Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, is the southernmost capital of Baltic States. Beautiful Old Town, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, a variety of its architectural styles, cultural events and exclusive spirit of the city. Vilnius hides a host of surprise discoveries, something for everybody: all different and incredible.
During Grand Duke Gediminas’ reign in 1223 Vilnius was first mentioned as the capital of Lithuania.
Today Vilnius is the largest city of the country
Area: 402 km2 (155 mi2)
Population: 542.932
Currency: Litas (LTL) 1 Euro = 3.45 LTL
Today is sunny and a pleasant 75 degrees. After a very good breakfast in the hotel, we walked to Cathedral Square to pick up our tour with an English speaking guide.
This 2 hour tour was very informative and interesting. We made several stops along the tour.
St Peter and Paul’s Church is a masterpiece of the 17th-century. Baroque famous for its exceptional interior where one can see about 2,000 stucco figures.
Legend has it that there was a temple of the pagan goddess Milda on this site. Once there was a wooden church there, which was destroyed during the time of wars with Moscow.
The present Church was built by Hetman Mykolas Kazimieras Pacas who wanted to perpetuate Vilnius liberation from Russians. The Church acquired its present appearance in 1676, later it was adorned with stucco, frescoes. At the beginning of the 19th century its Rococo pulpit was made.
To commemorate the visit of Pope John Paul II to Lithuania and Vilnius, the square in front of the church was named after him.
The Amber Museum and Gallery was another interesting stop.
Although not officially a museum this two-storey ode to amber offers explanations in English, German and Lithuanian about the formation, colour, harvesting and processing of Baltic Gold.
Another interesting place we drove through is the district of Užupis. In the city of Vilnius, it declared itself to be an independent republic. A President and bishop were appointed, four flags were designed [one for each season], and a suitable constitution was duly drawn up. The 41 rights which form the constitution are engraved on mirrors, attached to a wall on Paupio Street. In addition, it has a palace, an army [of 12] to defend it and a National Day [1st April], which may give some idea of just how important this shabby little area has become. More details here and here and probably the most thorough in-depth analysis just here.
Here is a translation of the terms of the constitution -
Everyone has the right to live by the River Vilnelė, while the River Vilnelė has the right to flow by everyone.
Everyone has the right to hot water, heating in winter and a tiled roof.
Everyone has the right to die, but it is not a duty.
Everyone has the right to make mistakes.
Everyone has the right to individuality.
Everyone has the right to love.
Everyone has the right to be not loved, but not necessarily.
Everyone has the right not to be distinguished and famous.
Everyone has the right to be idle.
Everyone has the right to love and take care of a cat.
Everyone has the right to look after a dog till one or the other dies.
A dog has the right to be a dog.
A cat is not obliged to love its master, but it must help him in difficult times.
Everyone has the right to sometimes be unaware of his duties.
Everyone has the right to be in doubt, but this is not a duty.
Everyone has the right to be happy.
Everyone has the right to be unhappy.
Everyone has the right to be silent.
Everyone has the right to have faith.
No one has the right to violence.
Everyone has the right to realize his negligibility and magnificence.
Everyone has the right to encroach upon eternity.
Everyone has the right to understand.
Everyone has the right to understand nothing.
Everyone has the right to be of various nationalities.
Everyone has the right to celebrate or not to celebrate his birthday.
Everyone shall remember his name.
Everyone may share what he possesses.
No-one can share what he does not possess.
Everyone has the right to have brothers, sisters and parents.
Everyone is capable of independence.
Everyone is responsible for his freedom.
Everyone has the right to cry.
Everyone has the right to be misunderstood.
No-one has the right to make another person guilty.
Everyone has the right to be personal.
Everyone has the right to have no rights.
Everyone has the right to not be afraid.
Do not defeat.
Do not fight back.
Do not surrender.
Very interesting!! :)
After our tour, we walked back to the main shopping area, Gediminas Avenue, to have lunch. Since we had such a good and inexpensive dinner the night before, we went back to the Kaimas Restaurant. Once again - everything was excellent.
Interestingly enough, they have live chickens in a glass enclosed area. ??
Needless to say, we didn't order the chicken! :) LOL
Afterwards, we took a walk to the Gediminas Tour where Kos walked up to the top to take in the view of the city. We took the funicular up from the street level, which was well worth the $3 Lita's.
It was so good to spend time with Vladas. He visited us in NJ in 2009 when we had a big birthday party for everyone who was born in the fall! Vladas is the son of Kos's Mom's sister, Emelia, who passed away in 1984. He was not sure if he would be able to come to the luncheon in Kaunas that we are hosting tomorrow.
Location:Vilnius, Lithuania
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