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Gediminas Castle
Standing sentinel over Vilnius since the 13th century, the landmark Gediminas Castle was built by the founder of the city, and has served as defense bastion, prison, and now major tourist attraction. Originally the castle was made of wood, later clad in 10ft (3m) thick stone walls, and then all but destroyed by Russian troops in the 17th century. Now completely and carefully restored to its former glory, the top of the majestic octagonal tower provides a breathtaking view of the old city. The castle also contains a museum depicting the history of Lithuania and Vilnius, exhibits including models of the city at various points in history and archaeological finds.
Address: Arsenalo g. 5
Phone Number: (526) 17453

Vilnius Cathedral
The resplendent Vilnius Cathedral, which stands proudly on the central square of the Old City, has a chequered history that left it decaying and abandoned through the Soviet era. The Cathedral, which resembles a classical Greek temple more than it does a Christian church, is now once again the pride of the city, filled with awesome artworks, traditional icons and history. The cathedral, originally built in the 13th century, stands on the site of an ancient pagan temple, and has been rebuilt several times in the succeeding centuries after fires and storm damage. It contains more than 40 paintings and frescoes. Most noteworthy is the Casimir Chapel, first constructed in 1623, containing eight silver-plated statues and décor wrought by artist Constantino Tencallo.
Address: Katedros Square
Phone Number: (526) 11127

European Park
A few miles north of Vilnius town center Lithuanian sculptor Gintaras Karosas founded the Europos Parkas (European Park) on a 55-hectare site that encompasses the geographic center of Europe, as determined by the French National Geographic Institute in 1989. The Park attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors a year, who come to admire a permanent outdoor sculpture exhibition, set amid rolling hills, woods and fields dotted with natural springs. More than 90 works by artists from 27 countries are on display. Guided tours are available, and the site includes a restaurant, shop and post office.
Address: Joneikiskiu
Phone Number: (523) 77077
Email Address: hq@europosparkas.lt
Website: www.europosparkas.lt
Transport: From Zalgirio stop at Kalvariju street take a bus marked Zalgirio-EUROPOS PARKAS-Skirgiskes
Hours: The museum is open for visitors throughout the year daily from 9am to sunset
Admission: 18 Lt (adults), 6 Lt (children); guided tours 50 Lt. Other concessions available

Jewish Memorials
In the early 20th century about half of the population of Vilnius were Yiddish-speaking Jews and the city was dubbed the 'Jerusalem of the North'. The Nazis in World War II effectively obliterated this community, encircling the Jewish quarter in barbed wire and eventually marching the 60,000 or so residents into the Paneriai forest where they were executed. Today the Genocide Museum has been established at the killing field in memory of the horror. There is also a Jewish Museum depicting pre-war Jewish life, and visitors are also welcome at the only remaining Vilnius synagogue. Efforts are underway to rebuild and restore many aspects of the former Jewish Quarter. Tours of Jewish Vilnius are offered by several private operators.
Address: Genocide Museum: Agrastu 17; Exposition of Holocaust: Pamenkalnio 12 and The Vilna Gaon Jewish State Museum: Pylimo 4; Synagogue: Pylimo 39;
Phone Number: Exposition of Holocaust: (526) 20730 and Vilna Gaon Jewish State Museum: (521) 27912
Email Address: Vilna Gaon Jewish State Museum: jewishmuseum@jmuseum.lt
Website: www.jmuseum.lt
Hours: The Vilna Gaon Jewish State Museum: Monday to Friday 9am to 1pm and Exposition of Holocaust: Monday to Thursday 9am to 5pm, Fridays 9am to 4pm

Museum of Genocide Victims
The dark days of the Soviet occupation of Lithuania are preserved in this disturbing collection of exhibits, which is contained in the former KGB headquarters building. Those who drew the antagonism of the authorities were detained, tortured and often executed in this building. Some of the Museum's exhibitions include the 'Eavesdropping Room' that highlights the use of secret surveillance by the KGB and 'Life Goes On' - a look at the day to day living of Lithuanian deportees and prisoners. Guided tours of the Museum are available in English.
Address: Auku 2a
Phone Number: (524) 96264
Email Address: muziejus@genocid.lt
Website: www.genocid.lt/muziejus
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm; Sunday 10am to 3pm
Admission: 4 Lt (adults); 1 Lt (children). Photography permit: 4 Lt. Free admission on Wednesdays from September to June

Hill of the Three Crosses
Near the Gediminas Castle in the Old City stands a hill topped with a trio of crosses, originally erected in the 17th century in memory of seven Franciscan monks who were crucified and thrown into the Vilnia River. The crosses were destroyed by the Soviet regime, but re-erected in 1989 to mark Lithuanian independence as a symbol of faith and national identity. There is an excellent view from the site, and pleasant walks on the wooded hillside.
Address: Kalnu Parkas

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