Sightseeing OverviewThe old core of Vilnius is
easy to explore on foot, with buses, trolleybuses and taxis on hand to get to the other out-of-town sights.
In effect, the key sight is the
UNESCO World Heritage listed
old town itself, the largest baroque quarter in Europe outside Prague, with mile upon mile of
cobbled streets that are flanked by an orgy of (increasingly) revamped
baroque beauties.
Central attractions include a flurry of
churches, the highlight of which is the striking
cathedral, which lies below
Vilnius Castle, itself a good
place to take in views of the city and get orientated.
On the edge of the old town are the
Gates of Dawn, a key site for religious pilgrims. Interesting museums include the poignant
KGB Museum, the large
National Museum and the tourist-orientated
Amber Museum.
Outside the center, the vaulting
TV Tower boasts
great views of the city and out across swathes of the Lithuanian countryside.
Tourist InformationVilnius Tourist Office Vilniaus 22
Tel: (5) 262 9660.
Website:
www.vilnius-tourism.lt The city’s main tourist office (above) is located in the city center. The helpful staff dispense information, as well as hand out maps and brochures. They can also arrange tours and accommodation.
There are other tourist information offices at Didzioji 31 (tel: (5) 262 6470), Konstitucijos Prospektas 3 (tel: (5) 211 2031) and the train station (tel: (5) 269 2091). Wi-Fi access is available at the main office and at Didzioji 31.
Key Attractions:Old Town The sprawling old town was in a sorry state just a few years ago with crumbling facades and an air of general decay. The picture now is completely different with the buildings around central Didzioji positively gleaming. Aimless wandering is usually rewarded and those wanting to get a feel for how raffish the old town used to be should pop over the Vilnia to the Uzupis district, which has still largely to undergo gentrification.
Cathedral Refurbished after being handed back to the Church (under the Soviets it was used as an art gallery), the cathedral is now back to its stunningly white best. There has been a religious building on the site since the 13th century, with today's incarnation largely the result of 18th-century work. You cannot miss the freestanding belltower that lies between the main structure and Gedimino.
Katedros 1
Tel: (5) 261 1127.
Website:
www.katedra.ltGediminas' Tower of the Upper Castle A short walk (or an even quicker ride up the funicular) brings you up to the small mound where the only remaining tower of the city's castle nestles. The original 13th-century fortifications have been modified throughout the centuries and now the castle also houses a museum. The tower offers fantastic views of the city and the region.
Castle Hill
Tel: (5) 261 7453.
Website:
www.lnm.ltMuseum of Genocide Victims The dark days of the Soviet occupation come alive at this chilling museum. The exhibits are housed in the old KGB headquarters, the actual building where anyone who had rankled the authorities was held, tortured and then either executed or condemned to the gulags.
Auku 2a
Tel: (5) 249 7427.
Website:
www.genocid.lt/muziejus/enTV Tower The TV Tower boasts the most comprehensive views of the city, but is not for vertigo sufferers. There is a small cafe, although it is the views that people come to see. Look out also for the touching exhibition commemorating the sacrifice of 14 civilians who were murdered by Soviet tanks in 1991 during the independence struggle.
Sausio 13-Osios 10
Tel: (5) 204 0300.
Website:
www.lrtc.ltFurther Distractions:Frank Zappa Statue This unusual statue of the oddball American musician and alternative thinker is surely the only one of its kind in the world, revealing Vilnius’ playful side. Sculpted by a local artist, Konstantinas Bogdanas, in brass and unveiled in 1995.
Kalinausko 1
Hill of Three Crosses The trio of crosses, which originally were placed here in the 17th century, marked the crucifixion of a group of monks. The crosses, both symbolic of faith and Lithuanian national identity, were destroyed by Stalin’s regime, but they were rebuilt in 1989 as the country approached independence. The views of the city are excellent and the walks back down the wooded slopes enjoyable.
Kalnu Parkas
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The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
