Weekend guide: Vilnius tour

What to see in Vilnius in 1 day

The Lithuanian capital captivates tourists from the first day of acquaintance. This is a special city that has preserved an amazing fairy-tale atmosphere. Vilnius is located at the place where the Vilnia and Viliya rivers. Although the city is far from the sea, rivers, lakes and dense forests make its surroundings incredibly beautiful. At any time of the year, you can admire the amazing nature here. Due to the peculiarities of the climate, winters in Vilnius are always mild and snowy, while summers are pleasantly cool.

For residents of Belarus and Russia Vilnius is a special city. Only 2,5 hours by high-speed train from Minsk and you can find yourself on the old streets of the capital of Lithuania. Story Belarus inextricably linked with this small town. Vilnius differs from many European capitals in its atmosphere and tranquility. This guide has compiled a small Vilnius tour. Let's figure it out what to see in Vilnius in 1 daywhere to stay and what excursions to visit.

The main attractions of Vilnius

The city is interesting and exciting just to walk along the narrow cobbled streets, admiring the monuments of architecture. Usually, tourists simply do not notice how the whole day flies behind this activity. You should definitely take a walk through the old town and the main sights of Vilnius. It is not for nothing that the historical part of the city is included in the UNESCO heritage.

Many churches, cozy style houses baroque, small squares - all this and much more makes you fall in love with Vilnius at first sight!

Tower of Gediminas

Once upon a time Mount Gediminas located Upper castle, built in the 14th-15th century. After some time, the Lower Castle became the residence of the Grand Duke, and the armory was located in the old one. And in the middle of the 18th century, the castle became completely useless to anyone.

There is a legend that in the building of the preserved tower was buried Kastus Kalinovsky. In the 19th century, the garrison of the Russian army was also located in the Old Castle, which reconstructed the tower and installed an optical telegraph. At the end of the 19th century, the castle hill was turned into a park. There was also a cozy confectionery in the tower.

In the 1920s, the Polish authorities decided to restore the tower. Now she's in charge landmark of Vilnius. Today, the modern tower houses a museum that tells the history of this wonderful city. There is also an observation deck on the roof of the tower.

Be sure to climb Mount Gediminas. Small funiculars go up the mountain. Stops are located in the closed courtyard of the National Museum of Lithuania or on the pavement in the park Šventaragis. The cost of a one-way ticket is 1 euro. If you have enough strength, do not be too lazy to take a walk. One of the most breathtaking views of old Vilnius opens up from Castle Hill.

Also preserved to this day and Artillery bastion city ​​defensive wall, which was built in the early 16th century.

Despite the fact that the building was badly damaged in the middle of the 17th century during the war with the Moscow principality, part of the defensive wall and the bastion have survived to this day. An interesting fact is that at the beginning of the 19th century the territory turned out to be unnecessary to anyone and turned into a city dump. Today, the buildings of the bastion house a museum open to all comers.

Next, let's head to Palace of the Rulers of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.

In the very heart of Vilnius there is another symbol of the city - Palace of the Rulers. located on Cathedral Square The castle was previously the main residence of the Lithuanian princes. Over the long history of the castle walls have seen a lot: fires, destruction and, of course, revival. The history of the princely castle began in the distant 13th century. A few centuries later, the monumental building was rebuilt as a new residence of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania in the Gothic style.

Over time, the tastes of noble princes also changed. Gradually, the building took on the features of the Renaissance. The 16th and 17th centuries became truly “golden” for the palace. Vilnius became the real center of Europe. And the palace hosted the most significant and striking historical events. The Palace of Rulers also contained one of the largest libraries in the Old World. Unfortunately, in the 19th century the palace was almost completely destroyed.

The building, which is so loved by locals and tourists, was restored in the first decade of the 21st century. At the construction site, many unique historical finds were found that helped restore the palace.

In the 13th century, another symbol of the capital of Lithuania was built - Cathedral of Saints Stanislaus and Vladislav. This temple is the most important not only in the city, but throughout the country. Well-known figures of politics, culture and science are buried in the cellars of the cathedral-basilica.

Under the chapel of St. Casimir in the royal mausoleum, Alexander, the prince of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the Polish King, who did a lot for the city, found his last rest. Also, the grandson of Gediminas, one of the brightest and most powerful rulers, rests in the dungeons. Vytautas the Great and many others.

During its long history, the cathedral was rebuilt many times. The modern main cathedral of the country was rebuilt at the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries in the spirit of classicism. However, the oldest frescoes and original masonry made of stone have been preserved in the dungeons. The interior decoration is also amazing: numerous paintings, frescoes and other decorations have survived to this day. The earlier chapel of St. Casimir, which was built at the beginning of the 12th century, also remained.

Near the cathedral, another part of the defensive wall of the old castles has been preserved. The tower was last restored about 200 years ago! The height of the tower is almost 60 meters. According to historians, the construction of the tower began in the 13th-14th centuries. The base of the tower with loopholes was erected approximately in the 15th century.

Notice how organically the tower looks despite the mixture of styles. In the 17th century, clocks appeared on it. The masters decided not to add a minute hand. That is why, every 15 minutes, bells were heard, which told about the exact time. Watchmakers had to constantly climb 100 steps to wind the watch.

At the foot of the tower originates Gediminas Avenue - the main street of the city. In the middle of the 19th century, the avenue was called St. George. When the authorities changed, the name also changed. And in 1989 he received his modern name, which everyone knows. On the avenue, many buildings of the 19th and 20th centuries have been preserved, which have great cultural value.

Particular attention should be paid to a walk through the old town.

We advise you to pay attention to Holy Gate (Aushros Vartai). This is the only surviving gate of the old fortress. There is also a small chapel with a miraculous icon at the gate. Mother of God of Ostrobrama.

From the gate adjoins the gallery to the monastery of the Carmelites and the baroque church of St. Teresa. Other temples are located on the territory of the old city: Monastery and Church of the Holy Spirit, which is the center of Lithuanian Orthodoxy. Nearby is also the Uniate Church of the Holy Trinity и basilian monastery. The old town helps to feel like in a real medieval city.

Definitely worth a look at Church of St. Anne. Historians and architects argue about when this symbol of the late gothic. The church has not changed much since its construction. Look closely, on the main facade you can see the letters A and M - which mean  Ave Maria (Hail Maria). In front of the church there is a bell tower of the 19th century. The building was built in the 19th century.

cannot be bypassed and City Hall, as a symbol of city government. The first town hall building was built at the end of the 14th century. Initially, the city council, courtrooms, city archives and much more were located there. In the 18th century the town hall The town hall was rebuilt. The city theater was located in the building for a long time. In the 20th century, the Art Museum was located within the walls of the City Hall.

Must see and Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul. A sample of Vilnius baroque surprises with its interior. Once a wooden church was built on this land. The war with the Moscow principality did not spare him, and in the 17th century a new temple was erected, which has survived to this day. This church is a kind of symbol of the liberation of Vilnius from Russian soldiers.

In Vilnius you can find unusual sights, which were also built in the 20th century. In the 14th century, on Naked Mountain (the old name of the mountain of the Three Crosses) there was a castle shrouded in legends. It is said that 3 crosses were built next to the castle in honor of the murdered Franciscans.

At the beginning of the 20th century, it was decided to build 3 unusual concrete crosses. However, with the advent of Soviet power, the architectural complex was destroyed in the middle of the same century. And only in 1989 the Three Crosses were restored. Now this kind of symbol of freedom.

You can talk about the sights of Vilnius for a very long time. Despite the fact that the city is relatively small, finding an unusual and legendary building is easy. No wonder thousands of tourists not only from Belarus, but also from all over the world constantly come to this cozy and beautiful city.

When going to Vilnius, think in advance where you will stay. A good service for finding better hotel prices - roomguruand just book an apartment through airbnb.

And, of course, you can't leave such a beautiful city without a special souvenir. Vilnius is famous for its amber. So tourists First of all, they try to buy amber products. In addition, Lithuanian hats, woolen items and dishes are popular.

The capital of Lithuania will leave the best memories of itself not only among lovers of antiquity. He will be able to charm any guest with his unique beauty. I hope you found the article What to see in Vilnius in 1 day useful.

Also read our materials about other Lithuanian cities: Kaunas и Track. See useful websites for travelers.