Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, is a city steeped in history and culture. We decided to explore Vilnius during the summer Midsommer festival and it brought the best energy to our trip.
The city’s old town is one of the largest and best-preserved medieval old towns in Europe, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Vilnius is also known for its impressive architecture, with a mixture of Baroque, Gothic, and Renaissance styles visible throughout the city. The city is home to over 65 churches, including the impressive Cathedral of St. Stanislaus and St. Vladislav, which dates back to the 13th century. Vilnius is also home to several museums, including the National Museum of Lithuania, which houses over 800,000 artifacts showcasing Lithuania’s history and culture. The city’s cultural scene is thriving, with an annual Vilnius Festival showcasing music, dance, and theater performances from around the world. Vilnius is also a green city, with over 50 parks and green spaces covering 40% of the city’s total area. The city’s location at the crossroads of Eastern and Western Europe makes it a popular destination for tourists looking to explore the rich cultural heritage of the region.
During our trip to Vilnius, we made sure to visit some of the city’s most famous buildings. One of the highlights of our trip was visiting the stunning Cathedral of St. Stanislaus and St. Vladislav, located in the heart of the old town. This grand church dates back to the 13th century and is one of the most important religious buildings in Lithuania. We marveled at the intricate decorations and beautiful artwork that adorned the interior of the cathedral.
Another impressive building that we visited was the Gediminas Castle Tower, which sits atop a hill overlooking the city. The tower is a symbol of Vilnius and is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. We climbed to the top of the tower and were rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the city and its surroundings.
We also visited the Presidential Palace, a grand building located in the city center that serves as the official residence of the President of Lithuania. The palace is an impressive example of neoclassical architecture and is surrounded by a beautiful park that is open to the public.
Finally, we made sure to visit the Vilnius University, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the Baltic states. The university is located in a stunning Baroque-style building that dates back to the 18th century. We wandered through the beautiful courtyards and admired the impressive architecture of this historic institution.
Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, boasts a vibrant food market scene that is a must-visit for foodies. The most popular market is the “Hales Turgus,” located in the city center, which is a bustling indoor market that offers a wide range of fresh produce, meat, dairy products, baked goods, and traditional Lithuanian dishes. The market is open every day, and visitors can wander through the aisles, sample local cheeses, and try traditional Lithuanian sausages. Another popular market is the “Kalvariju Turgus,” located on the outskirts of Vilnius, which is a sprawling outdoor market offering fresh fruits and vegetables, clothing, flowers, and household items. The food section of this market is especially vibrant, and visitors can find vendors selling fresh fish, smoked meat, and traditional Lithuanian honey. Overall, the food markets in Vilnius provide an authentic and delicious way to experience Lithuanian culture and cuisine.
The Vilnius Midsummer Festival is a vibrant and lively celebration that takes place every year in June. During our visit to Vilnius, we were lucky enough to experience this magical festival firsthand. The festival is a celebration of the summer solstice and the start of the new season, and it is a time for people to come together and celebrate with music, dancing, and traditional Lithuanian food.
We joined the crowds of people who had gathered in the city center, where a large bonfire had been lit. The air was filled with the scent of flowers, and we watched as people danced around the bonfire, singing and laughing. It was a joyous atmosphere, and we felt like we had been transported back in time to a bygone era.The festival is also a time for traditional Lithuanian music and dance. We watched as musicians played traditional folk music, and people danced in the streets. We were amazed by the skill and energy of the dancers, and we couldn’t help but join in the fun.
We also had the opportunity to explore the Station District and immerse ourselves in the vibrant art scene that flurishes there. We were particularly drawn to the street art in the area, and spent hours wandering through the colorful streets and admiring the murals and graffiti on the buildings. Each piece of art seemed to have its own story to tell, reflecting the diverse and creative community that called the Station District home. It was inspiring to see how this formerly industrial area had been transformed into a hub for artistic and cultural activity, with galleries, studios, and cafes showcasing the work of up-and-coming artists and designers. The center of the district was the former Vilnius railway station, which had been converted into a cultural center called “Loftas.” We were able to attend a concert and see an exhibition while we were there, and the energy and creativity of the space was palpable.
One of my favorite parts of the city was the Užupis neighborhood of Vilnius, which is a charming and bohemian area that is known for its colorful houses and vibrant arts scene. The neighborhood, which is located on the banks of the Vilnele River, has a unique history as a self-proclaimed independent republic, complete with its own constitution and flag. The area is now home to numerous galleries, studios, and cafes, and attracts a diverse and creative crowd. The most striking feature of the neighborhood is the colorful houses, which are adorned with murals, paintings, and other artistic flourishes. Each house seems to have its own unique character, and the overall effect is a feast for the eyes. In addition to the colorful houses, the Užupis neighborhood is home to numerous street artists and performers, who add to the bohemian and creative vibe of the area. Overall, a visit to Užupis is a must for anyone interested in exploring the artistic and cultural side of Vilnius, and the colorful houses are a highlight that should not be missed.
