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Vilnius Maps & Attractions Guide
Vilnius maps & Attractions - Things to do
in Vilnius
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Vilnius
Attractions - Things to do
1. Gediminas Castle
Arsenalo g. 5
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What is it? Standing sentinel over Vilnius since the 13th
century, the landmark Gediminas Castle was built by the founder of
the city, and has served as defence 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.
Hours of Operation:
Phone:(526) 17453 |
2. Cathedral
Katedros Square
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What is it? 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.
Hours of Operation:
Phone:(526) 11127 |
3. European Park
Joneikiskiu
www.europosparkas.lt |
What is it? A few miles north of Vilnius town centre
Lithuanian sculptor Gintaras Karosas founded the Europos Parkas
(European Park) on a 55-hectare site that encompasses the
geographic centre 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.
Hours of Operation: The museum is open for visitors throughout the year
daily from 9am to sunset
Phone:(523) 77077 |
4. Jewish Memorials
Genocide Museum: Agrastu 17; Exposition of Holocaust:
Pamenkalnio 12 and The Vilna Gaon Jewish State Museum: Pylimo 4;
Synagogue: Pylimo 39;
www.jmuseum.lt |
What is it? 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.
Hours of Operation: 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
Phone:Exposition of Holocaust: (526) 20730 and Vilna Gaon
Jewish State Museum: (521) 27912 |
5. Museum of Genocide Victims
Auku 2a
http://www.genocid.lt/muziejus/ |
What is it? 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.
Hours of Operation: Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm; Sunday 10am to
3pm
Phone:(524) 96264 |
6. Hill of the Three Crosses
Kalnu Parkas
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What is it? 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.
Hours of Operation:
Phone: |
Vilnius Holidays guide
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Transport -The central old quarter of Vilnius is
compact and most of the sights can be visited on foot.
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