The two most interesting activities in Vilnius that didnt involve eating and drinking were climbing Gediminas Tower and exploring Užupis - a self proclaimed republic in the centre of Vilnius.
Gediminas Tower
On the hill behind Vilnius' main catherdral is Gediminas Tower. You can climb to the top and inside is a pretty cool muesum. You also get great views over the whole town.
The walk up is relatively easy - though there is a cable car you can take (this has been out of order for a while though).
The walk up is relatively easy - though there is a cable car you can take (this has been out of order for a while though).
We paid to go into the muesum located inside the tower - this allows you to go to the top of the tower and get even better views.
Inside the muesum it was interesting learning about the Baltic Way - or Chain of Freedom. This was a peaceful protest in 1989 in which 2 million people across the Baltic states joined hands and formed a giant chain to draw global attention to the states' desire for independence - it publicised the illegal occupation by the Soviets. A few months later, Lithuania became the first of the three states to proclaim independence. The end point of the human chain was the tower - just another factor which makes this tower so important to the citizens of Vilnius.
Apart from the history, the views were great, and provided us the only glimpse we had of 'new' Vilnius.
Inside the muesum it was interesting learning about the Baltic Way - or Chain of Freedom. This was a peaceful protest in 1989 in which 2 million people across the Baltic states joined hands and formed a giant chain to draw global attention to the states' desire for independence - it publicised the illegal occupation by the Soviets. A few months later, Lithuania became the first of the three states to proclaim independence. The end point of the human chain was the tower - just another factor which makes this tower so important to the citizens of Vilnius.
Apart from the history, the views were great, and provided us the only glimpse we had of 'new' Vilnius.
Užupis - a independent republic in Vilnius
Next up - explore Užupis! Located in the old town - Užupis means 'the other side of the river'. Apparently it used to be mostly a Jewish quarter, though most of them were killed in the holocaust, and after that the misfits of society began to move in. The district, now popular with artists and intellectuals, has been a self declared republic since April Fools Day 1997.
The republic even has their own army (12 members), 4 flags (one for each season), and the best constitution I have ever read. Here are some peices of brilliance from the constitution, which you can read on a wall in the district:
The angel of Užupis marks the centre. There are some great pubs (Spunka was my favourite) and restaurants. The original Snekitas is located here too - that's an interesting experience.
It does feel like a home of artists. Wander around and who knows what you'll find! (Search for Tibet Square and backpacker Jesus).
The republic even has their own army (12 members), 4 flags (one for each season), and the best constitution I have ever read. Here are some peices of brilliance from the constitution, which you can read on a wall in the district:
- 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.
- No one has the right to violence.
- Everyone has the right to make mistakes.
- Everyone has the right to love.
- Everyone has the right to cry.
- Everyone shall remember his name.
The angel of Užupis marks the centre. There are some great pubs (Spunka was my favourite) and restaurants. The original Snekitas is located here too - that's an interesting experience.
It does feel like a home of artists. Wander around and who knows what you'll find! (Search for Tibet Square and backpacker Jesus).
The Užupis constitution
Bonus activities
Don't miss the KGB muesum for a really informative look at the horrors that happened to Lithuania during the second world war. A really extensive muesum situated in a former Gestapo headquarters. You can go downstairs and see the prison. It's an eye opening experience and explains how the KGB worked in Lithuania.
We also did a really good escape room - it's called The Wrong Room. We did 'party at Jamaika' - difficulty level 'advanced' which was a lot of fun. We made it out pretty fast too!
We also did a really good escape room - it's called The Wrong Room. We did 'party at Jamaika' - difficulty level 'advanced' which was a lot of fun. We made it out pretty fast too!
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