Vilnius- Risen from the Ruins

This Lithuanian capital city is famous for being quite yet so charming. The Baltic city is largest in the country and the place is developing quite fast. Lithuania was earlier part of the USSR and it was only after the fall of the USSR that it became an independent republic state. The country pooled its arsenal from all areas and started showing signs of development very soon and today we see it tall and its come a hard way to make its own identity.

History

In 1387, the city has been granted rights by Jogaila, one of the Gediminas' successors. Later between 1503 and 1522 the city was surrounded with walls that had about nine gates and three towers. Yet, the city was pillaged and even burnt and its population massacred. Vilnius' growth lost its momentum for many years, but the population rebounded, and by beginning of the 19^th century city's population reached to 20,000 mark and centuries down the lane Vilnius seems to be still growing and developing as we see it today, to stand tall amongst the Northern European nations.

Vilnius University closed, and the Russian repressions put brakes on further development of the city following the November Uprising in 1831. Again, the Polish Army regained some control and then it was Soviet forces again. Vilnius University reopened under the name of Stefan Batory University and the city's infrastructure improved greatly. A parade took place on the 29^th day of October 1939 through the city center. The city was occupied by Germany in June 1941 when it had invaded the Lithuania as part of its campaign against the erstwhile Soviet Union. Within a short time Vilnius was incorporated into the Soviet Union Republics as the capital of the Lithuania. The Soviet Union; however, finally acknowledged Lithuania as an independent country from August 1991.

Geography

Vilnius is situated on the southeastern side at the junction of the Rivers Vilnia and Neris. It’s believed that Vilnius, like many other cities, was named after Vilnia. Next, close to Vilnius is a site that some claim to be the Geographical Center of Europe.

Vilnius is about 300 kilometers from the Baltic Sea and Klaipeda that is the chief Lithuanian seaport. The present area of Vilnius is about 400 kilometers square. Buildings occupy 20% of land area and about half the area is covered with greenery and there is just 2% of water covering the land.

With a continental/maritime climate, Vilnius has vast discrepancies between its summer and winter temperatures. In summer the mercury can reach as high as 86°F (30°C), bringing holidaymakers and locals alike into the outdoor bars and cafes to enjoy the long, light evenings.

The best time to visit Vilnius is during the sunny and warm summers when the temperatures can soar to 86°F (30°C) and it remains light long into the evening. Such weather makes it possible for those who want to enjoy a Vilnius holiday to make the most of the outdoor bars and restaurants. Winter though is not a very good time to travel to this part of the world. The temperatures then plummet to below the freezing point.

Places to Behold

The old town with several cathedrals and the medieval time buildings (13^th -19^th centuries) are a great attraction. Most of the old town used to be a Jewish ghetto though. However, currently street names such as Zydu (Jewish) and Gaono (Gaon's) reminds of the period, as Jewish community of the Vilnius perished during the Holocaust.

The Gediminas castle is a red-bricked tower that is restored from the Higher Castle erected during the 13^th–14^th centuries by the Dukes of Lithuania. It’s from here that the visitors will catch the best view of Vilnius. Visitors can climb up to it from the Cathedral Square. If one prefers not to climb, there is also a funicular on the other side of the hill, facing the river.

Archcathedral Basilica is a 12^th century cathedral in still the original (wooden) form. The most beautiful part of this Cathedral is the Baroque styled chapel of Saint Casimir that’s built between 1623 and 1636. The crypt displays a history of the place through the ages that is worth seeing. People can take a tour through the catacombs that are under the cathedral. Just outside of the Cathedral, look for a particular tile on which is written "Stebuklas," a Lithuanian word for "miracle."

St. Ann Church is one of the greatest churches here and in Lithuania. The church per se is very small, but is a Gothic architectural marvel. There is a story behind this that Napoleon during his conquests came here to Vilnius and saw this church. Impressed by its shape and size he said he would carry it to France on his palm.

St. Peter's and St. Paul's Church are not so special if you see them from outside, but from inside they are extremely beautiful. The entire interior is overcrowded with Baroque sculptural works. As you stand in the Cathedral Square facing the river, take the street to your right and walk straight. In just a short distance you would see the church.

Three Crosses Hill, another great attraction here is a place with abundant history attached to it. It was at this place that the pagans afflicted the Franciscan monks. The artillery Bastion is another landmark and attraction one cannot afford to miss. It is just but a strong wall aimed to protect the place from the Russians and the Swedes’ attacks in the 17^th century. Later, during the 19^th century it was used by orphans and years later it was even converted as rubbish dump. History has evidence that it had been home of a Basilisk which is a creature with abilities to transform people to stones by its looks. The bastion houses a museum inside.

Genocide Victims Museum (former KGB Headquarters) reminds visitors of the traumatic days of Lithuania occupied by the Soviet. The collection of exhibits contained in the former KGB headquarters building are heart moving and disturbing too; a few of them include the 'eavesdropping room' where in one can see the use of surveillance technique adopted by the KGB. The 'Life Goes On' will reveal day-to-day living of the Lithuanian deportees and the prisoners.

The Vilnius Castle is on a small hillock and one can see the genuine 13^th century fortifications modified through the centuries. The castle houses a museum.

European Park is just a few kilometers north of the Vilnius town center and the Lithuanian sculptor, Gintaras Karosas founded the Europos Parkas on this 55-hectare site that encompasses the geographic center of Europe, as ordained by the French National Geographic Institute in the year 1989. The park draws hundreds of thousands of visitors every year that come and admire a permanent outdoor sculpture exhibition that is set amidst rolling hills, woods and fields dotted in between with natural springs. Approximately, 90 works by artistes from over 27 countries are on display here.

Jewish Memorials is a fenced Jewish quarter dedicated in the memory of the Jews who were executed by the Nazis during WW II early in the 20th century. During that period about half the Vilnius population was yiddish-tongued Jews and the city was also popular as the 'Jerusalem of the North.' The Nazis marched the Jews through the Paneriai forest and were executed there. The memorial salutes the love of Jews for Vilnius.

Center of Europe is about 25 kilometers North of Vilnius, in the village of Purnuskes. The center has the National Institute of Geography of France from 1989.

Things to do when in Vilnius

Old town nightclubs are a way to unwind. Helios, Gravity and Connect are a few but for the upwardly mobile class and Galaxy and Pacha and few other clubs are universal. Dubliner is an ultramodern Irish Pub in the old town area close to the University. This place is great for beers including Kilkenny and Guiness. To know how these will taste, come down and watch your favorite rugby matches on the giant screen while enjoy every sip of beers here. Binge on variants of Irish and International delicacies here. Siemens is yet another concert and sports events hall, and there is "Pramogu arena." Since this is the basketball country, never miss any chance to see a basketball game in the real atmosphere.

Here are also some of the things you can enjoy in Vilnius

Contemporary Art Center is another place where many extremely interesting modern art pieces can be seen. National Opera House is a music buffs place and it is seen near the Green Bridge. The Oskaras Korsunovas Theater is for theater lovers. Watch a spectacle of Oskaras Korsunovas Theater as well and it is one of the most original modern theaters in the entire of Europe. It’s been a winner of various festivals. The Vilnius Snowmobile Safari is another great thing you cannot afford to miss. Guided tours near the Vilnius and Trakai will take visitors through the snowy beautiful national parks, cross the frozen lakes and rivers, tread through hilly terrain, through open landscapes and through the forest areas. Vilnius Quadbike ATV Safari is one great fun ride on specialized tracks. Powerful rides, climbing hills and crossing frozen lakes (especially during winter) can be something you can expect from Vilnius. The off road high-speed buggy racing will give you the thrill of adrenaline rush on the dirt tracks along with your buddies in a fun-filled environment. The Vilnius Yacht Regatta Sailing throws challenges as well as renders relaxation while one experiences the spirit of yachting.

Transportation and Getting Around in Vilnius

The central old quarter of Vilnius is compact and most of the sights can be visited on foot. Visitors that prefer to conserve their shoe leather can just make use of the city's very efficient network of several transport services including buses as well as trolleybuses. Taxis, though are relatively cheap, but ensure the driver has switched on the meter before leaving on the journey. Taxis are just available on the streets, or cane be hired as well from different places in the old town area. Private minibuses also are helpful to take you around, however, the routes are erratic and are also subject to change mid-journey, so they are disliked by majority of the visitors.

Driving is not suggested in the city that has heavy and undisciplined traffic. Despite this, there exist car hire companies to rent a car if you want to personally travel through the city. There are also bicycles available for rent, so you can leisurely pedal through the streets along the two wheels.

When in Baltic States take time to be in this part of the world and get all it offers for a fantastic vacation.