10 Things To Do In Vilnius Epicwander

19/07/2016
10 Things To Do In Vilnius ­ Epicwander
10 Things To Do In Vilnius ­ Epicwander
If you are tired of rushing cities and megapolises, you can come to Vilnius. Even though it is the largest city
and a capital of Lithuania, life here is way calmer than in other European capitals. We can call it a city full of
green spots, with lots of gothic, classic, baroque and modern buildings, what is more, Vilnius is full of Soviet
architecture remains. It is a city, which offers lots of entertainment for different people, businessmen and
students will find activities here depending on their budget.
Photo credit: c r z via Foter.com / CC BY­SA
The heart of Vilnius
Undeniably, we should start from the main square in Vilnius called Cathedral Square. It is a place, where
main streets cross and a centre of public life is. From its name you can understand, that it is located near
the Vilnius Cathedral. It is a most important place for worship in Lithuania, which originally was built in the
14th century. Now you can find old frescoes, other artistic works from different centuries. In addition, in the
undergrounds of the cathedral, there are many remains of famous Lithuanians. The interesting fact is, that
during the Soviet regime, it became a warehouse.
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Panorama
For those, who can’t live without amazing panoramic views there are few places perfect for that:
1. Subaciaus apžvalgos aikštelė / Tauro Kalnas/ 3 Crosses Hill 2. Skybar or TV Tower 3. Šv. Jonų varpinė (Campanile of St. Johns’ Church) or Vilnius Cathedral Bell Tower 4. And most iconic place in Vilnius Gediminas’ Tower. It is remaining part of the Upper Castle in Vilnius,
which was built in the 15th century, but unfortunately only small part of the original building remains.
However, it is an important state and historic symbol of Lithuania.
Photo credit: Mantas Volungevicius via Visual hunt / CC BY
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Soviet Past
Among museums like – Lietuvos Nacionalinis Muziejus, Lietuvos Dailės Muziejus etc., there is one
extraordinary museum for Vilnius. KGB museum (Genocido Auku Muziejus) is located in the former KGB
headquarters. It is a historical memorial museum, which shows us the history of occupational regimes. The
collection contains photographs, documents, original objects, what is more, there are execution rooms, with
belongings of persecuted people. It is probably the darkest place in the city, but it is worth visiting because it
gives you a chance, to feel the history.
Photo credit: Adam Jones, Ph.D. – Global Photo Archive via Foter.com / CC BY­SA
Midpoint of Europe
If you have more time and want to travel around the Vilnius there is a place about 17 kilometers from Vilnius.
Localization is interesting because it is a geographical midpoint of Europe. Nearby you will find Europos
parkas museum, which is an open air modern museum with lots of interesting expositions. From Giant
chairs, big stone eggs, to installations made of old TVs.
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Photo credit: ohnedich via Foter.com / CC BY­NC­ND
Trakai
The other place worth visiting is Trakai. It is a small town near Vilnius, which once was a capital and
residence of the Lithuanian royalty. Nowadays, you can visit an old medieval castle, which was built on the
Galvė lake. Then try out traditional dish – kibinai, which is common for a small minority living in this city.
These are Karaims, Turkic­speaking group, which resettled from Crimea to Lithuania, in the end of 14th
century after Grand Duke Vytautas participated in military campaigns against Golden Horde.
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Photo credit: jo.sau via VisualHunt.com / CC BY
City Full of Churches
Vilnius is a city with plenty of churches, but the most incredible and famous are gothic St. Anna’s church,
which according to the legend has made such an impression on Napoleon Bonaparte, that he was eager to
relocate it to Paris.
Also, visit St Peter and Paul’s Church, which is a pearl of Baroque in Vilnius. Church which is popular for its
unique interior, with more than 2000 stucco figures. They are so different, that this church is considered to
be mostly studied in Vilnius.
Then visit one of the most popular Shrines in Lithuania, called Gates of Dawn. Moreover, this is the only
Gate which has survived from the 16th century. In the Chapel, you will find a painting of Blessed Virgin
Mary, Mother of Mercy. Furthermore, it is commonly believed that it has miracle­working powers.
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Vilnius Creative Capital
Uzupis is considered to be a separate republic with its own constitution. In fact, it is probably the most iconic
place in Vilnius where you can meet Lithuanian Bohème. As a result, the district itself looks like an art gallery,
the walls have artistic drawings, graffitis and in the center, there is a sculpted angel symbol of Uzupis.
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Photo credit: LordFerguson via Foter.com / CC BY­SA
Vilnius From The Sky
For people lacking of adventures, there is an opportunity to try out! Vilnius is one of those cities, where you
can fly by air balloon! If the weather is good, you can start your flight even from an old town and then fly
above the medieval buildings and a tremendous amount of churches!
City Festivals
Kultūros naktis (Cultural night) one­night festival, which is happening each year in June. Vilnius invites you
to spend not only a day but also night surrounded by a culture in the capital of Lithuania. You can find
different activities, concerts, audiovisual and theatre performances in the narrow streets of Vilnius, cafes,
theatres, squares and etc. In addition, organizers emphasise, that most of the activities are free and each
year they invite more international participants.
Additionally, check out other festivals like Gatvės Muzikos Diena (Street Music Festival), Sostinės Dienos,
etc.
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Gastro tour
Moreover, if you are a gastronomic tourist, you probably won’t be enthusiastic about Lithuanian cuisine.
Lithuanians make their dishes mainly of meat and potatoes and are very similar to other traditional dishes in
Eastern Europe. But, if you want to try it out we recommend you Cepelinai, Zemaiciu Blynai, Saltibarsciai
and of course – Lithuanian beer.
Not to mention, Vilnius is full of cafes, from bigger chains to authentic places, like Mint Vinetu. It is a book
store and a cafe in one. You can find old books, listen to someone playing a piano or guitar and order some
homemade pastries. Also, check out Local T, Chaika, Coffis etc.
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