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Vilnius

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Overview

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Vilnius The guide was updated: 2024-09-12

Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, is one of the most attractive cities in Eastern Europe. It draws attention, not only because of its unique architectural character but also because of its cultural events and attractions. During the first ten years of Lithuanian independence, the city began to draw in visitors. The number of tourists has consistently increased over the years and so have the tourist infrastructure and services offered by the country.

Facts

Population:	588,412 (2021)
Currency:	Euro (EUR) €1 = 100 cents
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	Emergency: 112
Newspapers:	Lietuvos rytas — www.lrytas.lt Verslo žinios — www.vz.lt Vilniaus diena — www.diena.lt The Baltic News — www.baltictimes.com Respublika — www.respublika.lt
Website:	www.govilnius.lt/visit-vilnius
Opening hours:	Business hours are from Mon–Fri between 8am–5pm. Shops are normally open from 10am–6/7pm on weekdays and until 3/4pm on Saturdays.
Tourist information:	Vilnius Tourist Information Centre Pilies g. 2, Vilnius +370 5 262 9660 Open daily from 9am–12pm and 1pm–6pm

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Section in Vilnius

No trip to Vilnius is complete without a visit to the self-declared Republic of Užupis, just across the sparkling river Vilnia, and behind the spectacular red Gothic façade of St Anne’s Church. Just be sure not to miss the prominently displayed constitution (it is in Lithuanian, French, and English) which states, among other things, that: 'Every dog has the right to be a dog'. Other places of special interest include Vilnius University, the Hill of Three Crosses, the Gates of Dawn, the Presidential Palace, the Town Hall, Ponar Memorial, and Kalvariijų market, not to mention countless other museums, galleries, churches and statues. Just one thing is certain when it comes to Vilnius: one visit is never enough.

Bernardine Garden

Bernardine Garden

The city's much-loved Bernardine Garden dates back to as early as 1469. Take a walk through the greenery, marvel at the musical fountain that plays classical and modern tunes and see Vilnius' oldest oak tree, which is reportedly over 300 years old.

Vilnius Cathedral

Vilnius Cathedral

The Cathedral Basilica of St Stanislaus and St Ladislaus of Vilnius is Lithuania's most important sanctuary and a witness of the nation‘s baptism in 1387. This is also one of the greatest architectural examples of classicism in Vilnius. In the Cathedral's catacombs, you can find a museum of its history. Visitors can book an excursion (in the Cathedral's parsonage) and be professionally guided.

Gediminas Castle Tower

Gediminas Castle Tower

The tower, a long-standing symbol of Vilnius, is located on the 48-metre-high hill. It is named after the city’s founder, Gediminas, the Grand Duke of Lithuania. This is the only remaining part of the Upper Castle, which stood here from the 10th until the late 14th century. There is an observation deck on the top of the tower, a great place to appreciate a magnificent panorama. Gediminas’ Tower can be reached by foot or a funicular.

Vilnius University Ensemble

Vilnius University Ensemble

The impressive Vilnius University ensemble was established in 1579 and represents different architectural styles: Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Classicism. The ensemble consists of thirteen enclosed courtyards, St. John's Church and the highest viewing point of the Old Town. The 68-metre high campanile offers a breathtaking view of the Old Town.

Amber Museum-Gallery

Amber Museum-Gallery

The Amber Museum-Gallery offers informative displays on the "Baltic Gold" as well as temporary exhibitions of amber jewellery. The museum hosts a unique collection of inclusions and narrates the entire history of amber–from its formation to its possible applications. Exhibits are presented in an interesting and modern manner.

Pilies Street

Pilies Street

Pilies Street is the oldest and most vibrant street in the Old Town of Vilnius. It has preserved its old and unique look and you can see traces of old architecture everywhere: small yards, arches, arcades, original steps, and basements. Nowadays, it is also a place where you can find numerous cafés, restaurants, and souvenir shops.

Church of St Anne & Bernardine Complex

Church of St Anne & Bernardine Complex

The churches of St Anne and Bernardine are a fine Lithuanian Gothic ensemble located right next to each other. St Anne’s Church, constructed with 33 different kinds of clay bricks, is the most outstanding and enchanting Gothic building in Lithuania. It dates back to the late 15th century and remains largely unchanged.

Church of Sts Peter & Paul

Church of Sts Peter & Paul

This church is a masterpiece from the 17th century and one of Lithuania's most significant Baroque monuments. It is famous for its exceptional interior where one can see about 2,000 stucco figures.

Republic of Užupis

Republic of Užupis

The Užupis district is sometimes compared to Montmartre in Paris or Christiania in Copenhagen. It is a self-declared republic of artists. The district has its own president, constitution (displayed on the wall on Paupio Street), anthem, military, day of celebration (April Fool's Day) and a guardian (the bronze angel). Užupis stands for creativity and uniqueness.

Hill of Three Crosses

Hill of Three Crosses

Once you reach the top of this hill, a terrific view of the city opens up before your eyes. Three white crosses standing on the top symbolise Lithuanians' mourning and hope. The first crosses were erected in the 17th century in memory of the martyrs, but were removed during Stalin’s rule and then rebuilt in 1989. A journey to the top of this hill makes for a lovely hike through a peaceful and green area of the city.

Literatų Street

Literatų Street

This lovely street is like an open-air gallery. Its walls are decorated with small objects made of metal, wood, and glass as tributes to writers who have influenced Lithuanian literature.

Gediminas Avenue

Gediminas Avenue

Gediminas Avenue is the main street of Vilnius, where most of the governmental and cultural institutions of Lithuania are concentrated. Nowadays, it is also a very popular shopping and dining street. It is partially a pedestrian street in the evenings when traffic is prohibited.

Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights

Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights

This one-of-a-kind museum is set up in the former KGB headquarters where Soviet crimes were planned and committed over the course of fifty years. Here you can go see modern expositions acquainting their visitors with the loss of independence, repressions of Soviet authorities, and information about the genocide victims.

National Art Gallery

National Art Gallery

The National Art Gallery is a modern multi-functional centre of art and culture. Visitors become acquainted with a permanent exposition, presenting Lithuanian modern and contemporary painting, sculpture, graphics, photography, objects, installations, and video art. Here you can also take part in cultural events, lectures, and educational programs.

Europos Parkas

Europos Parkas

One of the most impressive contemporary art museums where art and nature merge is situated 17 kilometres from the centre of Vilnius. Europos Parkas was founded in 1991 and seeks to give meaning to the geographical centre of Europe in the language of art. About 100 sculptures created by different world artists are displayed there.

Frank Zappa Statue

Frank Zappa Statue

This monument is dedicated to an eminent American composer, guitarist and singer Frank Zappa. His music and iconoclastic character earned him a spot on the Soviet‘s list of banned artists, which impelled locals to build a statue for him right after the independence.

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