Vilnius is home to the largest surviving medieval old town in Northern Europe. Aptly named the Old Town, it made the UNESCO World Heritage List for its rich historic and aesthetic value. There are more than a thousand centuries old structures, houses and churches to be discovered and marveled at in the area. I suggest taking lazy strolls along its ancient streets and allow its old-world charm to pleasantly transport you back in time.
First, it's nice to get your bearing of the city's expanse and lay out. One place for that in Vilnius is the TV Tower. It stands at 1071 feet and ranks as the highest structure in Lithuania. Don't worry, you will not be taking the stairs to reach the summit, it comes fully equipped with high-speed elevators. It also features a rotating platform which provides an expansive panoramic view of the city. You may also want to try bungee jumping right off the observation deck roof!
Some of the biggest and most impressive structures in the area are churches and cathedrals. Their facades alone make visitors do a double take followed by a fumble for cameras. Watch for the beautiful intricacy of the St. Anne porticos and the thousands of staccato sculptures prominently displayed in the churches of St. Peter and St. Paul. Whether you are a faithful, an avid architecture fan or just plain curious, a tour of Vilnius churches will surely leave a lasting impression of grandeur.
I have yet to see a Medieval Town without its share of several museums. Vilnius is no exception. It is home to the National Museum which allows visitors to take a quick glimpse at the history of the region throughout the centuries. You may also want to visit several interesting other museums in the area such as the Lithuanian Energy Museum, the Railway Museum and the Applied Art Museum.
Of course, castles are always part of the medieval era. The Gedyminas Castle, standing sentry on a hill, is worth visiting for its historical importance in the country's independence. The Trakai Castle, on the other hand, is a picture right out of fairy tale books with its tranquil lakes and colorful houses which lovers and honeymooners will find perfectly idyllic.
Vilnius may be a city famous for its medieval town but it remains updated with contemporary entertainment. There are plenty of bars and pubs in the area that offer great venues for all night partying and dancing. There are also several selections of cafes and restaurants for those who prefer quiet conversations with friends. Shopping is also very much alive in the city.
As a capital of Lithuania, Vilnius is home to several shopping malls and upscale niche shops that shopaholics will find extremely enticing and delightful.
Vilnius city
St. Peter and St. Paul lithunia
the Lithuanian Energy Museum
The Gedyminas Castle
The Trakai Castle
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