- At the crossroads of history
- What's interesting to visit in Vilnius?
- Walk through the historic center
- Inspection of the tower of Gediminas
The capital of Lithuania is at the same time a very close and very distant city for Russians. Geographically, it is located almost nearby, well-organized transport links. On the other hand, the need to obtain visas and pay visa fees sometimes dampen the ardor of travelers. But if a tourist has reached the city, then he does not ask the question of what to visit in Vilnius.
At the crossroads of history
Vilnius is actually an open-air museum: the Old Town occupies quite large areas here, in which you can endlessly walk. At the same time, you can also change the purpose of the routes, for example, get acquainted with religious buildings or architectural masterpieces. Next time go on a visit to the many local museums and monuments.
Vilnius cafes, restaurants and bars require special attention, each with its own unique atmosphere, original interiors and delicious menu. Catering establishments are the answer to the question of what to visit in Vilnius on your own, but for a walk around the city it is better to invite a guide who will show you the most interesting places, tell about their history, legends and modern life.
What's interesting to visit in Vilnius?
Vilnius was honored to become the center, on the one hand, of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese, on the other hand, of the Lithuanian Orthodox Diocese. The city has a huge number of churches belonging to different confessions, which is why at the beginning of the twentieth century it received the beautiful name of "Northern Jerusalem".
Many of the religious buildings are unique monuments of history and architecture, including:
- The Archcathedral, consecrated in honor of Saints Stanislav and Casimir;
- the Catholic Church of St. Nicholas;
- the church of St. Anne, built in the late Gothic style;
- Ostrobramskaya chapel with the world famous image of the Mother of God;
- the church of St. Francis, the former church of the Bernardines.
The list of places of worship, temples and monasteries may take more than one page, and a year will not be enough for a detailed acquaintance with them. Therefore, you can just walk around the Old Town, admiring the exterior, architectural finds and decor. You can use the services of a guide and get to know better the temple complexes of Catholics or Orthodox.
Walk in the historic center
If there are no special preferences and interests, then you can simply plunge into the past of this amazing city, located in the center of Europe, at the crossroads of trade, economic and cultural routes. Vilnius is equally friendly to friends and strangers, to people of any skin color and nationality.
The historic center of the city helps the guest to forget about the high technologies of the 21st century, and plunge into the past, during the Middle Ages. This part of Vilnius is located on the plains and hills, so you need to prepare comfortable shoes and clothing that does not restrict movement.
One of the very first attractions will be the complex of buildings that now belong to the Vilnius University. The educational institution was founded a long time ago, buildings for students were erected at the end of the 16th century, but today the learning process continues in the same classrooms and laboratories.
It is interesting that the university owns not only administrative or academic buildings, but also the Church of St. John with the bell tower. And on the territory you can find more than 10 cozy courtyards, where, like two hundred and three hundred years ago, the future luminaries of science and economy of Lithuania rest.
Inspection of the tower of Gediminas
An important historical and architectural landmark is visible from almost any corner of Vilnius, because it is located on the top of the Castle Hill. It is considered a symbol of the Lithuanian capital, the only surviving fortification of the Old Castle. The ascent to the mountain is long, but not very steep, for both young tourists and their parents and travelers of mature age.
From a height, amazing views of Vilnius open up, you can carefully examine from above all the buildings and structures of the Old Town, find new points for future excursions. A museum has now been created in the Gediminas Tower, halls are located on several floors, exhibits in them tell about different periods of the castle's life.
The Castle Hill has an interesting neighbor called the Hill of Three Crosses. The area received this toponym quite recently, before it was known as Krivaya or Lysaya. And three huge white crosses that adorn its top were installed, or rather, restored in 1989.
The author of the project of such an unusual monument was the architect Anthony Vivulsky, the first crosses were installed in 1916. After the Great Patriotic War, the Soviet authorities decided to remove the Christian symbols and blew them up. After gaining independence, the Lithuanians restored the monument in its original place.
