Vilnius: an underestimated city but full of wonders to discover during your internship in Lithuania! Here are the top 10 places to visit in this city.
Old Town:
Consisting of beautiful buildings, the Old Town of Vilnius is characterised by a number of different styles: Baroque, Renaissance, Gothic and Neoclassical for a uniquely charming architecture that makes the city rich in excitement. The colours of the palaces are recognisable, there is no shortage of buildings and churches here, all of which are worth a visit.
The Cathedral:
Built between 1779 and 1793, the cathedral is dedicated to Saints Stanislaus and Ladislaus. The style is neoclassical, but it is the result of remodelling and reconstruction after several fires. Since 1922, the Pope has declared it a basilica.
The bell tower in front of the building is curious and the chapel dedicated to Saint Casimir is very beautiful
Gediminas Castle and Tower:
Of the real wooden castle built by the Grand Duke of Lithuania, only the remains of the Gediminas Tower remain today. Built in the 9th century, this building was used to defend the city.
The tower as we see it was rebuilt in 1960 and now houses the Lithuanian National Museum. Don’t miss a visit from the top of the tower, Vilnius is even more beautiful.
Jewish Quarter:
Before the Nazis came, about 40,000 Jews lived in Vilnius, but by the end of the war and the German atrocities, only a few hundred remained.
The Nazis built two ghettos: the large and the small one. Gradually, after the country’s independence, the area was also redeveloped. Today, only the Choral Synagogue remains of the original buildings, as all the others were destroyed first by the war and then by the Soviets.
Genocide Museum:
Again related to the Nazi persecution, in the former headquarters of the KGB (the notorious political police of the Soviet regime), this itinerary was set up to tell the story of the dark years of persecution suffered by the Lithuanian people.
The Hill of the Three Crosses:
This hill offers a very impressive panorama and represents the religiosity of the Lithuanian people.
The monument is located in Kalnai Park, behind the Gediminas Tower. It is quite a hike to the top.
Bernardinai Garden:
Also located on the hill near the castle, this small park and public garden is worth a visit. It offers a pleasant atmosphere and interesting plants. Perfect for a walk or a rest before setting off to explore the city.
St. Anne’s Church:
The original version of St. Anne’s Church was built in 1394 by King Vytautas for his wife Anne, after whom it is named. What we see today is the result of renovations in 1582 and again in the early 1900s. Its flamboyant gothic architecture with typical red bricks makes it one of the symbols of the city.
The Uzupis district: c
Colourful and lively, this is the most cheerful, bohemian and expensive district of the city, where artists of all kinds meet, from painters to sculptors, writers to musicians. It is like the Montmartre of Paris and is considered a republic of artists in its own right. Every day there are exhibitions, festivals and cultural events which are always very popular.
Botanical gardens:
The botanical gardens of Vilnius University are one of the stops on the trip as they are very beautiful and pleasant to visit.
The plant species are really numerous and divided by precise routes that allow you to visit the whole area. It is a real oasis of peace.
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