Welcome to Vilnius – a city where cultures meet together!

A City

Vilnius is the capital of the Republic of Lithuania and the largest administrative centre in Lithuania with all major political, economic, social and cultural centers.

Naturally, it is the largest city in the country: according to the data of 2009 the population of Vilnius is approximately 554,400. Of them 57.8% are Lithuanians, 18.7% Poles, 14% Russians, 4% Byelorussians, 0.5% Jews and the remaining 5% comprising some other nationalities. Current area of Vilnius is about 400 square kilometers. Buildings cover 20.2% of the city and the remaining area is prevailed with the greenery (43.9%) and waters (2.1%).

The Old Town, historical centre of Vilnius, is one of the largest in Eastern Europe (360 ha). The most valuable historic and cultural heritage is concentrated here. The buildings in the old town – there are about 1.5 thousand of them – were built in a number of different centuries, therefore, it is a mixture of all European architectural styles. Although Vilnius is often called a baroque city, here you will find some buildings of gothic, renaissance and other styles. The main sights of the city are the Gediminas Castle and the Cathedral Square, symbols of the capital. Their combination is also a gateway to the historic centre of the capital. Because of its uniqueness, the Old Town of Vilnius was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

In 2009, Vilnius, as the first of the new cities of the EU Member States, was the European Capital of Culture. It shared this honor with the Austrian city of Linz.

Vilnius Old Town

Vilnius Old Town is situated around the City Hall. It is one of the most extensive old towns in the whole Eastern Europe, occupying the area of 359 hectares. Narrow winding streets and small cozy yards form the plan of Vilnius old town. Also it is a place, where greatest architectural styles of Europe - Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Classical - merge, creating the unique architectural ensemble. Because of this unusual mixture of different architectural styles, Vilnius was inscribed on the World Culture Heritage List (by UNESCO). Most of the visitors of the Old Town choose the sightseeing route, which goes from the Cathedral Square through Pilies street to the Gate of Dawn.

Places of Interest

For quick acquaintance with a city take a few hour city sightseeing bus ride starting from Cathedral Square or go for a walk visiting charming Old Town of Vilnius not forgetting:

Gediminas Castle

Gediminas Castle was built in the 13th-16th centuries. Today it is like a symbol of the city, because it reminds of the glorious history of the town. The Castle Tower museum is a perfect place to begin the tour of the city. The panoramic observation spot on the top of the tower reveals a wonderful view of the Old Town.

Hill of Three Crosses

It stands out on a hill almost in the very center of Vilnius and close to Gediminas Castle. The Hill of Three Crosses symbolizes the mourning and hope of the country. The legend tells that long time ago seven Franciscan monks were killed there and three of them were crucified. In memory of these monks the first crosses were built on the hill in the 17th century.

Vilnius University

Vilnius University, the first university in the whole Eastern Europe, was founded in 1579. For more than 400 years it served as a center of science and culture. The buildings of the university occupy almost the whole quarter in the Old Town. The library of the university contains nearly the richest collection of books and manuscripts in Lithuania. Through the centuries Vilnius has been playing the role of the city opened to different cultures and customs. The number of churches in Vilnius (more than 30) can easily confirm this fact.

Cathedral

The Cathedral is the first Catholic church built in Lithuania. It was built in the 13th century to remark Lithuanian conversion from the Pagan sanctuary to Catholicism. It was rebuilt many times, but still it is classical building. Nowadays the Cathedral is both church and the museum. Valuable collection of paintings and ornamental gravestones is on exhibit there. Also the mysterious 12th century cellars, where many famous Lithuanian personalities are buried, are well worth to visit.

Gates of Dawn

The 16th century Gate of Dawn is a striking monument to the Renaissance style. The chapel was built in the 17th century in the gate of the town. A holy image of the Virgin Mary famous for miracle-working powers attracts thousands of Catholics from other countries of the world.