Vilnius – the capital of Lithuania – is an eye-pleasing assemble of Medieval Oldtown, baroque houses, colourful churches and also lively bars and pubs, romantic and high-class restaurants. The proportions of the city makes Vilnius perfect for even short city breaks.
Vilnius was granted with city rights in 1387 and then expanded through the times of Grand Duchy of Lithuania, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, the Russian Empire, Soviet Union. Every period left some significant architectural heritage and now, as the capital of the Lithuanian Republic, Vilnius has become one of the modern European cities. It’s been honored as Capital of Culture in 2009.
Internet speed: average download speed of 36.37 Mb/s and upload speed of 28.51 Mb/s.
Old town – one of the largest surviving medieval old towns in Northern Europe: gothic, renaissance, baroque and neoclassical buildings stand side by side and complement each other. It is full of palaces, significant historical and religious monuments like Presidential palace, Radziwill palace, Vilnius castle palace with Gediminas tower, Gate of Dawn and many others. Pilies street is the old town‘s main artery, the hub of cafe and street market life. Vilnius‘ Old Town was included in the Unesco World Heritage List in 1994.
Palace of the Grand Dukes - The reconstructed Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania was one of the most famous in Europe in the 15th-17th centuries and was demolished in the beginning of the 19th century. This Palace is excellent located just in the heart of Vilnius, within the confines of Lower Castle. Part of the reconstructed Palace of the Grand Dukes in Vilnius Lower Castle officially transferred to the Museum. In the reconstructed Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania there are two exhibition tour routes directly related to the historical functions of this residence. The first tour will show the historical and architectural development of the palace by highlighting the ancient ruins still in place, excavated artifacts and by using models and iconographic materials. The second tour route will bring the visitors into the ceremonial halls, which have been reconstructed in such a way as to show the evolution of architectural styles – from the late Gothic to the Renaissance to the early Baroque.
Cathedral Basilica - The Cathedral of St. Stanislav and St. Vladislav is the most important place of worship for Lithuania’s Catholics, and the venue for the country’s main Christian and national festivities. Many key figures in Lithuanian history are buried in the Sovereigns’ Mausoleum, which is located beneath the chapel of St. Casimir. Its vaults contain the remains of Vytautas The Great, the Grand Duke of Lithuania, and King Alexander of Poland. The vaults are not only restricted to kings, either – the two wives of Žygimantas Augustas, Queen Elisabeth of Austria and Queen Barbora Radvilaitė. The cathedral containing the ashes of King Vladislovas Vaza (Wladyslaw Vasa) are also buried here. The cathedral’s original temple dates back to between the 13th or 15th century. There are guided tours to the crypts of the cathedral.English-speaking tours are held on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays at 4 p.m. Ticket price – 4.5 Eur, discount ticket for school-age children, students, seniors – 2.5 Eur.
Church of st. Anne - The church of St Anne is a masterpiece of the late Gothic period. Popular legend has it that Napoleon Bonaparte, who was fascinated by the beauty of the church, wanted to take it back to Paris in the palm of his hand. St Anne’s Church, which has survived to the present day without changing for over 500 years, has become a symbol of Vilnius. At a closer look, one can see the letters A and M in the main facade of St Anne‘s. The letters A and M could stand for the Latin Ana Mater Maria or Ave Maria, i.e. „Saint Anne – Mother of Mary“ or „Hail Mary“.
Užupis - The self-proclaimed “Republic” of Užupis is Vilnius’ Bohemian and artistic district. It has its own anthem, constitution, president, bishop, two churches, the Bernadine Cemetery – one of the oldest in the city -, seven bridges, and its own guardian called The Bronze Angel of Užupis, who was put in the centre of the district in 2002.Dating back to the 16th century, Užupis is one of Vilnius’ oldest districts and despite its current prestigious status, was formerly the city’s poorest area and home to a number of manual workers and a red light-district.
Gediminas Avenue - Vilnius started developing faster in the middle of the 19th century, when the rail line St. Petersburg – Vilnius was built. New industrial, trading and residential developments were established next to the Old Town. A new central street of the city, Georgij Avenue was built. The names of the avenue changed with the change of authorities. Later on the avenue had the names of A. Mickiewicz, Stalin, Lenin, and in 1989 it was known as Gediminas Avenue. Buildings of the 19th and 20th centuries were built next to the avenue, currently housing central government authorities and public institutions, trading and catering companies. Gediminas Avenue connects the historical city center, Cathedral Square with the Seimas Palace.
Staying at a 3* hotel averages 50 euro per night, at 4* hotel – 80 euro, at 5* hotel – 105 euro.
Three course meal for two person at the middle-ranged restaurant ~35 euro. Breakfast 3-6 euro per person. Coffee ~3 euro. Local beer ~3 euro.