Vilnius is the largest and probably the most beautiful city of Lithuania. City with a population of over 500 000 was founded at 1323 at the confluence of two rivers – Neris and Vilnele.
According to legend, Vilnius was built by Grand Duke Gediminas after his mysterious dream – an iron wolf howling on a high hill near the Šventaragis Valley (the site of the nowaday Vilnius Cathedral). The dream was interpreted by a pagan priest: the Duke would have to build a castle on this spot and found a city that would make Lithuania‘s name famous all over the world.
Vilnius will always welcome you, no matter where you come from. It makes no difference what brings you to Vilnius: business, relaxation or simple curiosity – this city will steal your heart so fast that one will find that there’s always too little time to discover its entirely.
Old Town of Vilnius
The most beautiful site of Vilnius city is its picturesque Old Town – one the biggest in Eastern Europe. Vilnius Old Town – the historical center of Vilnius - is like a living museum of architecture.
Although Vilnius is considered a baroque city, buildings in the Gothic and Renaissance styles are also to be found. After evaluation of Vilnius architecture and cultural heritage the city has been designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO.
Vilnius sights
Vilnius University is one of the oldest and most famous among universities in Eastern Europe. University of Vilnius was founded in 1579 and it soon became an imporant scientific and cultural centre in Europe. Being the only institution of higher education in Lithuania for quite a long time, Vilnius University has influenced by cultural life of many neighboring countries. Many famous poets, scientists, people of culture have studied here. One of them is Nobel Prize winning poet Czeslaw Milosz. Vilnius University ensemble combines many architectural styles – Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Classicism.
The Gates of Dawn (Aušros Vartai) were built in 1514. The Gates of Dawn is the only remaining Gate of the medieval Vilnius defensive wall. City of Vilnius had ten of them. The Chapel in the Gates of Dawn attracts throngs of pilgrims to come to see the miraculous picture of the Mother of God.
Gediminas castle is a relict of the Higher Castle build in the XIIIth-XVth century. A red brick castle on a high hill is one of the main symbols of Vilnius. Gediminas castle today is a museum where you can see the models of the former castle ensemble, armour, ancient coins. A beautiful panorama of the pictureque Old Town and Vilnius city can be viewed from the top of the Gediminas Castle.
The Three Crosses are among the main symbols of Vilnius.
There are many legends about the Three Crosses buit on a high hill near the Gediminas Castle. One of legens says that the Three Crosses were buit to remember seven maryred Franciscan missionaries. Historians confirm that this is all fiction. It is believed that the first wooden crosses were built in the beginning of the XVIIth century and later frequently renewed. The Soviet government blew them up at 1951. The current Three Crosses were built in 1989, after the so called „singing revolution“.
Town Hall of Vilnius stands in the very center of Old Town of Vilnius. The Town Hall is one of the most beautiful buildings in Vilnius, designed by L.Stuoka – Gucevičius in 1786. City hall square now is a place of main public and entertainment events of Vilnius (New Year and Christmas events and concerts, Christmas markets ec).
The Presidential Palace is one of the most beautiful and prestigious buildings in Vilnius. The XIVth century palace was reconstructed and redecorated by every owner from XIVth to XIXth century, while the building acquired its present appearance in 1832.
Vilnius Užupis is one of the main places to visit in Vilnius. After crossing a little bridge near St. Anne‘s Church, you will enter …Vilnius Užupis Republic! Many centuries known as a suburb of poor people and prostitutes, Užupis was occupied by artists in 1997. They declared Užupis a Republic – with its own constitution, president, events and even road signs! Due to the Bohemian spirit Vilnius Užupis is frequently being called the Vilnius Montmartre.