Here we present you – in no particular order – the best that Vilnius has to offer in terms of city‘s history and architecture. These places are definitely a must see – and almost everything is within a walking distance right in the fabled Vilnius‘ old town. Strap in and let‘s go exploring!

Vilnius University


Parts of the Vilnius university architectural ensemble – Church of Sts. Johns and its bell tower
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Vilnius university is one of the oldest universities in Central Europe, it  was founded in 1579 by Catholic monks – Jesuits. Vilnius university boasts 13 internal courtyards, arcades and galleries. The oldest campus is home to three faculties – history, philology and pshilosophy. The campuses of VU all feature Gothic, Baroque and Classical styles of architecture. The main Library, which was built in 1570 holds one of two existing copies of the first ever book printed in Lithuanian, The Simple Words of Catechism, which was written by Martynas Mažvydas . You can also get an exclusive panoramic view of Vilnius from the campanile of St. John‘s Chruch.

Gates of Dawn

Gates of Dawn
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Gates of Dawn is one of the most visited shrines in Vilnius and the last remaining gate of the first original five gates of the city wall, that were built at the beginning of the 16th century. It is also one of Lithuania‘s most important religious, historical and cultural monuments. The painting of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Mercy in the Chapel of the Gates of Dawn is known all over the world and is said to have miracle-working powers. The Holy Mother of God of the Gates of Dawn has been granted the tittle of Mother of Mercy twice.

Church of St. Anne

Church of St. Anne
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The Chruch of St. Anne is a masterpiece of the late Gothic period, but there is no consensus about its originator or period of construction. Popular legend has it that Napoleon Bonaparte was fascinated by the splendor and beauty of the church and wanted to take it back to Paris in the palm of his hand. St. Annes church has survived to the present day for over 500 years and has become an undeniable symbol of the city.

Vilnius Town Hall

Vilnius Town Hall
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In 1387, as Vilnius gained Magdeburg rights, there appeared a need for headquarters for the city authorities. As the main square of the city was already located here, it was decided to build the Town Hall in the same place. The Town Hall was built in the gothic style in the beginning, but was later reconstructed and turned into a Classical building. In its history, it was transformed into a city theatre and later into an art museum. Today Vilnius Town Hall is a representative building, whose pediment is adorned with the coat-of-arms of the city of Vilnius – St Christopher carrying baby Jesus on his shoulders.

Cathedral Basilica

Cathedral Basilica
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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. It was granted the name of ‘Basilica’ by Pope Pius XI.  Many of Lithuania’s key historical figures are buried in the Sovereigns’ Mausoleum, which is located beneath the chapel of St. Casimir, such as Vytautas the Great, the Grand Duke of Lithuania and King Alexander of Poland.  The cathedral’s original temple dates back to between the 13th or 15th century.

Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania

Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania
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The reconstructed Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, the former political, diplomatic, cultural center of the State, was one of the most famous in Europe in the 15th-17th centuries, and was originally constructed for the rulers of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the future Kings of Poland. It is excellently located right 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 museum there are four exhibition tour routes directly related to the historical functions of this residence.

Gediminas Tower of the Upper Castle

Gediminas Tower
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Gediminas’ Tower is an important state and historic symbol of the city of Vilnius and Lithuania itself. The three-floor tower was rebuilt in 1933 and some remnants of the old castle have been restored, guided by archaeological research. Legend has it that Duke Gediminas had a dream that up on a hill stood a great wolf made of iron, and it was howling as loudly as if it were a hundred wolves. The dream was interpreted as an omen, indicating that Gediminas should build a city in this place, which would later become known around the world and would become the magnificent capital city of Lithuania. Gediminas castle is the only surviving part of that castle built by Gediminas.

Užupis

Sign at the border of Užupis
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Užupis is a self-proclaimed republic, largely located in Vilnius‘ Old Town and an UNESCO World Heritage Site.  It is a Bohemian and artistic district and has its own anthem, constitution, president, bishop, two churches and its own guardian called The Bronze Angel of Užupis. The district has been popular with artists for some time, and has been compared to Montmartre in Paris and to Freetown Christiania in Copenhagen. Užupis means „beyond the river“ in the Lithuanian language and refers to the Vilnia River.

Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights

Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights
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The Museum of Genocide Victims is arguably the darkest in Vilnius. The museum if dedicated mostly to collecting and exhibiting documents relating to the 50-year occupation of Lithuania by the Soviet Union, the anti-Soviet Lithuanian partisans, and the victims of the arrests, deportations and executions that took place during this period. The museum is divided into two parts – the upper two floors document the Lithuanian partisans’ resistance against the Soviet occupiers, the deportations of Lithuanians to Siberia and day-to-day life in the LTSR. The other part of the museum are the prison cells, and execution and torture chambers in the basement.Chillingly, the cells are exactly how the KGB officers left them upon leaving Lithuania in 1991.

Pilies Street

The Pilies Street
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Pilies street – literally “Castle Street”, is one of the main streets in the Old Town of Vilnius. Pilies street can offer an architectural variety: you can find gothic, renaissance and baroque style buildings right next to each other. The street appeared in the place of the former road from Vilnius Castle to the south, towards Poland and Russia. Kings, noblemen and legates of the Pope passed Pilies street on the way to the castle. A beautiful view of Gediminas Tower can be seen from Pilies Street.