Main Cities
Vilnius
Capital of Lithuania with about 542 000 inhabitants, Vilnius is the largest and most beautiful city, well known for its architectural diversity, magnificent churches, cobbled streets and medieval courtyards. Founded in 1323, the Old Town of Vilnius is considered as one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Eastern Europe.
The various architectural styles are complementary. In 1994, the Old Town of Vilnius was declared as being a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
The University of Vilnius, founded in 1579 is one of the oldest in Eastern Europe.
Its library has a treasure of 180 000 books, old manuscripts, rare editions and one of the largest collections of maps in Europe.
The symbols of Vilnius are Gediminas Tower (dedicated to the founder of Vilnius, the Great Duke Gediminas) and the Arch-Cathedral, built just down to the hill, the place of worships the most important for the Catholics of Lithuania. The identical reconstruction of the Palace of the Sovereigns of the XVIth century has been completed in 2009. By the way, Lithuania celebrated the same year (in 2009), it thousand year of history of it name in the historical sources.
The Church of St. Anne, built in the sixteenth century, is considered a masterpiece of Gothic art. Behind it stand the churches of St Francis and St Bernard.
In this last, were discovered frescoes hidden under a layer of plaster, dating back several hundred years. They are now undergoing restoration.
The Gates of Dawn is one of the most sacred places known throughout the Catholic world. Since the early seventeenth century the icon of the Black Madonna is considered as being miraculous.
In the twentieth century, the Mother of God of the Gates of Dawn was awarded the title of Mother Mercy.
A chapel, called Gates of Dawn, was built in the Basilica of St Peter and Paul in Rome.
The church of St Peter and St Paul (built in the XVII th century) is the pearl of the baroque style in Vilnius. The interior is decorated with more than 2,000 molds.
The romantic atmosphere of the city and its charm are unforgettable. The intense and modern life mixes with the soul of ancient monuments. A multitude of shops, cafes and restaurants coexist for the happiness of all. Be sure to taste the dishes and Lithuanian beer, considered as a national drink.
Nightlife in Vilnius is attractive for its nightclubs, bars and night clubs.
Vilnius is a modern and dynamic city, with new buildings, skyscrapers, but also large shopping malls.
Vilnius is the political, economic, scientific and cultural development center. Many national and international events are held annually.
In 2009, Vilnius has been the first city in the new EU members to become the European Capital of Culture, with the city of Linz (Austria).
More information about the city of Vilnius: www.vilnius.lt
Kaunas
Kaunas, second largest city in the country (about 420 000 inhabitants) is located at the confluence of the Nemunas and the Neris. The city was founded in the thirteenth century and was the first city. From the fifteenth century Kaunas became an important trading city with its river port.
Between 1920 and 1940 Kaunas was the provisional capital of Lithuania.
The old town of Kaunas seduces us by its medieval towers and the restored City Hall in baroque style, called “the White Swan”. Some buildings, original and well preserved, can be distinguished in the old town: the Church of Vytautas, or the house of Perkunas, which was a former merchant’s house, built in the late fifteenth century.
Central Avenue, Laisvés Aleja, is one of the most beautiful pedestrian avenue of Lithuania.
Not far from the artificial lake of Kaunas (Kauno marios), is the monastery of Pažaislis, a baroque masterpiece from the seventeenth century.
A classical music festival is organized every summer.
Funiculars prewar are interesting attraction.
Many museums might visited in Kaunas, the most popular are the Museum of Fine Arts of MK Ciurlionis, who was one of the largest Lithuanian artist, the Museum of Vytautas from the Great War, the Museum of Devils, unique in the world with an collection of over 3000 statuettes representing Lucifer, the Museum of Fort N ˚ 9, built in the Tsarist Empire, to defend the western borders, but transformed into a prison by the Nazis during the war and then in a concentration camp.
Kaunas is a city student with 5 schools and a sportive city where the High Level Basketball team, Žalgiris trains, and where used to play Arvydas Sabonis, a world-famous basketball player.
The city has good infrastructure and services developed several categories of hotels and guest houses, numerous restaurants and cafes, and several night clubs.
For more information: www.kaunas.lt
Klaipeda
Third city by its size (189 000), Klaipeda port is the most northerly of the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea which does not freeze in winter. By its ancient architecture Klaipeda approximates to the Nordic countries. In the old town, we can find timbered houses and as well modern buildings.
Klaipeda has a long maritime tradition. Every year since 1934, is celebrated on the last weekend of July, the festival of the sea.
The aquarium-museum “Dolphinarium” attracts many visitors with its performances of dolphins and sea lions of California. The clock museum is interesting for its huge collection of watches. Nearby is the Tower of the former post, where you can hear every weekend a concert of chimes. At the Blacksmiths’ museum are gathered the most beautiful crosses and grids of the nineteenth and twentieth century.
Klaipeda is a seaside town. There are beautiful white sand beaches and good infrastructure for housing and recreation. You can access Klaipeda by road, by ferry or boat.
For more information: www.klaipeda.lt
Šiauliai
Siauliai (130 000 inhabitants), is a town on the north of Lithuania. The city accounts its age since the victorious battle of Saule (Sun), on 22 September 1236. The city was devastated by war, plague and fire. The only architectural monument is the former St Peter and Paul. Tower 70 m in height, is visible from afar, and has kept the oldest sundial of the city. In the second half of the eighteenth century the city was reorganized on the principles of neo-classical architecture.
Rebuilt after the war, the city is proud of its pedestrian boulevard with artistic accents.
This was the first central street of Lithuania made for pedestrians.
To commemorate the 750th anniversary of the Battle of Saulé, who founded the city, the place of “The Solar dial” and an archer of bronze (sculptor S. Kuzma) were built in 1986.
Not far from Šiauliai is the famous Hill of Crosses, one of the symbols for Catholics of Lithuania. It attracts visitors from all around the world. There are over 60 000 cross over one meter and hundreds of thousands of all sizes. This is one of the most sacred places in Lithuania visited by pilgrims.
For more information: www.siauliai.lt
Panevėžys
On the shores of the Nevėžis, and beside the road Via Baltica is Panevėžys, fifth largest city in Lithuania with 116 300 inhabitants.
Panevėžys is a city of theaters: the drama of Juozas Miltinis, but also the puppet theater on wheels, unique in Europe, which occurs in winter in the city and travels through the countryside and villages in the summer, pulled by horses.
Every year the International Ceramics Symposium, organized by the Art Gallery, attracts artists from all around the world.
The narrow gauge railway is a technological scarcity; it celebrated its 100th anniversary in September 1999. This railway connects to Anykščiai Panevėžys and offers an unforgettable journey.
For more information: www.panevezys.lt
