Vilnius

Vilnius is the capital of Lithuania. It is also the largest Lithuanian city. With a population of over 500 000, it is the second biggest city of the Baltic states, after Riga. The Old Town, the historical centre of Vilnius, is one of the largest in Europe, at 3.6 sq. km. The buildings here – there are nearly 1,500, including 65 churches – were built over several centuries, creating a blend of many different architectural styles.

Although Vilnius is known as a Baroque city, there are examples of Gothic (e.g. St. Anne's Church), Renaissance, and other styles. Owing to its uniqueness, the Old Town of Vilnius was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994.

Sightseeing

For a city tour, hop on one of the buses offered by "Senamiesčio gidas”. The company specialises in organising regular sightseeing tours in Vilnius and Trakai. Also they can offer a number of different guided excursions all around Lithuania.

Tour operator "Senamiesčio gidas"

Address: Ausros vartu str. 7, Vilnius, Lithuania

Mob. tel.: +370 699 54064

Email: info@vilniuscitytour.com

Website: www.vilniuscitytour.com

The places listed below are considered to be the major sights:

Cathedral-Basilica of St. Stanislaus & St. Ladislaus

The first church was established in 1251. Many Grand Dukes of Lithuania were crowned and buried there. The church was rebuilt several times due to fires, and therefore changed its styles. The church has its classical style since the 18th century. The Cathedral contains over 10 chapels in their original state. The Cathedral was used as an art gallery under the Soviet regime, but it has been recently refurbished.

Address: Katedros str. 1, Vilnius

Tel: +370 5 261 1127

Opening hours:  Mon-Sat 10:00-17.00, Sun 14:00-17:00

The Gates of Dawn

This Renaissance building is the only surviving gate of the original ten gates in the city wall built in the beginning of 16th century.  A chapel is located adjacent to the gate containing a significant Renaissance painting of Holy Mother of God, which is thought to have miracle-working powers.

Address: Ausros vartu str. 12, Vilnius

Tel: +370 5 261 1127

Gediminas’ Tower

The Tower stands on a 48-metre high hill. At the end of the 14th century a castle stood there consisting of a keep surrounded by a wall with a gate and 3 towers. Only the western (“Gediminas”) tower and some ruins of defensive wall survived. The tower is a symbol of Vilnius. There is a nice panorama of the entire city centre from the roof of the tower.

Address: Arsenalo str. 5, Vilnius

Tel: +370 5 261 74 53

Opening hours:  Mon-Sun 10.00-19.00

Museum of Genocide Victims

The museum was established in 1992 and is dedicated to collecting and exhibiting documents relating to the 50-year occupation of Lithuania by the Soviet Union, the Lithuanian resistance, and the victims of the arrests, deportations, and executions that took place during this period.

Address: Auku str. 2A, Vilnius

Tel: +370 5 249 81 56

Opening hours:  Wed-Sat 10.00-18.00, Sun 10.00-17.00

St. Anne’s Church

This Roman Catholic Church is located in Vilnius Old Town, on the right bank of the Vilnia River. It is a prominent example of both Flamboyant Gothic and Brick Gothic styles. St. Anne's is a prominent landmark in the Old Town that enabled the district to be included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Address: Maironio str. 8-1, Vilnius

Tel: +370 698 17731

Entertainment

Theatres are mainly located in the New Town (Gedimino avenue, Basanaviciaus street and environs). The plays are in Lithuanian except for operas (presented in the original language) and the Russian drama theatre production (Russian). Operas are performed in the Opera and Ballet Theatre. Nearby the Congress Palace is now the home of the National Symphony Orchestra. Other classical music opportunities exist in the Old Town, National Philharmonic Society.

Main shopping malls double as entertainment hubs. “Akropolis” includes the iconic ice skating rink at its centre. Both “Akropolis” and “Ozas” (located nearby) house multiplex cinemas. Bowling alleys, pool tables, children zones are also present there. Vilnius lacks theme parks but indoor water park “Vichy” is available near the “Ozas” mall.

More information:

Vilnius city municipality website CLICK HERE

Vilnius Tourist Information Centre CLICK HERE