Located 33 kilometers from the border with Belarus is the old city and capital of Lithuania, Vilnius. Over the course of its history, it has changed its name several times. The capital covers an area of 402 square kilometers and has a population of 575.
The first written records of Vilnius date back to 1323. Duke Gediminas wrote about "Vilna." In 1387, all of Lithuania was officially baptized, and laws came into force that regulated economic and political life according to their own legal norms.
Vilnius remained the capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania until 1795. After that, the city became part of the Russian Empire. It only became part of Lithuania in 1939. The capital was twice occupied by German troops during the First and Second World Wars.
Vilnius is called the cultural capital of Europe, as it is home to museums, universities, art galleries and theatres.
The most interesting sights are located in the Old Town, the largest in all of Eastern Europe. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been under its protection since 1994.
Vilnius has quite a few attractions, mostly related to old buildings dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries.
The Cathedral of Saints Stanislaus and Vladislav is the most important shrine in Vilnius and Lithuania. In 1922, the Pope decreed that the church be called a minor basilica, giving it a special status. Not every cathedral can earn such a title. The building captivates with its architecture and paintings. A bell tower stands next to the church.
The dungeons beneath the cathedral are particularly attractive. Famous people and bishops from various eras are buried here. Tours are offered to tourists.
The Dominican Church of the Holy Spirit is a Baroque building. The church towers over the city streets and draws visitors. The church is also popular for its multi-level cellars. Tourists were once allowed inside, but due to the microclimate being compromised, visits were banned.
The Church of Saints Francis and Bernardine is an example of a Gothic building. It contains 14 altars decorated with antique wooden carvings. When services are not held, the priests can give you a tour. A donation is required to pay for the tour.
The most popular and recognizable landmark in Vilnius and all of Latvia is Gediminas' Tower. Built of red brick and rubble stone, it is octagonal and three-story. The tower has suffered various attacks by the Crusaders and major fires. Regular tours are offered, and the castle offers a magnificent view of the city.
Be sure to visit the Užupis district. It's called a city within a city, as it has its own president and a small army. It has its own unique atmosphere and its own rules. Most of the artists and cultural figures live in this district.
On April 1st, Užupis celebrates its own "city day." At the entrance to the district, there are numerous signs notifying you of the border crossing. Only on April XNUMXst do "border guards" dressed in funny uniforms stand here and check passports. Carnivals and festivities are held nearby. It's a very lively time of year.
Comfortable buses regularly travel from Moscow and St. Petersburg to the capital of Latvia. Trolleybuses and buses are the main modes of transportation in Vilnius itself. They can take you anywhere in the city. They operate strictly according to a schedule. Private cars and taxis are also available. Some minibuses operate 24 hours a day.
