Vilnius - the eclectic capital of Lithuania

Vilnius-called "little Rome," is the largest Baroque city north of the Alps. It is the capital of Lithuania and one of its most important cities. Founded in 1323, for years it remained in the orbit of Polish influence. Until now it is treated with great sentiment by many Poles.

Vilnius is an important educational center. Vilnius University was founded in the 16th century by King Stefan Batory, making it one of the oldest universities in Eastern Europe.  This city is also important for Catholics. It is home to the famous Ostra Brama Chapel (known as the Gates of Dawn), to which the faithful make pilgrimages not only from Lithuania, but also, and perhaps especially, from Poland. But there are more than 40 churches in Vilnius. There are numerous traces of great Poles. Marshal Pilsudski's heart is buried in the famous Rossa cemetery. Vilnius also has many other interesting monuments and great walking areas. And the sunset viewed from the Trzykrzyska Hill is long in the memory. 

Vilnius offers quite a few attractions, especially religious monuments, museums and viewpoints. A huge plus is that most of them can be seen simply by walking around this beautiful city.

Start your sightseeing with Vilnius' UNESCO-listed Old Town. The central point of the Old Town is the Cathedral Square with its unusual, because of its classicist, cathedral. To the east of the Cathedral are Gediminas Tower and Three Crosses Mountain.

It is worthwhile to visit the Cathedral Basilica of St. Stanislaus the Bishop and St. Vladislaus and see the beautiful Royal Chapel with the tombs of Alexander Jagiellonian and Barbara Radziwill. The chapel is considered a masterpiece of Baroque art. 

One of the most interesting sights in the central part of Vilnius is the University complex. After purchasing tickets, you can walk through the historic courtyard and enter the Church of St. John the Baptist and St. John the Apostle. The temple has retained some of its Baroque furnishings, and interestingly enough, there are 19th century monuments dedicated to famous Poles (including Adam Mickiewicz and Tadeusz Kościuszko).#Of the former residences built by the magnates of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, only the Radziwill Palace and the Sapieha Palace in Antokol have survived. The renovated part of the Radziwill Palace houses the Lithuanian Museum of Art (it resumed its activities in 2020), while the Sapieha Palace is home to the Centre for Contemporary Art. The Pacas Palace is home to the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Lithuania. 

In the south of the city is the Gates of Dawn. In its window there is a painting of Our Lady of the Dawn Gate, which was exceptionally venerated by the Polish population. Adam Mickiewicz mentioned it in his invocation of "Pan Tadeusz". The gate itself was built in the 16th century as part of the defensive walls. 

You must also see Vilnius' artistic district, Užupis. This district has declared itself the Republic of Užupis. It has its own flag, constitution (with the right to be lazy or love and care for a cat), and even an army. The district attracts artists whose studios are located both by the river and in buildings far from its banks. It has a unique atmosphere, and the pubs tempt with an alternative atmosphere.  

The Three Cross Mountain is one of the most popular viewpoints of the Lithuanian capital. Three, white crosses actually rise on its summit. From here you can enjoy a beautiful and very extensive panorama of Vilnius. 

Ross Cemetery was founded in the second half of the 18th century, making it the oldest necropolis in Vilnius. Today it covers an area of almost 11 ha. Many prominent figures from the world of politics, culture and art, both from Lithuania and Poland, are buried there. Among those buried here are Jozef Pilsudski's mother who is buried with her son's heart, Ludwik Kondratowicz, Antoni Wiwulski and many others. The Rossa cemetery is a unique place because it covers a slightly hilly terrain overgrown with old trees. Historical tombstones and chapels make an incredible impression. It is one of the most interesting places for a walk in Vilnius. 

The bus stop is located at Bus stotis, Sodu g.22 and transfer, platform 34.

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