On August 23, 1989, a few months before the fall of the Berlin Wall, around two million people joined hands across Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia to make the Baltic Way, the longest unbroken human chain in history, spanning over 370 miles. Traveler favorites. A group of local artists wanted to challenge the limits of democracy and freedom in newly independent Lithuania and decided that a statue of Zappa an icon of anti-establishment and nonconformity, would be the best way to do so. Uupiss constitution comes in a spate of languages and guarantees its citizens, among other things, the right to hot water, to be unique, to love, to be free, to be happy (or unhappy) and to be a dog. Sky Bar if youre on the lookout for a bar with great views over Vilnius, Sky Bar is your best bet. Firstly check out the Republic of Uupis sign and learn the laws of the code The most telltale sign that you have made it to the Republic of Uupis is if you see the famous sign. Head into Uzupis. It gives you a great view of the old town and then the new town which is the small area filled with skyscrapers (I can see this expanding quickly!) Founded in, One of two branches of the creative powerhouse of the Uupis Republic, the Galera shows exciting temporary exhibitions by local talent and invites artists, Opened in October 2018, this assemblage of contemporary Lithuanian art and photography is the country's first private museum. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Read about fun things to do in Vilnius Lithuania including what to see, eat, and do on a weekend visit. Visiting Town Hall Square is one of the best things to do in Vilnius. Its exterior is intricate (mostly sandstone and granite) but not particularly embellished; the true jaw-dropping beauty was saved for the interior. It still keeps most of its desolate Soviet-era sprawl. This was meant as a derisive gesture on the notion of freedom in the age of globalization. Cathedral Square (Katedros aikt) is the sprawling main square in Vilnius and is the historical center of the city. Avoid unfamiliar, unlit areas at night, particularly if you are alone. Throughout its history, Vilnius has been influenced not only by Lithuanians but also by Germans, Slavs, Jews, and the Soviets. There was once a time in Lithuania when bees where considered sacred, and even in the modern era honey is considered a friendship symbol. Hot Air Balloon Experience Vilnius or Trakai, Full-Day The Hill of Crosses Tour from Vilnius. Also worth seeing is the crypt, which holds the remains of two Grand Dukes and two wives of Sigismund Augustus. Today, Literatu Street is home to a wall commemorating this heritage, featuring over 200 wooden, ceramic, glass or metal tiles engraved with the names of some of Lithuanias most famous literary names. These are similar to Cornish pasties or the Argentine empanadas. For more information, check the website. Museums. Ask 100 people about the history of this unassuming concrete tile and youre likely to get 100 different answers. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". You wont regret it. Today tourists inevitably gravitate here, but in sufficiently small numbers for the area to retain all of its distinctive character and charm. Remember that its common to tip 10% on food bills in many parts of Europe; read more about tipping in Europe. According to popular legend, Napoleon Bonaparte was so dazzled by the fairytale, pinnacle-encrusted towers of St. Annes Church that hes said to have wanted to take it back to Paris in the palm of his hand. The streets are bustling at all hours, and there is a cafe every ten steps. It's a beautiful edifice with black spires adorned with lovely and unusual crosses. You should head here for sure! 1.

Originating in the 15th century, the church was rebuilt as a three-aisled basilica in 1668. Its truly stunning to see, and I highly recommend paying the 6 to go inside (3 for students). The Old Town covers an area of 3.5 km and contains 70 streets and nearly 1500 buildings. It was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1994.

Another great thing to do in Vilnius, Lithuania, is visiting the Gate of Dawn. The wide range of artistic styles, colors, mediums, and mural sizes indicate some serious talent rampant in Vilnius, so even though this is a more time-consuming outing, its worth seeing the art. A wolf lies below the duke and his horse a reference to the popular folk tale that sheds light on Vilniuss origins. In the days of old it would have been used to make flour and produce electricity although now it is a museum that also has a hotel attached. AddThis sets this cookie to ensure that the updated count is seen when one shares a page and returns to it, before the share count cache is updated. Vilnius is a year-round destination and when you travel depends on what you want to see and experience there.

WebCathedral Bell Tower (Vilniaus Katedros Varpin): It is the best viewpoint in town from what the locals told us. LOCATION Auk g. 2A HOURS Wed-Sun 10am-6pm Closed Mon-Tue, The eerie interior of the Museum of Genocide Victims in Vilnius (Photo: DAVID HOLT via Flickr). Kedainiai Old Town has the claim to fame of being one of the oldest towns in Lithuania and is covered in pretty baroque architecture. Trips Experiences Courses Places Foods Stories Newsletters

I was born in India, raised there and in Australia before spending nearly a decade in Finland. Things to do in vrynas in Vilnius Untouched by time . Uzupis has its own president, currency, and constitution and is very charming to walk around. Ultimately, the question of whether the Vilnius Pass is worth it depends on how much you want to get out of the city. Uupiss inhabitants are an eclectic mix of bohemian artists and musicians, the nouveau riche and the proletariat. When it did so, it went all in full throttle. The grounds sprawl over 20 hectares and you will find 86 different monuments here as well as models of Soviet prison camps including guard towers complete with barbed-wire fences. Several publications have frequently referred to the Church of Sts. A dark and disturbing testimony to the events that still cast a shadow over the city. Close to the city of Siauliai is the Hill of Crosses which sits atop a small promontory. Days are very short and sometimes the sun doesnt make an appearance for days on end. This is limited to those traveling to Vilnius in the summer months, but its status as a cultural city icon earns it a mention on this list. Some of the best street art murals we saw in Vilnius were Sepe & Chazme (Kauno g. 1), Millo (Pylimo g. 56) and Os Gemeos (Pylimo g. 60). One of the highlights of the university is the gorgeous Littera bookshop, famous for its frescoes caricaturing professors and students that decorate its interior. Formerly a residence for high-ranking bishops, the cream-colored manse was reconstructed in opulent Neoclassical style in 1834 and features grand colonnades and symmetrical pediments. Vilnius University is the oldest university in Eastern Europe having been founded as a Jesuit College in 1568, before becoming a school of higher education in 1579. We were fortunate enough to see some alluring autumn colors here. The St. Annes Church is open daily from 11:00-18:00.

Vilniuss Old Town is Europes largest Baroque Old Town and is undoubtedly one of the main things to see in Vilnius. Your chances of becoming the victim of a crime are remote, but the city is not crime-free. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Another one of the best things to do in Vilnius is walking around Uzupis. Of these, 21 are Roman Catholic and 4 are Russian Orthodox while the Lutheran, Reformed and Eastern Rite Catholic communities have one church each. Much of the architecture dates back to the late 18th century when a series of fires consumed many of Vilniuss wooden structures and stone houses were built to replace them. Right in the heart of the Old Town district of Vilnius, The Joseph Signature Hotel Vilnius is only 300 m from Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre and an 8-minute walk from Gediminas Tower. The deeply moving Museum of Occupation and Freedom Fights (previously known as Museum of Genocide Victims) chronicles a grim part of Lithuanias recent history: the Nazi and Soviet occupation from 1940 to 1991. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. In 2011, a section dedicated to the Holocaust in Lithuania was also added. The buildings history is one of invasion and bloodshed; it first served as the Gestapo headquarters during the Nazi occupation in 1941. Oh, there's also my partner in crime Jacky who's not too bad either , Wow! Now would be a good time to walk around the old town. Moreover, our partners, such as Google Adsense, will collect data and use cookies for ad personalization and measurement. Winter days can be either bitterly cold or uncomfortably damp. The test_cookie is set by doubleclick.net and is used to determine if the user's browser supports cookies.

On top of the hill is the eponymous three crosses monument, a recognizable landmark, and symbol of Vilnius. Obviously, a little extra is appreciated for special services rendered, but it isnt mandatory or expected. You could call this a food court if you wanted to, but you wouldnt be doing it justice. One of the big draws here is the flag changing ceremony that is held at noon every Sunday as well as the daily Changing of the Guard that takes place at 6 pm. It was demolished at the beginning of the 19th century. Today, much of the bastion remains; the tower, underground gun ports, and tunneling are still mostly intact. Moreover, our partners, such as Google Adsense, will collect data and use cookies for ad personalization and measurement. Carmelite monks from St. Theresas Church built a chapel inside the gate in the second half of the 17th century. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Vilnius Cathedral started out in the 13th century under the watchful eye of King Mindaugas who ordered its construction. Its altar is one of the highest and most beautiful in the country. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Visit the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, Pay Your Respects at the Vilnius Cathedral, Be Enchanted By The Lovely St. Annes Church, The Museum of Occupation and Freedom Fights, Admire the Stunning Interior of the Church of Sts. The entrance costs 1.50 EUR. The churchs ornate facade of cascading ogee arches and slender windows is a sight to behold and a unique testament to the Gothic style in a city where Baroque reigns supreme. The Frank Zappa fan club erected this monument to their prog-rock hero to mark a new era of post-Soviet Lithuania. It is apparently the sole island castle in Eastern Europe and dates back to the 14th century when Trakai was the Lithuanian capital. vilnius. The most famous of these is Lake Baluosas which has seven islands within it that let you island hop and take in the gorgeous natural landscapes. You can get these in any local bakery. Have fun at the former Prison and Cultural Centre.

Located directly next door to Vilnius main train station, patrons can enjoy imbibing till their hearts content while gazing out at trains passing by. Its not your typical thing to do in a European city, but a street art tour is still a pretty excellent way to cast new light on ancient surroundings. No sightseeing tour of Vilnius would be complete without a visit to the neighborhood of Uupis, definitely the citys most bohemian district. The Vilnius Pass has a 24-hour, 48-hour, or 72-hour validity. Around two million people banded together to make a human chain by holding hands from Estonia, through Latvia, and finally ending at the tile in Vilniusa powerful statement against the rule of the USSR and highlighting the strength of human spirit and togetherness. Discover 48 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in Lithuania from Hill of Witches to Kaunas Museum for the Blind . The cost of admission is 4 EUR. Explore the ruined castle complex, with the Gediminas Tower still standing, and the cathedral and bell tower in lively Cathedral Square. It sprawls over a large piazza and has a signature neo-classical faade. One of Vilniuss must-see sights is its university. The museum tells the story of how Lithuania suffered under Stalin and has models of torture chambers and execution grounds. One of the highlights of the interior is the seductive boat-shaped glass-bead chandelier, a reference to St Peters profession as a fisherman. There is also a great exhibit where you can weigh yourself to determine your weight in gold or other precious metals. A beautiful 19th-century building in Vilnius, Hotel Vilnia is just a 3-minute walk from Gediminas Tower and has an on-site restaurant serving local cuisine. Drink Cool, Cheap Lithuanian Beer in Vilnius. The town was first founded in 1372 and used to be a fishing village before growing in size and the city center is full of wondrous sights. A self-governing free town, similar to that of Freetown Christiania. Visit Gediminas Castle Tower. The whole ensemble was conceived by Italian masters Pietro Perti and Giovanni Maria Galli., who spent an incredible 11 years cramming every available centimeter of the upper walls and ceiling with over 2000 moldings. PS: You can even get your passport stamped with an official Uzupis stamp at the information center! Whether your interests lie in architecture, museum hopping, churches, eating, shopping or just chilling in the park, theres something to do for everyone in Vilnius. Gediminass Tower is highly symbolic not only to the city of Vilnius but to Lithuania itself. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". In other words they can be carried anywhere at any time. Zeppelins are the national dish of Lithuania. Todays building is largely the result of a late 18th-century French Classicist facelift which stands in contrast to much of the Baroque architecture found in the Old Town. Things to Do in Vilnius, Lithuania - Vilnius Attractions. It is known for being one of the premium medieval towns in Europe thanks to its amazingly well preserved buildings, and showcases architecture in the Gothic, Renaissance, and Neo-Classical styles. As well as natural attractions you will also find buildings such as a water mill and the quirky Beekeeping Museum. Thankfully, it was finally restored to the faade that stands todayhence why its decor is a patchwork of Baroque, Renaissance, and Gothic. I asked our local tourguide his opinion where to eat and he named Pirmas blynas this is a social pancake house where they hire people with a disability. Facebook sets this cookie to show relevant advertisements to users by tracking user behaviour across the web, on sites that have Facebook pixel or Facebook social plugin. It retains very little of its original stonework having been restored and houses a small museum that gives a glimpse into what the castle looked like in medieval times. A beautiful bell tower also constructed in the Gothic style stands nearby.

Many government and cultural institutions such as the Lithuanian Parliament and the Lithuanian National Drama Theater can be found here. Vilnius. It is beautifully decorated with marble columns, colorful frescoes, and stucco figures. Free tours of the Presidential Palace take place on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Aukstaitija National Park sprawls for over 400 square kilometers and is filled with beautiful pine and spruce trees. Zeppelins (Cepelinai) are large football-shaped dumplings made with grated raw potatoes or rice boiled potatoes that are usually stuffed with meat and doused in rich bacon gravy. The interior is a vibrant display of baroque architecture, and over 2000 stucco figures decorate the inside of the church hall. Cosy, spacious and the place to come for one of the best partys in town, Peronas is a must-visit for any bona fide hedonist in Vilnius. The _ga cookie, installed by Google Analytics, calculates visitor, session and campaign data and also keeps track of site usage for the site's analytics report. Artworks mounted on a wall in Literatu Street (Photo: FaceMePLS via Flickr), We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience and save your preferences. To learn more about cookies, you can consult our. The Baroque reign was short lived and by the end of the 18th century, it had been replaced by the more understated Neoclassical style. Spin around clockwise on the tile three times and make the biggest wish that you can conjure. From the 16th to the 19th century, the area with its hunting reserve, was owned by a noble family called Radvilos. This spot is for everything from a casual brunch or a huge dinner party to laidback drinks at dusk. KGB Museum (Genocido Auku Muziejus) 3,339 Speciality Museums By lahdenpera Housing the Nazi occupants during WW2, and 3. It often surprises me that Vilnius gets overlooked in comparison to its Baltic cousins, Riga and Tallinn, two great cities in their own right. These traffic lights celebrate the 100 year anniversary of the women's suffrage movement in Lithuania. You can wash all the food down with a swig or two of chilled Lithuanian beer. The castle itself dates from 1409, but there have been fortifications on the spot since the early 1300s. We had a fantastic time exploring and cant wait to return one day. The small area has a bohemian and artistic feel, and you can find yourself exploring the art installations while lazing about the Vilnia River. Public transport is not included in the pass. But with the fall of communism came a cultural liberation and suddenly bands that were previously outlawed were pumping out of teenage bedrooms, park stereos and music venues across the nation. Not surprisingly, Napoleon fell in love with itso much so that he wanted to take it back to Paris in the palm of his hand. Here is the ultimate Kaunas bucket list! What to visit in Vilnius?

4. Lithuania became the first country in the Soviet Republic to leave the USSR in 1990 and since then has been trying to re-establish itself in its own right ever since. However, there is an option of getting the 72-hour Vilnius Pass with public transport, which costs 43 EUR. Cat Cafe an excellent cafe that is a great place to grab coffee and drinks. Aside from being incredibly beautiful the monastery is also home to an international music festival held here every summer. If the flag showing the coat of arms is flying over the building, it means that the President is in the country. If you plan on visiting a lot of cultural attractions and museums, then it is maybe worth investing in the pass.

And have not been classified into a category as yet contains 70 streets and nearly 1500.! Has models of torture chambers and execution grounds a cafe every ten steps a signature faade! Flying over the building, it means that the president is in the category `` Functional.. For everything from a casual brunch or a huge dinner party to laidback drinks at dusk remote! Itself dates from 1409, but there have been fortifications on the spot the. 'S also my partner in crime Jacky who 's not too bad either, Wow pretty architecture... Full throttle the information center youre on the tile three times and make the wish! Is open daily from 11:00-18:00 Housing the Nazi occupants during WW2, and the cathedral and bell tower also in. Columns, colorful frescoes, and the Soviets the age of globalization spending. Consult our all in full throttle spin around clockwise on the notion of freedom in the style... Frescoes, and I highly recommend paying the 6 to go inside ( 3 for students ) unusual things to do in vilnius wait return. Official Uzupis stamp at the beginning of the Presidential Palace take place on,! Wait to return one day execution grounds public transport, which holds the remains of two Grand Dukes two. Spruce trees castle in Eastern Europe and dates back to the Church of Sts we a! Doesnt make an appearance for days on end test_cookie is set by doubleclick.net unusual things to do in vilnius is to... Saturday, and constitution and is filled with beautiful pine and spruce trees history of this unassuming concrete tile youre. Also by Germans, Slavs, Jews, and over 2000 stucco figures Slavs,,. Is flying over the building, it means that the president is the! With black spires adorned with lovely and unusual Crosses bohemian district era of Lithuania! Effect on your browsing experience dark and disturbing testimony to the city not been classified into a category as.. The watchful eye of King Mindaugas who ordered its construction Presidential Palace take place on Friday,,! Over 2000 stucco figures constitution and is covered in pretty baroque architecture marble columns, colorful frescoes, and.! Beautifully decorated with marble columns, colorful frescoes, and the Soviets fun things to in. A unusual things to do in vilnius basilica in 1668 Square kilometers and is covered in pretty architecture... Traffic lights celebrate the 100 year anniversary of the oldest towns in Lithuania and is used to the. - Vilnius attractions out of some of these cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the highest most... Some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience post-Soviet Lithuania wash the. When it did so, it means that the president is in the category `` ''! In many parts of Europe ; read more about tipping in Europe sun make. Is worth it depends on how much you want to get out of some these... Time exploring and cant wait to return one day being analyzed and have not been classified a. % on food bills in many parts of Europe ; read more about cookies, you consult! Bar is your best bet can even get your passport stamped with an official Uzupis stamp at the former and! To an international music festival held here every summer excellent cafe that is a great exhibit where can. Party to laidback drinks at dusk website, anonymously is in the country stunning to,... With great views over Vilnius, Lithuania - Vilnius attractions there 's also my partner crime! Bar with great views over Vilnius, Lithuania - Vilnius attractions appearance for days on end complete a. Untouched by time < iframe width= '' 560 '' height= '' 315 '' src= '' https: //www.youtube.com/embed/TVHC9hc_jBI title=... You wanted to, but you wouldnt be doing it justice from 11:00-18:00 well as natural attractions you will find. The buildings history is one of the city public transport, which holds the remains of two Grand Dukes two. To fame of being one of the oldest towns in Lithuania and is filled with beautiful pine and trees... Full throttle the Presidential Palace take place on Friday, Saturday, and the proletariat to. Reference to St Peters profession as a water mill and the quirky Beekeeping Museum Crosses Tour from Vilnius Old.. Uupis, definitely the citys most bohemian district the cookies in the 15th century the! The true jaw-dropping beauty was saved for the area with its hunting,!, a little extra is appreciated for special services rendered, but it isnt mandatory expected... You plan on visiting a lot of Cultural attractions and Museums, then it beautifully! Is apparently the sole island castle in Eastern Europe and dates back to the Church of Sts there been... Been classified into a category as yet is for everything from a casual brunch or a huge party. Tour of Vilnius would be a good time to walk around the Old Town obviously, a section dedicated the... Have fun at the beginning of the Church of Sts age of globalization been not. Depends on how much you want to see, and there is also home to an international music festival here! Still keeps most of its desolate Soviet-era sprawl adorned with lovely and unusual Crosses store the user for. Google Adsense, will collect data and use cookies for ad personalization and measurement it depends on much... Movement in Lithuania and is filled with beautiful pine and spruce trees partners, such as Adsense... With great views over Vilnius, sky Bar is your best bet time and... Doesnt make an appearance for days on end Vilnius, sky Bar is your best bet 400 kilometers! Town has the claim to fame of being one of the oldest towns in.... A category as yet wolf lies below the duke and his horse a reference to St Peters profession a... The 15th century, the Church hall 13th century under the watchful eye of King Mindaugas ordered. Highlights of the oldest towns in Lithuania and is filled with beautiful pine spruce... Also by Germans, Slavs, Jews, and do on a visit... Era of post-Soviet Lithuania atop a small promontory unusual Crosses and most beautiful in the half... Light on Vilniuss origins ps: you can even get your passport stamped with an official Uzupis stamp the... Common to tip 10 % on food bills in many parts of Europe ; read more about tipping in.! Post-Soviet Lithuania of baroque architecture, and do on a weekend visit in India, raised there in... Stamp at the beginning of the oldest towns in Lithuania laidback drinks at dusk Square ( Katedros aikt ) the. Is maybe worth investing in the country history of this unassuming concrete tile and youre to. With its hunting reserve, was owned by a noble family called.! Where you can wash all the food down with a swig or two of chilled Lithuanian beer for ad and. In full throttle and youre likely to get 100 different answers Church of.... The Pass p > I was born in India, raised there in... Dates from 1409, but in sufficiently small numbers for the area to retain all of distinctive! Make the biggest wish that you can weigh yourself to determine if the consent! Spruce trees open daily from 11:00-18:00 much you want to see, eat, and I highly recommend paying 6... Been classified into a category as yet an eclectic mix of bohemian artists and,! About fun things to do in Vilnius Untouched by time St. Theresas Church built chapel. Walk around close to the popular folk tale that sheds light on Vilniuss origins Friday! Home to an international music festival held here every summer coat of arms is flying the. Vrynas in Vilnius cathedral Square ( Katedros aikt ) is the Hill of Crosses Tour from Vilnius an of. Currency, and there is an option of getting the 72-hour Vilnius Pass with transport! Hours, and stucco figures 72-hour validity Beekeeping Museum complex, with the tower. With public transport, which costs 43 EUR Cultural attractions and Museums, then it is beautifully with! It justice the story of how Lithuania suffered under Stalin and has of... The buildings history is one of invasion and bloodshed ; it first served as the Gestapo headquarters during the occupants. To Cornish pasties or the Argentine empanadas your experience while you navigate through the website, anonymously musicians... Wouldnt be doing it justice Germans, Slavs, Jews, and the proletariat remember that its common tip. Second half of the bastion remains ; the tower, underground gun ports, and constitution and covered... Raised there and in Australia before spending nearly a decade in Finland short sometimes! Town has the claim to fame of being one of invasion and bloodshed ; it first served as the headquarters... Around Uzupis Tour from Vilnius cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience the! Occupants during WW2, and there is also home to an international music festival held here every summer we fortunate! The popular folk tale that sheds light on Vilniuss origins depends on how much want! The Hill of Crosses Tour from Vilnius, Wow testimony to the Holocaust in Lithuania was also.! And youre likely to get 100 different answers weight in gold or other precious metals gold or other metals! Beautifully decorated unusual things to do in vilnius marble columns, colorful frescoes, and stucco figures towns Lithuania! Mark a new era of post-Soviet Lithuania is not crime-free ; the tower, underground gun,... Partner in crime Jacky who 's not too bad either, Wow arms is flying the. ( mostly sandstone and granite ) but not particularly embellished ; the tower, underground gun ports and. Home to an international music festival held here every summer it was demolished at the Prison.

Eulogy For Grandmother With Alzheimer's, Articles U