Neighbourhood · UNESCO
Vilnius Old Town
Vilnius, Lithuania
One of Europe's largest surviving medieval old towns, filled with baroque churches and courtyards.
City · Lithuania · Vilnius County
Vilnius
A baroque capital with one of Europe's largest old towns, hilltop views and a bohemian district with its own constitution.
about 5 h
For storytellers
Why Vilnius matters
Vilnius is a city of church towers and courtyards. Its old town is one of the biggest in Europe, with so many churches that you can find a baroque interior on almost every street. Climb the hill to the castle tower for views, then cross the little river to Užupis, a neighbourhood of artists that proclaimed itself a republic, with a playful constitution on a wall. The food scene is lively, and the city is small enough to explore on foot in two days.
Talking points
- The old town is one of the largest historic centres in Europe.
- Užupis declared itself an independent republic as a joke, with its own constitution displayed on a wall.
- Churches in many styles stand within a few minutes' walk of each other.
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What to see in Vilnius
Tower
Gediminas Tower
Vilnius, Lithuania
The remains of the upper castle of Vilnius on a hill, with the best view of the red-roofed old town.
Church, mosque or temple
Vilnius Cathedral
Vilnius, Lithuania
A neoclassical cathedral with a separate belfry on the main square, the heart of national life.
Church, mosque or temple
Church of St Anne
Vilnius, Lithuania
A tiny Gothic church of red brick with an intricate facade, admired for centuries.
Church, mosque or temple
Gate of Dawn
Vilnius, Lithuania
The last surviving city gate of Vilnius, with a chapel above it holding a revered icon.
Neighbourhood
Užupis
Vilnius, Lithuania
A bohemian artists' district that proclaimed itself a republic, with a playful constitution on a wall.
Viewpoint
Hill of Three Crosses
Vilnius, Lithuania
A wooded hilltop above the old town with three white crosses and a lovely view.
Historic site
Vilnius University
Vilnius, Lithuania
One of the oldest universities in the region, a complex of courtyards, a library and a baroque church.
Also nearby
Within about 40 km, closest first.