Statues of the four Evangelists lie on the southern facade and statues of past rulers of Poland-Lithuania run around the sides of the building. The formidable castle looks very romantic out in the water with its cluster of red-brick watchtowers and squat round turrets topped with spindly weathercocks. The entrance to the Trakai Island Castle and museum costs 8-12 EUR depending on the time of your visit. Explore the Old Town #2. Its altar is one of the highest and most beautiful in the country. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. According to popular legend, Napoleon Bonaparte was so dazzled by the fairytale, pinnacle-encrusted towers of St. Annes Church that hes said to have wanted to take it back to Paris in the palm of his hand. You can find the addresses of the attractions by clicking on the icons in the map. Lithuania has a centuries-old beer tradition and has now also gotten on board with the recent craft beer revolution. The inside has a central nave but also side altars and several chapels. Visit the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, Pay Your Respects at the Vilnius Cathedral, Be Enchanted By The Lovely St. Annes Church, The Museum of Occupation and Freedom Fights, Admire the Stunning Interior of the Church of Sts. Our favorite thing is to find the statues of cats, as we are cat lovers. Vilniuss Old Town is Europes largest Baroque Old Town and is undoubtedly one of the main things to see in Vilnius. Today tourists inevitably gravitate here, but in sufficiently small numbers for the area to retain all of its distinctive character and charm. Streets are cobblestoned, and the city center is the largest preserved example of European baroque architecture. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. If thats the case, theres no better way to immerse yourself in its rich history than to visit the National Museum. Located in Vilnius Old Town, there is no more unique district anywhere in Lithuania than Uzupis. Frequented by artists, writers and other creative types since the fall of Communism, the district actually declared itself an independent republic in 1998, resulting in its citizens being furnished with their own flag and national anthem. It gained its current Russian empire. You can check the opening hours here.

Cathedral Square (Katedros aikt) is the sprawling main square in Vilnius and is the historical center of the city. - Klook US With the countless things to do in Vilnius, Lithuania, coupled with its dreamy quality, this city is no doubt a must-visit destination. This cookie is used by Facebook to control its functionalities, collect language settings and share pages. PS: You can even get your passport stamped with an official Uzupis stamp at the information center! The Museum of Illusions in Vilnius (or Vilnil) is packed with interactive, mind boggling items, from optical illusions and 3D art to Take a closer look at this bustling city with our suggestions for unique things to do in Vilnius. 10. The chain began in Tallinn, Estonia and finally ended in Vilnius, right at the stebuklas tile in Cathedral Square. Be sure to visit Uupis for its ambiance, art galleries, little craft workshops, and multi-colored houses. Ekipaas is one of the more reliable taxi services in Vilnius. St. Annes Church (v Onos Banyia) is a stunning 16th-century Gothic masterpiece that has survived over 500 years without any changes. Home to impressive churches and cathedrals, cozy cafes, and quirky art installations, Vilnius boasts one of the best-preserved Old Towns in Europe. It features hilarious articles like Everyone has the right to understand nothing and Everyone has the right not to be loved, but not necessarily. If you only have one day in Gate of Dawn. This inspired Gediminas so much that he ordered the prompt construction of a new capital here. Although you will get glimpses if you 2. With St. Annes Church in the background Bernardine Park was a huge open space with lovely laid out gardens, plenty of grass to run around on, and lots of shade. Learn how your comment data is processed. Gratuities for waiters, hotel housekeepers, tourist guides, and many others in the service sector are purely optional. It might be a bit unusual to name a cemetery as a tourist attraction but Antakalnis Cemetery (Antakalnio kapins) is definitely a must if you are in the vicinity. Lithuania is one of the safest countries in the world, and for the most part crime in Vilnius wont be an issue. No sightseeing tour of Vilnius would be complete without a visit to the neighborhood of Uupis, definitely the citys most bohemian district.

The deeply moving Museum of Occupation and Freedom Fights (previously known as Museum of Genocide Victims) chronicles a grim part of Lithuanias recent history: the Nazi and Soviet occupation from 1940 to 1991.

Most of the must-see attractions in Vilnius lie within the borders of the Old Town. Its reconstruction resulted in the building that stands today, a rich and visually astounding tapestry of styles. The displays showcase the history of Lithuania up to modern times.

The interior of the church is something of a spectacle and you will see ornately carved wooden pews as well as flower arrangements, gilt furnishings, and brightly colored decorations.

The museum also tells the history of banking in Lithuania and how silverware was returned to the country after the fall of Communism. Tucked away underwater, away from the sight of prying eyes, the remnants of these stony roads date back centuries. It has been depicted on the former national currency, the litas, and is mentioned in countless Lithuanian patriotic poems and folk songs.

The church is an easy walk from the nearby cathedral, which can be tacked on to your cathedral visit. Though the church was originally a simple wooden structure, it was destroyed during a time of war with Russia. Web7. The cemetery is one of the best-preserved and most important ones in Europe. Its attractive exterior is just a preview of the inside detail; rich and intricate baroque altars adorn the inner hall.

The monastery dates from 1662 and was restored in the 1990s having been used as a psychiatric hospital and an art gallery. Days are very short and sometimes the sun doesnt make an appearance for days on end. Its on a hill and 100% one of the top things to do in Vilnius. Avoid using taxis in Vilnius unless it is absolutely necessary as you will be well covered by public transport. The Baroque reign was short lived and by the end of the 18th century, it had been replaced by the more understated Neoclassical style. There is also a range of medical equipment and you will even find gas masks and air horns. The interior of St. Annes Church is quite spartan with extensive red-brick rib vaulting across a white ceiling, sheltering a relatively undistinguished ensemble of altars bunched up at the end of the small nave. Canoe Through Vilnius.

Designed for nature and outdoors enthusiasts, guests can expect grill and barbecue events, mulled wine, craft beers and night-time bonfires all of which combine to create a magical ambience. The quaint Kaunas Old Town Is Kaunas worth visiting? It sprawls over a large piazza and has a signature neo-classical faade. Filters. The Vilnius Pass is a handy city pass that accords you free access to the best attractions and sights in the city. As far as national museums go, this one is well worth the price of admission. Ostensibly, the Republic of Uzupis also has an army of 11. Though its interior is a fascinating blend of styles and decor, there are no surviving records to explain who may have designed the stunning interiors.

The cathedral is home to several significant treasures, the most significant of which is the Baroque St. Casimirs Chapel. Many of the citys key landmarks are situated here or in the vicinity. Vilnius Tourism Vilnius Hotels Vilnius Bed and Breakfast Vilnius Vacation Rentals Flights to Vilnius Vilnius ; Hotels ; Things to do ; The Saint Francis of Assissi church is also super close by, which makes it a double whammy for your DIY Vilnius Church bingo Visiting Town Hall Square is one of the best things to do in Vilnius. The Uupis district, a self-declared independent republic since 1997, shows a more bohemian side to the city, full of artists, creative studios and colourful graffiti. Free tours of the Presidential Palace take place on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Great article! Traveler favorites. Vilnius old town is definitely worth to visit, one of the oldest old towns in Europe, mist be in everyones list! My guide on a Vilnius walking tour also told me that you can always navigate your Some of the best street art murals we saw in Vilnius were Sepe & Chazme (Kauno g. 1), Millo (Pylimo g. 56) and Os Gemeos (Pylimo g. 60). These include townhouses from the Baroque period as well as Protestant and Orthodox churches and a range of synagogues. The largest coin pyramid in the world is a carefully balanced stack of over 1,000,000 pieces. WebCathedral Bell Tower (Vilniaus Katedros Varpin): It is the best viewpoint in town from what the locals told us. 8. It was intended to be a lasting monument to peace and a celebration of Vilniuss deliverance from the Russians, who had just vacated the city after a thirteen-year occupation. The Gates of Dawn is open daily from 6:00-19:00. The streets are bustling at all hours, and there is a cafe every ten steps. When it did so, it went all in full throttle. If youre passing through the citys Old Town, then chances are you wont be very far away from the Church of St Johns. Free entrance. Sky Bar if youre on the lookout for a bar with great views over Vilnius, Sky Bar is your best bet. Some of the data that are collected include the number of visitors, their source, and the pages they visit anonymously. If the flag showing the coat of arms is flying over the building, it means that the President is in the country. WebThe majority of the things to see in Riga are in the UNESCO protected Old Town. The Church of Sts. The museum is located in a nuclear bunker which is 6 meters underground and would have been set up during the Soviet period. There are also dance performances, most of which are combined with an LED light show for something truly visually spectacular. The Church of the Holy Spirit dates from the 15th century and is one of the most picturesque churches in Vilnius. Make your way to the clammy cells (preserved in their pre-1991 state) in the basement where the KGB incarcerated and tortured their prisoners.

LOCATION Cathedral Square plaza, Vilnius Old Town, The shrouded-in-mystery Stebuklas Miracle Tile in Vilnius (Photo: rogix via Flickr). Great assortment of game dishes. WebFree Things to Do in Vilnius . The Old Town is the best place to stay in Vilnius as it is a good base to see all the major sights. Check out our full guide to Kaunas! You can take a balloon ride or join a free walking tour to get around the main sights and learn more about Vilniuss fascinating history. The wall was attacked by Russia in 1799 and most of it was destroyed except for the Gate of Dawn which can still be seen to this day. These traffic lights celebrate the 100 year anniversary of the women's suffrage movement in Lithuania. We also cant get enough of its expanding and energetic nightlife and cultural scene.

It is particularly notable as it is the last remaining gate of five from the wall that once surrounded the city limits. The University Bell Tower is one of a few things to do in Vilnius that will get you a birds-eye view of Old Town Vilnius. From the 16th to the 19th century, the area with its hunting reserve, was owned by a noble family called Radvilos. Huracn Coffee Vokieiai trendy cafe in the heart of the Old Town that serves some of the best light roasted coffee and cakes in Vilnius. WebBernardine Park. Rumsiskes Open-Air Museum is the place to come if you want to learn more about the fascinating folk customs found in Lithuania. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Welcome to the world, as seen through the eyes of Cameron Seagle and Natasha Alden.

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If you like beautiful coastal landscapes, then make sure to walk along the rocky seashore on the paved Marginal Way path. LOCATION v. In 1997 it declared independence from Vilnius and has its own president and even its own constitution.

With his iconoclastic image, American rock star Frank Zappa became a symbol of the freedom that people had for so long been denied and in 2001 a member of the Vilnius bohemian set founded the Frank Zappa Fan Club. She is an expert in travel, budgeting, and finding unique experiences.

You can easily cover the Old Town in a few hours while stumbling upon architectural wonders and sights. Founded in 1988, this unusual museum regales visitors with stories about the formation, colour, harvesting and processing of the ancient fossilised tree resin known as Baltic amber. Discover 16 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in Vilnius from Vilnil Museum of Illusions to Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights. On a site that has been settled since the 4th century AD stands the latest in a procession of.