Overview
Vilnius is the capital of Lithuania. The Old Town, historical centre of Vilnius, is one of the largest in Eastern Europe (360 ha). The most valuable historic and cultural heritage is concentrated here. The buildings in the old town - there are about 1.5 thousand of them - were built in a number of different centuries, therefore, it is a mixture of all European architectural styles. Although Vilnius is often called a baroque city, here you will find some buildings of gothic, renaissance and other styles. The main sights of the city are the Gediminas Castle and the Cathedral Square, symbols of the capital. Their combination is also a gateway to the historic centre of the capital. Because of its uniqueness, the Old Town of Vilnius was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994.
Popular Tourist Attractions
The Higher Castle
The old castle building was built of wood. Later, under the rule of the Duke of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania Gediminas (1316-1341), was brick in with stones.
The nowadays Gediminas Castle is the remnant of the brick castle built by Vytautas Magnum, the Duke of Lithuania (1392-1430). There are left more fragments of old castle, which are now restaurated according to numerous archeological researches on the Gediminas Hill.
It is possible to get onto the top of the Gediminas Hill by foot or by modern lift, and visit Gediminas Castle from inside, where the exposition of archeologic findings is kept. From the top of the Castle, there is an observation ground, from where panorama of Vilnius Old Town opens for the spectators.
Gediminas Castle is important state and historic symbol of Vilnius and Lithuania, it is depicted on national currency Litas, sang in folk songs and mentioned in numerous patriotic poems of many poets.
Opening Hours: Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00, closed on Mon
Entrance: 3 Euro
Popular Tourist Attractions
Cathedral
Situated just off of Cathedral Square in Vilnius’ old town is the main Roman Catholic cathedral, considered Lithuania's spiritual and political center. It is thought that in pagan times this was the location of an altar or temple to the pagan god "Perkūnas"or "god of thunder". King Mindaugas built the original cathedral in 1251 after his conversion to Christianity. After his death in 1263, it again became a place of pagan worship. The coronation ceremonies of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania from Vytautas to Žygimantas Augustas took place there. Due to fires, wars, and unstable ground, the Cathedral was rebuilt more than once. As a result, gothic, renaissance, and baroque styles are reflected in its architectural history.
Opening Hours: Tue-Sun 09:00-19:00
Entrance: Free
Vilnius statistics
Population 542.287.
57.8 % are Lithuanians, 18.7 % Poles, 14 % Russians, 4% Byelorussians, 0.5 % Jews and the remaining 5 % comprising some other nationalities.
Average annual temperature is + 6.1 degrees Celsius, in January being – 4.9 and +17.0 degrees Celsius in July.
Average precipitation is about 661 mm per year.
Vilnius Culture
The most important part of the heritage of the city of Vilnius is its culture. Not only is Vilnius a city with a rich historical cultural past, but it is also a modern and cosmopolitan capital city. The city is increasingly and persistently taking active part in cultural integration and exchange programs not only with its European counterparts, but with the entire world as well.
The history of our capital city is a reflection of the nation's past and the experiences of lives of cultures of Western and Eastern Europe. Pagan cult sites, Orthodox churches, Catholic baroque, and traces of the Jewish way of life are all witnesses to the historical multicultural life in the city and testify to the wide open history of this Eastern European city.
However, the present cultural life of the city is also lively: Vilnius organises the Days of the Capital City lasting for almost an entire month annually and the city always ensures that its guests have an abundant supply of diverse interesting events to take part in. Large-scale international festival, concerts, fashion exhibition, arts exhibitions, theatrical performances, cinema, as well as city masquerades and markets, are only few of the many attractions that take place in the city during the City Days.
Vilnius is also famous worldwide for its creative people. Famous musicians, actors, and theatre and cinema directors, fashion designers, ballet and sports dancers and other artists are born and raised in the city. It is not surprising that such cultural way of life is diverse and intensive. Every visiting guest to the city will surely find something to suit his or her expectations fully.
Popular Tourist Attractions
Hill of Three Crosses
Legend has it that long ago seven Franciscan monks were crucified here. Originally erected in the 17th century, Stalin had the crosses removed and buried, and only in 1989 were they rebuilt according to the original plans. The crosses are a great symbol of both Lithuanian mourning and hope. The hill offers a breathtaking view of the city, especially in the autumn or winter. A winding trail leads from Kalnu Park up steep steps on the south side of the hill to the top.