Vilnius: A city of architectural wonders
You’ll notice an intriguing mix of Central, Eastern, and Balkan European influences in Vilnius, a city whose name first appeared in 1323 in letters written by Grand Duke Gediminas to towns across Western Europe. In those letters, he invited artisans and merchants to his tolerant capital, marking the city’s official debut on the historical stage. During the Middle Ages, Vilnius served as the capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and maintained its significance after 1569, when it became part of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. Over the centuries, the city evolved into a multicultural and multi-faith center that welcomed Lithuanians, Poles, Jews, Belarusians, and even Tatars, who lived as neighbors. Following the partition of Poland in 1795, Vilnius was incorporated into the Russian Empire and became one of its key western cities in the 19th century. The city briefly belonged to Poland before it became the capital of Soviet Lithuania after World War II. Lithuania eventually made history by declaring independence in 1990, becoming the first Soviet republic to achieve this milestone.
The city of Vilnius earned its nickname “Jerusalem of the North” because it once had a sizable Jewish community, which reached 40% of the total population during the 18th and 19th centuries. The city endured Nazi occupation during World War II, and today, museums along with memorials serve as tributes to the vanished Jewish community. Additionally, Vilnius is known as the “Rome of the East” because it boasts an impressive collection of Baroque churches that date back to the 16th century and beyond. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, the Old Town features the largest Baroque city center north of the Alps, characterized by its winding streets and ornate facades. The streets of Vilnius showcase a diverse array of architectural styles, including Baroque, Gothic, and Renaissance, which narrate the story of the city’s intricate historical development.
A city immersed in art
The historic city of Vilnius features narrow streets that have withstood the test of time, where artistic and creative elements converge. Gediminas’ Tower, overlooking the city from above, stands as a small museum that was once part of the old Vilnius Castle, providing insight into the age of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. The white-columned Vilnius Cathedral and its bell tower are the city’s most recognizable landmarks, situated in Cathedral Square, the city center. It is also possible to visit the crypt beneath the cathedral, where the royal tombs of Lithuanian kings lie. We would also recommend a visit to the MO Museum, established by a well-known Lithuanian collector couple, which serves as a contemporary art space for modern art followers. It exhibits post-Soviet artworks from Lithuania and was designed by architect Daniel Libeskind. The National Museum of Lithuania and the nearby Palace of the Grand Dukes provide history enthusiasts with the opportunity to delve into Lithuania’s rich past. The Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights, commonly referred to as the KGB Museum among locals, offers visitors a glimpse into a profoundly unsettling experience. Housed in the former KGB headquarters, the building retains its original basement prison cells, highlighting a disturbing chapter in Lithuania’s recent history.
The streets of Vilnius reveal their artistic nature to anyone who explores the neighborhoods. The artistic community established Užupis as their own “republic,” with a bohemian spirit reminiscent of the Parisian neighborhood of Montmartre. The entrance of Užupis features a playful “constitution” that displays lines such as “Everyone has the right to be happy.” The area expresses its artistic flair through galleries, sculptures, and murals that decorate every corner. The city of Vilnius is also well-known for its street art, so keep your eyes open to spot the Frank Zappa bust sitting on a wall. The 1995 installation of the Frank Zappa bust serves as a symbol of freedom from Soviet rule, representing the city’s creative and rebellious nature. The Baroque churches in Vilnius are the city’s main architectural attractions. The Church of St. Peter and St. Paul features 2,000 stucco figures, while St. Anne’s Church showcases its red-brick Gothic façade, and the Hill of Three Crosses is home to an iconic monument.
Vilnius in popular culture
Vilnius, with its historic charm, has recently attracted the attention of global filmmakers. HBO’s acclaimed series “Chernobyl” was partially filmed here, in one of the city’s Soviet-era neighborhoods. Netflix’s “Stranger Things,” on the other hand, also turned to Vilnius for its fourth season—scenes set in a Soviet labor camp were shot inside the now-closed Lukiškės Prison. That very prison, decommissioned in 2019, has since been transformed into a cultural hub, open for tours that make visitors feel as if they’ve stepped onto a set. As for literature, Vilnius has long inspired renowned authors, such as the Polish poet Adam Mickiewicz, who spent his early years in the city. His former residence now serves as a museum. Meanwhile, Lithuanian author Ričardas Gavelis captured the dark and surreal atmosphere of Soviet-era Vilnius in his internationally known novel “Vilnius Poker.”
Things to know before visiting Vilnius
Here are a few tips to help you explore the city with ease:
The city of Vilnius boasts an extensive network of buses and trolleybuses, providing access to most areas. The Lithuanian app Trafi enables users to purchase digital tickets while displaying routes and schedules. The most popular taxi app in the city is Bolt. A ride from the airport to the city center via Bolt takes approximately 15 minutes.
The city’s hilly terrain necessitates constant map monitoring to prevent getting lost. Google Maps is a practical tool, particularly for navigating Gediminas Hill and the winding streets of Užupis to find the most efficient routes.
Google Translate on your device will be useful for Lithuanian language support. Most restaurants provide English menus, but the app becomes essential when dining at local establishments that carry only Lithuanian menus.
