This town is as charming as they get. With a population of approximately 650 thousand people it feels much like a lot of other western European capitals. It abounds with museums, art, shopping, restaurants, cafes, and tavernas. There are many fabulous hotels as well. It is very walkable and in summer the daylight is abundant, not getting dark until around 11PM. The city’s renaissance began just after its liberation from Russia in 1991, and it is still underway. It is evident in the numerous architectural restorations throughout the city, as well as the condition of most of its infrastructure. The streets are almost entirely made of cobblestone.
Cathedral Square. (Katedros aikste). Located at the end of Pilies Gatve, a charming little street lined with shops, restaurants, taverns, other outdoor attractions.Fountain in the square located at the other end of Pilies Gatve.Side streets with cafes, bars, and restaurants are abundant. While the Lithuanian language is predominant, English is very widely spoken and understood, especially with people under the age of 45.In July the daylight is plentiful. This image was taken at 10 PM.Hotel Pacai was my home for 5 nights. It is fabulous. Restored to preserve and expose its architectural significance. The building was originally a baroque manor house dating back to 1677. A child’s drawing of the 1991 revolution where Lithuania fought and won its independence from Russia. In this depiction you can see the Russian tanks driving over people to attack the television tower. Made even more sad, considering too that its artist was only 10 years old.The river running through on your walk to Uzupis. Uzupis is a neighborhood in Vilnius’ old town. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This district mainly attracts the large art community that thrives here. It has been compared to Freetown in Copenhagen, due to its laissez-faire and bohemian atmosphere. In 1997 the district declared itself an independent republic, with its own constitution.View to the other side of the bridge on the walk to Uzupis..Outdoor sculptures abound in Uzupis.The angel of UzupisAbout a 40 minute drive from Vilius you can find Trakai Castle. This was built in the 14th century. It is considered a masterpiece in defensive medieval architecture. Many films have been partially filmed on location here.The castle’s draw bridge is as medieval as it gets here.View from inside the castle.
After a 5 night visit to Vilnius, I will head west across the country to the little resort town of Nida, located on the UNESCO designated island of Neringa, on the Baltic Sea. See you there.
Thanks again for sharing. I missed the transatlantic voyage so that was fun to see as well. We head back to Tuscany (again) in a few months. Be well
So nice in Tuscany this time of year. Headed to the Mediterranean for a few weeks. I will be posting. Enjoy Italy buddy.
Be well,
Craig