Vilnius, places to visit?

A Baroque city on the boundary between two ancient civilisations

The capital of Lithuania, Vilnius, has only recently opened to tourism and is one of the most fascinating and history-rich cities of the Baltic area: a relatively new destination, therefore, waiting to be discovered.

Vilnius is often called a Baroque city on the boundary between two ancient civilisations - Latin and Byzantine. The Lithuanian Baroque style, similar to Italian Baroque, reigns supreme, distinguishing the main buildings of the city. But it is not only the Baroque style that has shaped this beautiful town; its Medieval layout is still perfectly intact and the architectural contribution of the Renaissance period completes the harmonious centre of Vilnius. Its Old Town was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.

The most splendid attraction of the Old Town of Vilnius is without doubt the elegant Gothic masterpiece of the Church of St. Anne, but the monumental Cistercian Church, situated on its right, is also extremely interesting. The main courtyard of the University of Vilnius, the historic Alumnatas building, the Gate of Dawn (Aušros Vartai) and the recently restored Royal Palace demonstrate the extraordinary Renaissance heritage of the city.

Instead, the Cathedral of Vilnius, the City Hall and the Verkiai are all examples of classical Lithuanian architecture. Chodkiewicz Palace (Chodkevičių) is the most elegant building in Lithuania and the country’s largest classical style building.

The panorama of the old city of Vilnius

The unique feature of the Old Town is that it is situated at the confluence of two rivers. It extends along the Neris Valley and is surrounded by hills covered in dense forests.

The best views of the surrounding area and over the Old Town can be enjoyed from the top of the Gediminas Tower, the Hill of the Three Crosses or the Hill of Užupis.

Užupis is a unique old district of Vilnius. Here the artistic fervour that permeates the entire city finds its most Bohemian expression. It is the home of many artists and offers a wide-ranging array of art galleries, art workshops and cosy coffee bars.

The Užupis district in Vilnius

Many centuries ago it was also known as the “Republic of Užupis”. The creative community of this district organises original celebrations and events that bring colour to the “Republic”, which even has its own anthem, constitution, president, bishop and a personal guardian angel made of bronze.

The constitution is affixed to a fence at the entrance to the district. Important personalities such as Jonas Mekas, the founder of American Avant-garde cinema, the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibet, Valdas Adamkus, the President of Lithuania, and many others are honorary citizens of the “Republic”.

Vilnius is truly a city that immediately makes its visitors feel welcome and involved. The best way to enjoy it is to let yourself be guided by the city, getting lost among its old alleyways, strolling around the wonderful buildings or stopping in any of the many restaurants to try the richLithuanian cuisine. As you walk through the historic centre, you can immediately feel that tranquil, solemn atmosphere typical of northern capitals.

Text by Lea Tocchi

Updated by Alisè Vitri

Avion Tourism Magazine
Photos: Copyright © Sisterscom.com, Shutterstock

Tourism Board

www.vilnius-tourism.lt

www.lithuania.travel

Partnership with Booking.com

Where to sleep in Vilnius

Vilnius is a welcoming city and offers different possibilities for accommodation.

To find the ideal hotel and the best offers you can do a search for the stars but also for districts or landmarks.

STARS

Hotels for stars, differentiated by type of services:

DISTRICTS

Hotels in the districts

LANDMARKS

Hotels in tourist areas

Adomas Mickevičius Museum

Amber Museum-Gallery

Museum of Applied Art

National Gallery of Art

St Peter and St. Paul's Church

Defensive Wall

Cathedral Square

Gediminas' Tower

Hill of Three Crosses

St Anne's Church

AIRPORT

Hotels near the airport

Vilnius Airport VNO

WHERE TO GO in Vilnius

Monuments in Vilnius

PALACE OF THE GRAND DUKES OF LITHUANIA

The Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, recently reconstructed, is the former political, diplomatic, cultural center of the State, was one of the most famous in Europe in the 15th-17th centuries and was demolished in the beginning of the 19th century.

CATHEDRAL BASILICA

The Cathedral of St. Stanislav and St. Vladislav is the most important place of worship for the country‘s Catholics and the venue for the main Christian, folk and national festivities.

CHURCH OF ST. ANNE

The Church of St. Anne is a masterpiece of the late Gothic period. St. Anne’s Church, which has survived to the present day without changing for over 500 years, has become a symbol of Vilnius.

VILNIUS UNIVERSITY

Vilnius University is one of the oldest universities in Eastern Europe. The complexes of Vilnius University were formed over several centuries and, as a result, consist of the buildings built in Gothic, Baroque and Classical styles.

BASTION OF VILNIUS CITY WALL

The bastion is a Renaissance defence complex of authentic construction situated next to the former city wall and dating back to the 17th century.

Museums in Vilnius

GEDIMINAS’ TOWER

OF THE UPPER CASTLE

The Vilnius Castle Museum was opened in 1960. An observation deck on the top of the toweris the best place from which to appreciate a magnificent panorama of Vilnius.

VILNIUS PICTURE GALLERY

The Gallery is established in a beautiful and spacious estate of the noblemen Chodkiewicznoted for impressive interiors of late Classicism.

AMBER MUSEUM-GALLERY

The exhibits on display at the Amber Museum-Gallery tell visitors about the morphology of amber. It is revealed in the exhibits of various sizes, forms and colour.

Excursions in Vilnius

TRAKAI LAKE AND CASTLE

From Vilnius, you can take a day trip to the lakeside town of Trakai and admire the Gothic monuments of the Old Town and the spectacular Castle Peninsula on Lake Galvė, the deepest of the region’s 200 lakes.

KAUNAS

The Old Town of Kaunas is an open-air museum of historical architecture with Gothic and Baroque churches, the ruins of Kaunas Castle, the oldest building in the city, and Kaunas Cathedral, the largest Gothic church in Lithuania.

Partnership with GetYourGuide

Tours

News & Useful info

Christmas in Vilnius

Find out more news

Shopping

Vilnius Airport gets a makeover with six new dining options

Discover all shopping