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a feel good travel blog

Best Cultural Sites and Landmarks in Vilnius, Lithuania

4/20/2020

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Vilnius is the perfect Baltic state destination for travelers who crave art, culture and history. The Old Town is dense and easy to walk and explore for hours (or days). Most cultural spots are found in Old Town, so get ready to explore a mix of modern and historical culture in this part of town. 
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Cultural Streets and Neighborhoods
One of the most popular streets in Vilnius is Pilies Street, which features a variety of artisans, cafes and street side art markets. If you're looking for locally made paintings or jewelry, spend plenty of time here. 

For the more bohemian, hipster cultural neighborhood, visit Uzupis. Known as the "free thinking neighborhood," this republic operates by it's own constitution and was created on April fools Day in 1997. Wanderers will certainly discover vegan cafes, bookstores, art galleries, tons of graffiti and boutique shops. The neighborhood now homes over seven thousand residents, most of which are artists, intellects and musicians, and once homed the Jewish community prior to the Holocaust. 

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View Vilnius from Above at the St. John's Church
Most people don't realize that the full name of this church is, "'Church of St Johns, St John the Baptist and St John the Apostle and Evangelist." Founded in 1387, this structure stood for hundreds of years before the construction of the 16th Century university.  The freestanding campanile is the tallest structure in Vilnius, which features an awe-inspiring view of the city scape and pink rooftops scattered throughout Old Town. The surrounding university is known as the oldest university in Eastern Europe. 

Vilnius in total has 28 churches, some of which are no longer in operation. If you have kilometers to burn, walk the Calvary Way, a pilgrimage dedicated to the suffering of Christ. 

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Gediminas’ Tower / Castle
This is one of the more popular historical and tourist attractions, and for good reason, it is another popular lookout spot to see Vilnius from a bird's eye view. 

The Grand Duke of Lithuania, Gedeminas first built this “castle” as a wooden fortifications. In 1409, the Grand Duke Vytautas completed the brick structure, which only remains and a tower still stand today. The tower is a museum exhibiting archaeological finds of Lithuania's past. It's worth the climb, up the hill and tower, for spectacular views of old and new Vilnius. 

Nearby the castle and tower is the fertile, lush oasis, Bernadine Garden.  
Established in 1469 by Bernadine Monks, millions of people have walked this park throughout it's history.  Beautiful in all seasons, spring and summer is a surefire way to see locals sachet through the treelined trails. Many people don't realize that the oldest oak tree of Old Town sits in the park. The park also features cafes for guests to sit, sip and relax during the afternoon hours. 
Discover more historical sites on my other blog, 10 Best Historical Sites to Visit in Vilnius, Lithuania
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Joining all the notable Lithuanian writers at #writers wall in Villanis #author #book #poet #travel #europe #travelmemoir #culture #photoaday2015

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Literatu Street Project (Literatu Wall)
​This area once contained many bookstores and antique shops (Literatu, meaning “writers” or “authors”) in the 19th Century, but today are the artistic remains of ceramic, wooden and metal plaques of famous Lithuanian writers. The idea originated in 2008, but showcases some of the best writers and poets in history such as: Sigitas Geda, Kazys Binkis, Romain Gary, Vytautas Kernagis, Janina Degutyte, Jonas Mekas, Jurga Ivanauskaite, Antanas Skema, Paulius Sirvys, and Vincas Mykolaitis – Putinas. â€‹
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Cats and mushroom potato pancakes :) cat cafe - Vilnius,Lithuania #vegan #vegetarian #vegantravel #food #travel #nutrition #culture #photoaday2015 #eu #europe #cat #cafe #coffeeshop

A post shared by Elizabeth Kovar (@erkovar) on Oct 23, 2015 at 7:37am PDT

Cat Cafe Vilnius — Kačių kavinė
Experience a bit of modern Vilnius at the local Cat Cafe. Whether you want a coffee served with a kitty cookie, or lunch, be sure to experience the best of modern cuisine with your new best kitten friend. The cafe features a variety of resident cats you'll find sleeping, playing or begging for treats. This place is vegetarian and vegan friendly. 


Graffiti Pier
For another look at modern Vilnius, explore the graffiti around town. Graffiti has no specific location, but most know Graffiti Pier as the main hub to view street art. Here, graffiti is encouraged and legal with the government. Keep updated with the legal painting zones here. 

Let's Connect! 


This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity.  To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Best Cultural Sites and Landmarks in Vilnius, Lithuania.
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10 Best Historical Sites to Visit in Vilnius, Lithuania

1/11/2018

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Vilnius is an ancient Eastern European city filled with cultural riches and historical landmarks. It’s historic roots date back to 1323 AD with its first written mentions as the city of Vilna. Since its origins, Vilnius has transformed architectural facades, experiencing everything from medieval to commonwealth to Nazi to communistic regimes. If you have limited time in the city, check out these historical sites to depict a true sense of this capital city’s roots.
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Gediminas’ Tower / Castle
This is one of the most popular sites in Vilnius, and for good reason. The Grand Duke of Lithuania, Gedeminas first built this “castle” as a wooden fortifications. In 1409, the Grand Duke Vytautas completed the brick structure, which only remains and a tower still stand today. The tower is a museum exhibiting archaeological finds of Lithuania's past. It's worth the climb, up the hill and tower, for spectacular views of old and new Vilnius. 
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Church of St. Anne
This late Gothic masterpiece's historical roots remain a mystery even to this day. Rumor had it that Napoleon Bonaparte admired the church and wanted to take it  back to France in the palm of his hand. Soon, the French cavalry forces took over the church without much damage. In fact, the church hasn't changed in it's 500 year history. Look closely at the facade to discover "A" and "M" inscribed on the exterior, standing for Ave Maria or Latin Ana Mater Maria. 

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Vilnius University & Library
Considered the oldest in Eastern Europe, Vilnius University was founded in 1568. Today, visitors gaze at the 16th Century facades from the central part of campus. Schedule a tour of the library that dates to 1570; the oldest and one of the largest libraries in Lithuania. Founded by the Jesuits, the library is technically nine years older than the university which opened its doors in 1579.
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Literatu Street Project (Literatu Wall)
​This area once contained many bookstores and antique shops (Literatu, meaning “writers” or “authors”) in the 19th Century, but today are the artistic remains of ceramic, wooden and metal plaques of famous Lithuanian writers. The idea originated in 2008, but showcases some of the best writers and poets in history such as: Sigitas Geda, Kazys Binkis, Romain Gary, Vytautas Kernagis, Janina Degutyte, Jonas Mekas, Jurga Ivanauskaite, Antanas Skema, Paulius Sirvys, and Vincas Mykolaitis – Putinas. 
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Museum of Genocide Victims - (KGB Museum)
In 1941, the Gestapo overtook this once gymnasium and transformed the building into their headquarters during the Nazi occupation. Later the Soviet Secret Police (KGB), controlled the building after the Nazis left and used this headquarter until 1991. This two-part museum showcases remnants and historical timelines of the Lithuanian's resistance against the soviets as well as cells, offices, prisons and the torture chambers. It's definitely one of the best museums in the city. 

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Sexy soviet sports arena - Villanis, Lithuania #history #travel #architecture #europe #eu #culture #photoaday2015

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Palace on Concerts and Sports 1971
Built on the northern banks of the Neris River, this Soviet-prized piece of architecture demonstrates the power, authority and "grand-standing" ideas of what communism looked like in the Baltic states. The original plot contained Žalgiris stadium, which was the largest stadium in Lithuania, built by German POW's in 1948. The Palace closed its doors in 2004 as authorities deemed the building unsafe. 
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Gabi Restorant
Located nearby the historic Pilies Street, Gabi is where history, culture and good food unite. Established in 1994, the interior boasts a medieval charm, walls decorated with old keys, and tables set with wrought iron chairs. Once an old artisan's cottage is now one of the best places to experience a traditional Lithuanian meal. On a sunny day, sit in the  back alley and admire the birds and the bees flying around the flower pots, or stay cool inside the exposed brick wall eating area - the choice is yours!

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Pilies Street
Pilies Street is one of the oldest and most popular streets in Old Town Vilnius. Chocked full of artisans, cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops, Pilies, meaning castle, has historical markings dating back to the 16th Century where the King's carriage and other papal legates traveled this street. In the past notable professors, noblemen and the wealthy once resided here. Pilies Street retains the old-world charm and architectural facades of ancient Vilnius.

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Vilnius Cathedral & Bell Tower
The majestic early-Baroque cathedral isn't an ordinary church. It contains a variety of sculptures, valuable paintings, tombstones and even an underground area depicting Christ's crucifixion. During communist times, the cathedral closed, with its valuables stolen and rooftop sculptures of the saints were knocked down and blown up. The 57-meter tall bell tower is the city's oldest defense tower dating to the 16th and 18th Centuries created by Dutch and German masters. Nearby the bell tower are some "magical" tiles. Legend has it that if you stand on top, make a wish, spin around three times while staying on the tile, your wish will come true.  

Gate of Dawn
The city gate is one of the most important historical sites in the city. Built between 1503 and 1522 as part of a defense fortification, contains religious symbols to bless travelers and protect the city from intruders. One of the most important symbols is the Blessed Virgin Mary Mother of Mercy. 

What's your favorite historical site in Vilnius?


This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity.  To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to 10 Best Historical Sites to Visit in Vilnius, Lithuania     
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    Elizabeth Rae Kovar is a Fitness Trainer, Author of Finding Om, Presenter, Yogi, Vegan & lover of the World. View her portfolio at www.elizabethkovar.comor health-based blog at mindbodysoul-food.com

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