Gediminas Castle
Standing guard over the city of Vilnius since the
13th century, the landmark Gediminas Castle was built by the
founder of the city and has served as defence bastion, prison, and
now major tourist attraction.
Originally, the castle was made of wood, later clad
in 10-foot (3m) thick stone walls, and then all but destroyed by
Russian troops in the 17th century. Now completely and carefully
restored to its former glory, the top of the majestic octagonal
tower provides a breath-taking view of the old city.
It is the highest point in the Vilnius Old Town,
which itself is a UNESCO-listed site. The castle also contains a
museum depicting the history of Lithuania and Vilnius, with
exhibits including models of the city at various points in history
as well as archaeological finds from the region.
The castle is also an emotional landmark for those
who remember the Baltic Chain, or Chain of Freedom, a peaceful
political movement which united the three Balkan states in their
fight for independence back in 1989 when Lithuania, Estonia and
Latvia were republics of the Soviet Union.
The Baltic Chain was a demonstration in which more
than two million people joined hands in August 1989 to create a
human chain spanning the three Baltic countries to demonstrate
their solidarity and their desire for freedom. The chain, a
memorable and impactful moment in European history, ended at
Gediminas Castle in Lithuania.
Gediminas' Tower
Mantas Volungevicius
Vilnius Cathedral
The resplendent Vilnius Cathedral, which stands
proudly on the central square of the Old City, has a chequered
history that left it decaying and abandoned through the Soviet era.
The Cathedral now resembles a classical Greek temple more than it
does a Christian church.
It's now once again the pride of the city, filled
with incredible artworks, traditional icons and history. The
cathedral, originally built in the 13th-century, stands on the site
of an ancient pagan temple. Rebuilt several times in the succeeding
centuries after fires and storm damage, Vilnius Cathedral is an
unusual and architecturally impactful cathedral, containing more
than 40 paintings and frescoes.
There are a number of chapels which are interesting
in their own right, located around the premises. Most noteworthy is
the Casimir Chapel, first constructed in 1623, containing eight
silver-plated statues and décor wrought by artist Constantino
Tencallo. No matter what their religion, visitors tend to find the
cathedral impressive and the grounds peaceful and attractive.
Vilnius has some amazing churches and other special
attractions in the city include the St Peter and St Paul Church,
which houses numerous sculptures, and St Anne's Church, a beautiful
Gothic building.
European Park
A few miles north of Vilnius town centre, Lithuanian sculptor
Gintaras Karosas founded the Europos Parkas (European Park) on a
55-hectare site that encompasses the geographic centre of Europe,
as determined by the French National Geographic Institute in
1989.
The Park attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year,
who come to stand in the centre of the continent and admire a
permanent outdoor sculpture exhibition, set amid rolling hills,
woods and fields dotted with natural springs.
About 100 works by artists from dozens of different countries
are on display. Guided tours are available, and the site includes a
small restaurant, shop and post office. European Park is also a
really lovely place to enjoy a walk in the natural surroundings and
have a picnic.
Autumn is particularly beautiful because of the striking colour
of the trees and vegetation but it still remains gorgeous through
spring and summer too. In winter, it's perhaps a bit cold but an
invigorating stroll through the snowy landscape can be fun, as
gates are open all year round.
If you are travelling in Lithuania with children, then Europos
Parkas is the ideal family excursion from Vilnius. It's a good
opportunity to enjoy some fresh air and let the kids get rid of
some energy. Lovers of contemporary art will also enjoy the park,
where the sculptures are well integrated into the natural
scenery.
Europos Parkas
Legionas
Jewish Memorials
In the early 20th century, about half of the population of
Vilnius were Yiddish-speaking Jews and the city was dubbed the
'Jerusalem of the North'. The Nazis in World War II effectively
obliterated this community, encircling the Jewish quarter in barbed
wire.
They marched the 60,000 or so residents into the Paneriai Forest
and executed them. Sadly, some sources estimate that the number of
Jews killed in Vilnius was far higher. Today, the Genocide Museum
has been established at the killing field in memory of the victims
of this horror.
There is also a Jewish Museum depicting pre-war Jewish life and
visitors are welcome at the only remaining Vilnius Synagogue. The
Jews were once numerous in Lithuania, with efforts now underway to
rebuild and restore many aspects of the former Jewish Quarter.
Incredibly, some say that Vilnius once housed more than a
hundred synagogues, not to mention schools, libraries and other
cultural institutions. Tours of Jewish Vilnius incorporate these
sombre but extremely worthwhile historical and cultural
attractions.
Several private operators offer these tours which should
captivate any visitors with an interest in Jewish culture or
European history. However, young children may not be prepared for
the realities of these tragic sites.
Jewish memorial
luvmycrows
Museum of Genocide Victims
The dark days of the Soviet occupation of Lithuania are
preserved in this disturbing collection, which is contained in the
former KGB headquarters building; a building which is a symbol of
hardship for the Lithuanian population old enough to remember the
realities of the occupation.
Those who drew the antagonism of the authorities were detained,
tortured and often executed in this building. The Museum of
Genocide (Genocido Auku Muziejus) is also often called the KGB
Museum and the building remains almost exactly the same as it was
during Soviet occupation.
Some of the museum's exhibitions include the 'Eavesdropping
Room', highlighting the use of secret surveillance by the KGB, and
'Life Goes On', a look at the day to day living of Lithuanian
deportees and prisoners.
There is also the haunting experience of the prison in the
basement. Audio guides are available for a small cost and they
bring the place vividly to life. Guided tours of the museum are
also available in English.
The Genocide Museum is one of the top-rated tourist attractions
in Vilnius and the collection is informative, well-organised and
haunting. Visitors should note that some of the material is rather
macabre and may not be suitable for young children.
Museum of Genocide Victims
Kristian Frisk
Vilnius has a humid continental climate. Summers (June to
August) are warm, with daytime temperatures often topping 72°F
(22°C), although average temperatures are closer to 62°F (17°C).
June is the rainiest month of the year. Winter (December to
February) is very cold, with temperatures rarely climbing above
32°F (0°C) and often dropping below 16°F (-9°C). Lakes and rivers
freeze over at this time of year.
Vilnius International Airport
Location: The airport is situated four miles (6km) south of
Vilnius.
Time: GMT +2 (GMT +3 between last Sunday in March and
last Sunday in October).
Getting to the city:
A special train service runs from the airport to the Vilnius
Railway Station around 16 times per day, taking just 7 minutes to
connect the airport to the railway station. Bus and minibus
services also connect to downtown Vilnius.
Car Rental:
Car rental agents with offices on site in the arrivals lounge
include Enterprise, Europcar, Euro Renta, Flizzr, Green Motion,
Hertz, Ollex, Panek, Rentis, Sixt, and Trusticar.
Airport Taxis:
Approved airport taxis are available outside the arrivals
terminal. Average rates include €10 to Cathedral Square, €12 to
Konstitucijos Avenue and €18 to Hospital Santariskiu Klinikos.
Taxis charge set rates and accept credit cards.
Facilities:
There is a currency exchange counter in the arrivals concourse.
There are snack bars, cafes and restaurants in arrivals and
departures, and a newsagent. The airport offers a VIP Lounge, which
can be utilised by all passengers willing to pay the entrance fee.
There are also some small duty-free shops.
Parking
Short and long-term parking is available.
The central old quarter of Vilnius is compact and
most of the sights visited on foot. Those who would prefer to take
in the sights in a more leisurely manner can make use of the city's
efficient network of buses and trolleybuses; fares can be paid on
boarding or tickets bought at a discount from newspaper kiosks.
Most visitors prefer to make use of taxis, which
are relatively cheap, although it is wise to ensure the driver has
switched on the meter before leaving on the journey, or to
negotiate a fare before setting off.
Taxis can be hailed on the street, ordered by
telephone or found at ranks at strategic spots in the old town.
Self-driving in the city isn't recommended because of heavy,
undisciplined traffic. All the large international car hire
companies have offices in the city and at the airport.
Visitors to Vilnius should be aware that, although
the city is generally very safe, petty theft and pick-pocketing can
unfortunately be a problem on public transport. People are also
sometimes targeted while walking around. So although it is a great
destination to traverse on foot, try not to walk alone at night, or
display conspicuous wealth while getting around in the city.
Slap bang in the middle of Europe, the capital of
Lithuania is a delightful medieval city of magnificent churches,
art and nightclubs. It's a combination which gives it a unique
ambience and explains why more people are enjoying holidaying in
Vilnius.
It is an historic old city, with a wealth of cultural
attractions and very picturesque surroundings. The UNESCO-listed
old quarter is particularly enthralling. Many of the most popular
attractions in Vilnius are memorials, it's a city that has seen
much tragedy in its long history.
Worthwhile sites include the Museum of Genocide
Victims, several memorials to the Jewish population wiped out
during World War II, and the Hill of Three Crosses, which legend
decrees was originally the site of the martyring of several
monks.
Although some of the subject matter in the city's
museums and memorials is sombre or macabre, Vilnius is a proud city
and there is an aura of triumph as well. The numerous lovely
churches, pretty surroundings, sidewalk café culture and charming
cobbled streets offer many happy diversions for tourists.
The best time to travel to Vilnius is during its
sunny, warm summers when temperatures can soar to 86°F (30°C) and
it remains light long into the evening, making it possible for
those enjoying a Vilnius holiday to make the most of the outdoor
restaurants and bars. Winter, by contrast, is not a good time to
travel to Vilnius as temperatures plummet below freezing.