Vilnius – What To See In This Historic And Traditional City

by erin on December 21, 2010

Lithuania is a different sort of country, much in part because of it’s location: where Western and Eastern Europe meet. This mix of influences can still be seen in the country today, especially in its capital city of Lithuania. While Vilnius is definitely a cultural and historical place, it’s different from other European capitals in that it isn’t a sleepless, fast-paced city. Vilnius instead is a representation of all of Lithuania: its culture, its heritage, and its tradition. You will need a passport if you are thinking of going abroad, but using online passport services can get you started.

There are many interesting attractions to visit during your trip to Vilnius, one of the most beautiful buildings being the Russian Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas. As one of the oldest Orthodox churches in Lithuania, it also holds a lot of historical significance as well. Another absolutely beautiful building, and an attraction that absolutely cannot be missed, is Vilnius Cathedral. This Cathedral was built in the 1200’s, and was rebuilt as a Gothic cathedral in the 1380’s. If you explore the crypt, you can see a cross-section representation of how the building has changed over time.

The Chapel of St. Casimir is something you should definitely see, as it is regarded as one of the most beautiful parts of the entire Cathedral, and a tour of the catacombs is fun to try, too. Outside there is a brick that says “stebuklas,” which translates into “miracle.” It is said that if you stand on the brick, make a wish, and turn around three times, your wish will come true.

Another interesting place to visit is Gediminas Castle. If you climb to the top of the towers, you can get a truly incredible view of the surrounding city area. Inside the castle is also a museum if you are interested in learning a little bit more about the history of the castle. The Old Town section of Vilnius was once the Jewish ghetto, and it was declared a World Heritage Site in 1994 by UNESCO for being of high cultural importance.

Definitely stop by Three Crosses Hill when the weather is nice. A legend says that this is the spot that seven Franciscan monks were crucified, and it stands as a national symbol of Lithuania.

If you have extra money to spare, consider visiting Europe Park. It is a beautiful place to spend an afternoon, wandering among the greenery and seeing the plentiful sculptors, which have been sculpted from more than 70 different artists around the world.

Vilnius, Lithuania is a city with a very noticeable cultural atmosphere, and it’s easy to get wrapped up in it when you visit. Just remember that you will need a passport should you decide to go. Keep in mind, online passport companies can help you sort everything out, with services that can help you with passport renewal and replacement.

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