulers and the buildings must have been maintained well, while it was being visited by the rulers. The castle complex also contained the prison, probably intended for state prisoners, such as war prisoners and citizens who broke the laws and were held waiting for a court trial. In the beginning of the 16th century the Kaunas Castle prison held Sheikh Ahmad, the Khan of the Great Horde and after the victory in the battle of Orsha in 1514 the castle held captured Muscovites prisoners.
Marius Sirutavičius