Vilnius City Travel Guide Business & Tourist Travel Information
Vilnius City GuideVilnius sightseeing Vilnius attractions Vilnius history Vilnius restaurants Vilnius nightlife Vilnius accommodation Vilnius hotels apartments and Vilnius weather
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Vilnius History Overview
There are some historians who believe that Vilnius was originally the 13th century town Voruta. though Vilnius itself is first documented in 1323 when Germans and Jews began to settle in the city. The original walls of the city were built between 1503 and 1522 and included nine gates. In the following three decades the city built numerous houses within the city walls. In 1579 it opened the Vilnius University which was established a Europe wide reputation for its scientific courses and accelerated the city's population growth. It became one of international and cultural cities in Northern Europe.
The Russian Polish War (1654 -1667) halted the city's growth when Russia troops, massacred the towns folk and burned much of the city to the ground. The city was rebuilt. In 1795 the Russian invaded Vilnius again and this time with exception of the Dawn Gate all of the city wall and its gates where destroyed. In 1812 it was briefly occupied by the Napoleon's French Army en route for Moscow. In November1831, following an uprising, the Russians closed the university and tighten their repressive hold on the city which now had a population of over 200,000. In January 1863 another uprising was quelled and hundreds of people were publicly hung. Civil liberties became history and the Lithuanian and Polish languages outlawed.
In 1915 during WW1 Germany occupied the city. At the end of the war it was retaken by the Russians, then captured by the Poles and then once more by the Russians. Finally in 1920 the retreating Red Army following its defeat in the Battle of Warsaw by treaty gave it back to Lithuania. Later that year after a coup organised by Poland it became a Polish territory again. When WW2 began in 1939 it was seized by the Russians who declared it as part of Lithuania in exchange for using it as a military base. In 1941 it was occupied by Germany until it was retaken by the Red Army in 1944. The Russians remained there until 1991.
Vilnius City Guide - Business & Tourist Travel Information
Sightseeing and Attractions in Vilnius
There are many attractions in Vilnius. Just walking around The Old Town (which is the largest in The Baltic States) is a memorable sightseeing experience with its narrow, winding cobblestone roads and numerous churches. The architecture is very cosmopolitan with particular influences from Germany, Russia and Scandinavia. A very popular attraction is The Television Tower at Sausio 13. It is the tallest building in Lithuania standing 326 metres high. If you can afford the high cost of the lift you can travel to the viewing platform near the top which on a clear day offers visitors a panoramic view of Vilnius and the surrounding countryside.
There is a Memorial on the ground floor of the tower to the 13 people murdered by Russian troops when they surrounded it on January 13th 1991. Around the outside of the tower are 13 black white photographs of those killed. Inside there is a small photographic exhibition of this event in which many other civilians were injured. The Gothic style Bernadine Church at Maironio 8 was originally built at the end of 15th century but rebuilt in 1560 and 1564 due to fires. Now the church is being restored again and a place well worth visiting. The Holocaust Museum at Pamenikalnio 12 (Tel 262 07 30) is a museum which gives a history of Jewish life in Lithuania and details very concisely the Jewish experiences of WW2. A little tricky to find as it is at the very end of the road. The National Museum at Arsenalo 1 (Tel 262 94 26) is very informative exhibition about the lifestyle of Lithuanians from the 13th century until today. It includes some carefully constructed models of the homes in which they lived.
The Planetarium at Konstitulijios 12 (Tel 262 3092) is an interesting exhibition for anyone interested in astronomy. Not open at weekends. The Gates of Dawn at Ausro Vartu 12 (Tel 212 35 13) were built in the fortified walls to the city during the 16th century. Inside the gates there is a Chapel with an image of the Virgin Mary which was built in 1671. It was rebuilt in a neo-classical style in 1829. The KGB Museum at Auku 2 (Tel 249 62 64) is a former KGB prison which for the most part has been preserved in it's original form. It includes a very chilling water torture cell and a former execution room which includes the remains of victims. There is also an exhibition about the Soviet occupation of Lithuania. Frightening. The Presidential Palace at Daukanto aikste 3 (Tel 212 67 91) is a very impressive example of 14th century architecture. Amongst the famous who have slept here are Napoleon Bonaparte and Tsar Alexander 1. It is has recently been extensively renovated and refurbished and now serves as the official offices of the Lithuanian President. Rock music enthusiats may appreciate the 1966 Statue of Frank Zappa (the only one in the world) in K. Kalinausko Square.
Vilnius - The Old Town
The Old Town Vilnius is one Eastern Europe's largest Old Towns. Vilnius's history and cultural heritage is embedded in the 1500 buildings that illustrate the influences of several centuries of architecture. Vilnius is often described as being a Baroque city but it also has many examples of, Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles.
For many visitors the Gediminas Castle and the Cathedral Square are prime examples of this city's history and architecture as they are in the foreground of the Old Town. In reality they are only part of the story as behind these landmarks stands an intriguing Old Town which because of its its uniqueness, has been listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Annual Vilnius Festival Every July, the concerts of jazz, folklore and classical music are held in Vilnius. These concerts have become more popular and the the festival is gaining international fame especially for its jazz sessions.
Restaurants In Vilnius
International restaurants in Vilnius seem to be a little scare and one very good find is The Polonezas at Naugorduko 76 (Tel 210 41 68). This genuinely Polish establishment serves a truly exceptional bistro which includes several types of meats and stewed cabbage. Well worth a visit. Possibly the best restaurant in Vilnius is The Ukrainos Vakarai at Algirido 5 (Tel 265 03 02). The cuisine here is authentic Ukrainian of the highest standard. There is a menu in English which illustrates how spoilt for choice diners are. The borsche is brilliant and a range of exceptional meat dishes. All this complimented by a bar full of goodies including a vodka flavoured with red chili peppers. A must ! - booking advisable
For good Lithuanian food try Lokys at Stikliu 8 (Tel 262 90 46) which is well established and offers a wide variety of game dishes, in a very intimate atmosphere. The Cili Kaimas at Vokieciu 8 (Tel 231 25 36) is a very professional Lithuanian restaurant with a reliable sauteed broccoli. This establishment has only recently opened and the choice on the menu is being extended slowly and surely and it is destined to figure in good guides.
The Aukstaiciai at Antokolskio 13 (Tel 210 01 69) serving traditional lithuanian food which appears to be very popular with locals. Fairly priced and you can by a real draught Guinness from the bar ! The Ad Astum at Seimyniskiu 21 (Tel 273 01 21) has to be one of Eastern Europe's most unique restaurants. It has an international menu offering good food at very reasonable which you can watch being cooked at the grill in the centre of the a tastefully decorated room. Also on the menu is a sauna and small swimming pool. Rare - but could it be a precedent for an intimate meal out ?
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Night Clubs in Vilnius
Vilnius has many night clubs but few are worth mentioning . The Prospecto at Gedimino 2 (Tel 262 20 19) has a friendly atmosphere, sofa lounge, a wide range of music and opens to 5am R & B on Mondays. The Club Brodvejus at Mesiniu 4 (Tel 278 40 39) plays live music and opens nightly. Ok for a late drink.
Crime and Personal Safety & Security In Vilnius
Pick pocketing and bag snatching may occur on public transport, poorly lit streets, and in parks at night. Recently instances of pick pocketing in bars and restaurants have increased.
Car theft, or goods within the cars is also on the increase. Four wheel drives and more expensive cars are frequent targets.
Visitors should be avoid accepting drink and sometimes food from strangers in clubs and bars etc as these 'gifts' may be spiked in order to facilitate a robbery.
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