The old town

The old town of Vilnius

Gediminas Castle

The duke Gediminas who ruled in 1275-1341 built this castle. It was build after the dream of Gediminas. The duke dreamed en enormous iron wolf, who was howling very loud in the junction of the river Neris and Vilnia. The precursor predicted that in this place would grow powerful and strong town. He also added that Gediminas had to build a castle in the place where he so that wolf.

Now the Gediminas castle is a historical museum. There you can find many interesting exhibits of Lithuania’s history. Nevertheless, the castle was built of wood, now it is red brick castle, where subject exhibitions are also organized.

The entrance costs 4 litas for adults and 2 litas for students. And it is open from 8 a.m. till 7 p.m.

The Cathedral-Basilica

At the foot the Gediminas’ hill stands the Cathedral-Basilica. It is Lithuania’s mental and political center. It is said that earlier there stood an altar and the eternal fire was burning. The Cathedral is rich for its interior. There visitors can find more than 40 XVI-XIX century’s exhibits. For instance, frescos and various pictures are on display. Moreover, a museum is equipped underground. It reveals the history of the Cathedral. For example, during the restoration work the first Cathedral’s floor was found, there where floored in the XIV century. Furthermore, on one of the crypt archeologist found XIV century’s fresco.

National Museum

The museum was found in 1855 by the famous researcher and collector Eustachijus Tiskevicius. Now it is the biggest and the oldest cultural heritage of the country. There are preserved more than 785 thousand exhibits like coins, medals or maps. There is a huge library too. It is also important to mention that exhibits are displayed in chronological order to reflect Lithuania’s history from 10 thousand BC till 1940. People are informed Lithuania grand principality’s past. Museum ethnographic reveals mode of life in all regions of the country. For instance, authentic interior, restored clothes.

You will have to pay 4 litas for the entrance, if you are a student you will get 50%discount. For a guide you will have to pay more 15 litas. If there are more than 30 people in your group you the guide’s services will cost 23 litas. It is open from Tuesday till Saturday from 10 a.m. till 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. till 3 p.m.

All these exhibitions can be reached by public transport:If you are going by trolleybus you should alight in the stop ‘Karalius Mindaugas’ or ‘Arkikatedra’.There is also a car ground by the Sereikiskiu Park.

The museum of the Architecture

The museum is founded in the Saint Mykolas church. Now there you can visit an exhibition of architecture, there are also many exhibits about architecture of Lithuania and its history, of course. Subject exhibitions are on display too.

The entrance cost is 1 litas for adult and 0.5 litas for children. An Exhibition is open from 10 a.m. till 5 p.m., on Mondays and from 11a.m. till 6 p.m. from Wednesday till Sunday.

Amber Gallery

Twenty years ago there was collected unique exhibit collection in Nida and Juodkrante. Now this gallery is famous for its variety and size. Beautiful old crafts of amber are on display, the drops of amber remainds its origin. We all are used to imagine amber in a yellow colour, but there is a lot of different colour amber. For instance, blue, white, black or green amber. The biggest exhibit weighs two kilos. Subject exhibitions are also on display. Last but not least, you can buy some crafts in the gallery.

The gallery works from 10 a.m. till 7 p.m. every day and the entrance is free.

Signataru House

This building is famous for its political meaning. The Lithuania’s Council took part there in 16th of February 1918, then was the statement of independence was signed. Various facts about people who signed the statement are shown in the exhibition. Now it is a house of signatures. Besides, from the end of 2003 there is also a memorial room of Dr. J. Basanavicius on display.

The entrance is free. It is available to visit the museum from 10 a.m. till 5 p.m. on the work-days and from 10 a.m. till 3 p.m. on Sundays. It is closed on Mondays. It is also possible to book an excursion by sending e-mail to signatarurumai@lmn.lt

The Town Hall

The Hall was built in 1785-1799 according to L. Stuoka-Gucevicius’ project.It is the center of the Old Town. Earlier there were organized big markets. Moreover, in this hall the first death punishments were fulfilled. Most festivals are organized in the Town Hall.

The National Philharmonic Society

This archtectual mansion was built in 1900-1902. It was a property of local government, which was arranging various conserts there. In 1906 people could hear the first Lithuanian opera ‘Birute’ produced by M. Petrauskas. Futhermore, in 1905was organized Lithuanians congress. In this congress were defined State evoliution’s perspectives.

The gate of Down

It was built in the 1552 and the remarkable portrayal of the Saint Maria was painted in the 15th century. Today thousands of people comes to see the painting. An obscure painter made this painting in the Renaissance style. Firstly, it was made on the wood but in the end of the XVII century it was dragded into gilded clothing.

The entrance is free and you can visit the gate of the Down every workday from 8 a.m. till 8 p.m.

St Anne`s Church

Last but not least monument is St Anne`s Church. It is one of the most beautiful buildings in Vilnius. Every citizen should be proud that they have such a unique church. It is thought that the church was built in the XIV century. It is a Gothic style building, which was renovated some times. The chirch is built in the outskirts of the Old Town. It is built of 33 different brand of stones. It is also said that on the way to Moscow Napaleon had seen the church and he wished to take it with him to France.