LITHUANIA

VILNIUS (Capital)

The magnificent city of Vilnius is the capital of Lithuania. It is located in the southeast part of Lithuania and with its appr. with 540,000 residents it is the second largest city of the Baltic states. Vilnius has been the power center since the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and has grown and fortified through the days of Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and Russian regime. The city has been vivid since its founding in the 12th century and it has peculiar architectural diversity, with Baroque here is preserved also Gothic, Renaissance and Neoclassical buildings together with the hideous Soviet architecture.

Vilnius Old Town (UNESCO 1994)

The Old Town of Vilnius has been listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1994 and it is a great place for history-lovers and sightseeing walk enthusiasts. Its main hub Pilies Street is known for its cafés and street markets. Here is Gothic Church of St. Anne, National Museum and the Neoclassical cathedral of the city.

Old Town Kaunas

Surrounded by rivers from three sides, the medieval Old Town of Kaunas is located next to the confluence of two major rivers: Neris and Nemunas. This confluence once important for trade is still guarded by a tower of Kaunas castle (14th century) that you can climb witnessing minor exhibits.

Trakai Island Castle

Location: Trakai 21142, Lithuania

This beautiful building is located on one of the 21 islands of Lake Galv. Sometimes referred to as the “Little Marienburg”, this stone castle has stood on its foundation since the 14th century. The castle offers guided tours to explore places like the remarkable Great Chamber and the chapel.

Kaunas Castle

Address: Pilies g. 17, Kaunas 44275, Lithuania

This medieval castle, situated on the bank of the Nemunas river, is part of the idyllic city atmosphere of Kaunas. Its construction began in the 14th century and about one-third of the original building is still standing. The round tower houses an art gallery.

Gedimino pilies bokštas (Gediminas Castle Tower)

Address: Arsenalo g. 5, Vilnius 01143, Lithuania

This lovely brick structure is what remains of the Upper Castle, once part of a greater complex situated on one of Vilnius´ hills on the left bank of the Neris river. It is a remarkable historic symbol of Lithuania and the city of Vilnius and it was depicted on the former Lithuanian currency, litas. The tower houses an exposition of archeological findings from the hill and the surrounding areas as well as a museum, where visitors can see medieval armaments and an iconography about Old Vilnius. A funicular railway operates on the castle hill from the riverside.

Hill of Crosses

Address: Jurgaičiai 81439, Lithuania

This remarkable pilgrimage site consists of a hill where it is probable that over 100,000 crosses, crucifixes and statues of Saint Mary have been erected. The origin of the practice of leaving crosses on the hill is uncertain, but it is believed that the first crosses were placed on the former Jurgaičiai or Domantai hill fortresses after the Polish-Lithuanian uprising against the Czar regime in 1831. A very majestic place, worthy of a visit.