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Vilnius (Lithuania) – the most detailed information about the city with photos. The main attractions of Vilnius with a description, guides and cards.

Contents

1 Vilnius City (Lithuania)
2 Geography and climate
3 Best time to visit
4 Practical information
5 Story
6 How to get there
7 Shopping and shopping
8 Food and drink
9 sights
10 Video
11 Maps and guides
12 Vilnius on the map of Lithuania

Vilnius City (Lithuania)

Vilnius is the capital and largest city of Lithuania, located in its south-eastern part of 30 km from the border with the Republic of Belarus. Vilnius is a city of amazing charm, with the largest in Europe Baroque old center included in the list of World UNESCO heritage. In the capital of Lithuania, you can walk for hours among the cobbled old streets, contemplate the beautiful architecture and breathtaking city panoramas from the hills, gets acquainted with the sights and cultural monuments, discover interesting places and feel the hero of the old tales of Vilnius, Sir Max Fry.

Geography and climate
Best time to visit
Practical information
Story
How to get there
Movement
Shopping and shopping
Food and drink
sights
Video
Maps and guides
Comments and reviews

Geography and climate

Vilnius city is located in the south-eastern part of Lithuania in place confluence of the Vilnia and Vilia rivers near the border with Belarus. Relief – hilly plain. The surroundings of the city are picturesque forests and lakes. This is the only one of the Baltic capitals located at a considerable distance from the sea coast.

The climate of Vilnius is moderate continental with a noticeable influence Baltic Sea. It is characterized by cool summer and enough mild but rather snowy in winter. More than 600 mm falls in a year precipitation. Cloudy weather prevails throughout the year.

Winter Vilnius

Best time to visit

It is difficult to say when it is best to go to Vilnius. City is good almost in any weather and season. But still the best time with In terms of weather, it will be May-September, and from the atmosphere point still add winter (especially during the Christmas holidays).

Practical information

The population of Vilnius is more than half a million of them: 63% Lithuanians, 16% Poles and 12% Russians.
The official language is Lithuanian.
Currency – Euro.
Vilnius is a green city. Almost half of the area is occupied green spaces.
Visa – Schengen.

Story

Vilnius was founded in the 13th century. Associated with the founding of the city beautiful legend. Once upon a time around the future city hunted the Grand Duke of Lithuania Gedinimis (Gedimin). After the hunt he stayed here for the night. And he dreamed a dream that on the hill where the prince of a mighty tour struck down; there is a huge steel wolf and loudly howls at the moon. The prince awoke and commanded to call the wise sorcerer, who interpreted the dream like this: “A new city will appear on this place and His glory will be so great that it will reach the ends of the world. ” Gedinimis set about building a new city, which became subsequently the Lithuanian capital. The name of the new city received from a small river Vilnia, on which actually was built.

Vilnius from a height bird’s flight

The main milestones in the history of Vilnius:

1323 year – the first mention of the city
1387 Vilnius receives city rights.
1410 – Polish-Lithuanian army triumphs over German knightly orders. Lithuania is turning into one of largest countries in Europe.
Late 15th century – Vilnius turns into one of the central cities of the Baltic States and eastern Central Europe.
The first half of the 16th century – a printing house opens in the city, urban water supply begins to operate.
1569 – Vilnius loses its former importance after unification Poland and Lithuania. Warsaw becomes the capital of Rzeczpospolita
1579 University opens in Vilnius
17th century – the city was seriously destroyed during the Russian-Polish wars
1795 – Lithuania becomes part of the Russian Empire, and Vilnius – the center of the province.
1862 – construction of the railway St. Petersburg-Vilnius-Warsaw
1918 – the proclamation of independence of Lithuania
1920 – the occupation of Poland. The capital becomes the city Kaunas.
1940 – Lithuania becomes part of the USSR. World War II war Vilnius was occupied by German troops. Despite damage in the course of hostilities the old city, in general, survived.
1990 – Lithuania becomes an independent state.

How to get there

Vilnius Airport is located 6 km from the city center. it Lithuania’s largest civilian airport, which connects the country with most major European cities: Moscow, Riga, Rome, Paris, Vienna, Milan, Warsaw, Bremen, Madrid, Oslo, etc. From the airport to The old city can be reached by bus 1,2, 3G and train. Also on the train can get to Vilnius from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Minsk, Kaliningrad, Warsaw.

Bus service is developed with almost all Lithuanian cities, Riga, Tallinn, Warsaw, St. Petersburg, etc. Modern the highway connects Vilnius and Kaunas.

Shopping and shopping

Of the souvenirs most often acquire amber products, woolen things, hats, dishes. A lot of shops are located in old town. You can find everything in them: from souvenirs and trinkets to electronics and brand things. Naulice Stiklių can be found products of local clothing manufacturers, and on Pilies street store.

Shopping centers:

Europa, Konstitucijos Ave 7A
ParkasOutlet, Verkiai St 29
Ozas, Ozo St 18
Banginis, P. Lukšio St 34
Akropolis, Ozo St 25

On the streets Vilnius

Food and drink

In Lithuanian cuisine, the most common dishes are potato dishes: potato croquettes and salads, cepellines, kugeli, potato pancakes. Other traditional dishes are: dumplings with a variety of fillings, dumplings, pancakes, kibiny, marinated herring with potatoes, hot and cold sausages smoked meat, cheeses, soups from meat, vegetables and game, mushrooms. Summer We recommend to try the famous Lithuanian cold borscht.

Find a restaurant in Vilnius can be on this site -http: //www.vilnius-tourism.lt/ru/what-to-do/poest-i-vypit.

Panorama of Vilnius

sights

Vilnius Old Town is the largest in Eastern Europe. Among old streets you can get acquainted with interesting sights, masterpieces of baroque and classicism, traces gothic past, numerous sacral buildings and monuments of culture.

The main attractions of Vilnius

Palace of the great Lithuanian princes – the most ancient place of Vilnius, inhabited since the 4th century. It was here in the 13th century that the first fortifications of the future city. This place has been a long time the residence of the great Lithuanian princes and the center of all Lithuanian of the state. Until the 16th century, the castle wore Gothic features until it was rebuilt into a luxurious renaissance palace. In the 17th century the residence acquired baroque features. The palace was demolished at the end of 18 century and restored only in the 2000s. Inside located interesting expositions related to its history.

Lithuanian Palace princes in Vilnius

Gediminas Tower on the Castle Hill – the legendary founder Vilnius. Here you can look at the ruins of the old castle of the 14-17 centuries. and enjoy the magnificent panorama of the old city.

Castle tower on gedinimas grief

Vilnius bastion of artillery was built in the early 16th century Grand Duke of Lithuania, Alexander. It is a powerful fortified brick-earthen fortification with the tower.

Vilnius artillery bastion

Vilnius University is one of the oldest universities Baltics and Eastern Europe, founded in the second half of 16 century. The shape of the university was formed over several centuries, so here you can see many architectural styles: Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque.

Sharp gate (Aushros Vartay)

Sharp Gate (Dawn Gate or Dawn Gate) – city gate beginning of the 16th century, which are one of the symbols of Vilnius. Modern look in the style of classicism found in the 19th century. Now here is a chapel with the famous icon of the Virgin Mary Merciful, which is one of the main Lithuanian masterpieces painting in the Renaissance style.

Town Hall – one of the oldest buildings in Vilnius, built in 14 century. Initially, the Gothic building was constantly changing, until at 18 century has not acquired a modern look in the style of classicism.

The Presidential Palace is a classicist building that is the residence of the President of Lithuania. It is known since the 16th century as the residence of the bishops of Vilnius.

Cathedral Square and a monument to Gediminas

The Cathedral Square is the heart of Old Vilnius. A starting point Gediminas Avenue and the final for Castle Street, which is pedestrian The square is a masterpiece of classicism. On her the cathedral and the high bell tower, a monument the founder of Vilnius – Gediminas.

Sacred architecture

Vilnius boasts a wonderful sacral architecture. If you look at the panorama of the city, it can It seems that the capital of Lithuania is literally bristling with church spiers. And this is not an optical illusion. More can be found in Vilnius 40 religious institutions of various denominations. In this plan The capital of Lithuania can give odds to almost any city in Europe. Most churches are Christian. Built architectural style Baroque and Classicism.

Church of sv. Anne – a masterpiece of the late Gothic. It is interesting that in five centuries of its existence, the appearance of the church has not changed. AT Baroque old town church stands out for its architecture and is one of the symbols of Vilnius. Near built pseudo-gothic bell tower. Behind the church of sv. Anna hid Franciscan church of sv. Bernardin and Francis. Interesting that This church could also be used for defense.

Church of sv. Annas

Catholic church of sv. Raphael – a late-style Catholic monastery baroque belonging to the Jesuits. Located near the Green the bridge.

Catholic church of sv. Raphael

The Cathedral is the main Catholic church of Lithuania, has status of the basilica. Located on the Cathedral Square of Vilnius. Story Cathedral dates back to the 14th century (almost at the time of founding cities). The great people of the country are buried in it: the great Lithuanian princes, bishops and nobles. In the past, the temple was gothic, but later was rebuilt in the style of classicism. Nearby is 57 meter bell tower, which was part of the city fortifications. In the 17th century, a clock was installed on the tower.

Cathedral Cathedral

Catholic church of sv. Casimir – the first baroque temple of Lithuania, built Jesuits in the image of the Roman temple of Jesus.

Church of sv. Casimir

Franciscan Church – ancient gothic church with baroque elements. Nearby is the oldest Lithuanian monastery.

Franciscan church

Catholic church of sv. Peter and Paul – a masterpiece of Lithuanian baroque. it an ancient temple of the 17th century, known for thousands of statuettes.

Church of sv. Petra and paul

Catholic church of sv. Michael – the temple of the first half of the 17th century in style Renaissance, Gothic and Baroque. It has a church museum. heritage.

Church of sv. Michael

Catholic church of sv. Teresa is a baroque temple. You can see in it on the well-preserved interior of the 17th century and one of the most beautiful Altars in Lithuania.

Church of sv. Teresa

Catholic church of sv. Catherine – one of the most beautiful churches in Vilnius late baroque style. Belonged to the female order of the Benedictines. The modern look gained in the first half of the 18th century.

Catholic church of sv. Catherine

Catholic church of All Saints – the church of the first half of the 17th century in style early baroque.

Catholic church of all Saints

Catholic church of sv. Jacob and Philip – Baroque church of the 17th century.

Catholic church of sv. Jacob and Philip

Basilica Monastery and Church of St. Trinity – beautiful late baroque architectural ensemble with elements of other architectural styles.

Basilian monastery and church of sv. Trinity

Lutheran Church – the first Lutheran cathedral of Vilnius, built in the 16th century.

Lutheran church

Church of sv. Nicholas – Orthodox Church with an interesting history. At first, the gothic church of the beginning of 16 century, rebuilt in the 17th century after the fire in the Baroque style. Then the church became Orthodox and rebuilt in the Byzantine style.

Church of sv. Nikolay

Church of the Mother of God – a beautiful church of the early 20th century Byzantine style.

Church of God Mothers

Catholic church of sv. Johannes is an ancient church that is part of university. The history of the church begins in the 15th century. Then it was Gothic building, rebuilt in the 18th century in the Baroque style. Nearby is the 68-meter-high bell tower, which is one of the tallest buildings of old Vilnius.

Catholic church of sv. Johanov

The synagogue is a choral synagogue of the early 20th century, built in Moorish style.

Synagogue

Museums

The largest and most interesting museums in Vilnius:

The National Museum of Lithuania is one of the largest museums in Vilnius with Expositions on the history and culture of the state.
National Art Gallery – modern expositions artists and sculptors.
Vilnius Art Gallery – Museum of Lithuanian Painting since 16 through the 20th century.
Museum of the Victims of Genocide