Attractions
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Standing sentinel over Vilnius since the 13th century,
the landmark Gediminas Castle was built by the founder of the city,
and has served as defence bastion, prison, and now major tourist
attraction. Originally the castle was made of wood, later clad in
10ft (3m) thick stone walls, and then all but destroyed by Russian
troops in the 17th century. Now completely and carefully restored
to its former glory, the top of the majestic octagonal tower
provides a breathtaking view of the old city. The castle also
contains a museum depicting the history of Lithuania and Vilnius,
exhibits including models of the city at various points in history
and archaeological finds.
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The resplendent Vilnius Cathedral, which stands
proudly on the central square of the Old City, has a chequered
history that left it decaying and abandoned through the Soviet era.
The Cathedral, which resembles a classical Greek temple more than
it does a Christian church, is now once again the pride of the
city, filled with awesome artworks, traditional icons and history.
The cathedral, originally built in the 13th century, stands on the
site of an ancient pagan temple, and has been rebuilt several times
in the succeeding centuries after fires and storm damage. It
contains more than 40 paintings and frescoes. Most noteworthy is
the Casimir Chapel, first constructed in 1623, containing eight
silver-plated statues and décor wrought by artist Constantino
Tencallo.
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A few miles north of Vilnius town centre Lithuanian
sculptor Gintaras Karosas founded the Europos Parkas (European
Park) on a 55-hectare site that encompasses the geographic centre
of Europe, as determined by the French National Geographic
Institute in 1989. The Park attracts hundreds of thousands of
visitors a year, who come to admire a permanent outdoor sculpture
exhibition, set amid rolling hills, woods and fields dotted with
natural springs. More than 90 works by artists from 27 countries
are on display. Guided tours are available, and the site includes a
restaurant, shop and post office.
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In the early 20th century about half of the population
of Vilnius were Yiddish-speaking Jews and the city was dubbed the
'Jerusalem of the North'. The Nazis in World War II effectively
obliterated this community, encircling the Jewish quarter in barbed
wire and eventually marching the 60,000 or so residents into the
Paneriai forest where they were executed. Today the Genocide Museum
has been established at the killing field in memory of the horror.
There is also a Jewish Museum depicting pre-war Jewish life, and
visitors are also welcome at the only remaining Vilnius synagogue.
Efforts are underway to rebuild and restore many aspects of the
former Jewish Quarter. Tours of Jewish Vilnius are offered by
several private operators.
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The dark days of the Soviet occupation of Lithuania
are preserved in this disturbing collection of exhibits, which is
contained in the former KGB headquarters building. Those who drew
the antagonism of the authorities were detained, tortured and often
executed in this building. Some of the Museum's exhibitions include
the 'Eavesdropping Room' that highlights the use of secret
surveillance by the KGB and 'Life Goes On' - a look at the day to
day living of Lithuanian deportees and prisoners. Guided tours of
the Museum are available in English.
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Near the Gediminas Castle in the Old City stands a
hill topped with a trio of crosses, originally erected in the 17th
century in memory of seven Franciscan monks who were crucified and
thrown into the Vilnia River. The crosses were destroyed by the
Soviet regime, but re-erected in 1989 to mark Lithuanian
independence as a symbol of faith and national identity. There is
an excellent view from the site, and pleasant walks on the wooded
hillside.
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