Check out my top tips on things to do on a budget when you visit Vilnius, Lithuania. Full itinerary including food suggestions. Thanks for watching this video, don't forget to subscribe for more awesome videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjZoQGyrTDRjS2s4S_PFk4A?sub_confirmation=1 Lithuanian Food review video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0WYBLMtMmk You may be interested in other Europe travel videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuGqL_b-2ufBvopKvlI0eDx2h2f4R_ysW LEGOLAND Visit and review videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuGqL_b-2ufCOCbk8aOP1PRKEpxUS6sn5 Vilnius is the capital and largest city of Lithuania. It lies in the valley of the confluence of Neris and Vilnia rivers and has 527,930 inhabitants (2013 statistics). Upper Castle (Gediminas Castle), Arsenalo St 5 (Climb up to it from the Cathedral Square or take the funicular on the other side of the hill, facing the river). Erected on a top of a large hill-fort in the 9th–14th centuries by Dukes of Lithuania. Approximately in the very end of 13th century the Seat due to strategic reasons was transferred from Trakai to Vilnius and the castle was substantially reconstructed. The first castles were wooden, and only in the beginning of 15th century everything was rebuilt in brick and stone. The preserved ruins of Gothic Ducal Palace and surrounding fortifications remain to date. The top of the largest and the only survived tower of the defensive wall offer the best view of Vilnius. Tower of Gediminas Castle (Gedimino pilies bokštas). The red-brick tower, a part of the Upper Castle fortifications. Houses an exposition of archaeological findings and other exhibits. National flag was first raised on its top in 1919 when the country regained independence from Russia. Since then the tower is an important state and historic symbol of Vilnius and of Lithuania itself. Vilnius Cathedral ((Vilniaus arkikatedra bazilika)), Katedra Sq 2. An original wooden cathedral was built here in 1251 on a site of the pagan temple. Later, in 1387, a Gothic style cathedral was built. Now it is a Classical style cathedral built in 1783-1801 to the project of architect Laurynas Gucevičius. There were 27 crypts of different depth and size under the Cathedral floor. Often overflowed during the spring floods, many times devastated by soldiers looking for treasures during the wars and upheavals, 1968-1989 the crypts were put in order, permanent exposition was arranged. Visiting crypts is permitted only accompanied by a guide. Cathedral Square & the Bell Tower, Katedra Sq 1. The tower base is round, while the Baroque belfry features octagonal plan. Approximately between the Bell Tower and Cathedral, in the square, look for a particular tile with a word "Stebuklas" (Lithuanian for "miracle") written on it. Stand on it, make a wish and turn around three times. Town Hall (Vilniaus rotušė), Didžioji St 31 (Central part of Old Town). Central building of the Old Town. The first Gothic style Town Hall was built in 1432 in the very same place as it is today. It was reconstructed several times until the city clock tower collapsed and damaged the significant part of the main building. The new Classical style building to the design of architect Laurynas Gucevičius was completed in 1799 and so remains till date. Since 2001 it operates as a public institution, organizes representative and protocol events, various ceremonies, celebrations of public holidays, overall about 300 cultural and educational events are held every year. Užupis District. Part of Old Town, a largely unrestored area primarily occupied by artists, dreamers, squatters, and drunks. In 1998, the residents unofficially declared the area to be an independent republic, with its own president, anthem, flag, and constitution. Great to visit on April Fools day, when mock border guards stamp passports and the entire area erupts into a party. St. Anne's Church (Šv. Onos bažnyčia), Maironio St 8, LT-01124 Vilnius (Old Town near Užupis). One of the most beautiful churches in Vilnius and in Lithuania. Very small in size, but a very beautiful example of gothic architecture. There is a legend that when during his conquests Napoleon came to Vilnius and saw this church he said he would like to take it on his palm and bring to France. Church of St. Francis and St. Bernard (Šv. Pranciškaus Asyžiečio bažnyčia), Maironio St 10 (Old Town near Užupis, just behind the St. Anne's Church). Construction completed in 1564. Together with St. Ann's Church compiles a one of the most important ensembles of Gothic architecture in the country. Bernardine Garden (Bernardinų sodas), Maironis St (Old Town between Gediminas' Castle and the Church of Saint Francis and Saint Bernard), Former Sereikiškės Park, it has been substantially reconstructed in 2013.

• published: 24 Dec 2016
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