Vilnius City Guide

Cathedral, Old Town & Užupis

From the broad Cathedral Square with its neoclassical cathedral and belfry to the rebuilt Palace of the Grand Dukes, up the Gediminas Tower for the panorama. Along the lively Pilies gatvė to the filigree St. Anne's Church and into the artists' republic of Užupis. Back to the neoclassical Town Hall Square and the Gate of Dawn with its revered Marian chapel.

1. Cathedral Square & Bell Tower – The walk begins on the broad Cathedral Square, the city's heart. The neoclassical cathedral with its temple façade and the free-standing, 57-metre belfry form the landmark; set in the paving, the "Stebuklas" tile marks the spot where you may make a wish by turning around. Behind rises the castle hill with the Gediminas Tower.
2. Palace of the Grand Dukes – Behind the cathedral stands the faithfully rebuilt Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania. Once a mighty Renaissance and Baroque residence, it was the centre of one of Europe's largest realms; today the restored state rooms and archaeological foundations tell the story of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.
3. Gediminas' Tower – The Gediminas Tower is the last remnant of the upper castle on the hill above the city, Lithuania's national symbol. Reach it on foot or by the small funicular lift; from the platform you get the finest all-round view over the old town's Baroque sea, its towers and the river.
4. Pilies gatvė – Pilies gatvė (Castle Street) is the old town's lively main artery: a cobbled lane full of cafés, restaurants, amber shops and street performers, running from Cathedral Square into the heart of the Baroque quarter. A good place to soak up lively Vilnius.
5. St. Anne's Church – St. Anne's Church is a masterpiece of brick Gothic: a filigree red façade of 33 different brick shapes, as playful as lace. Legend says Napoleon was so taken that he wished to "carry it to Paris on the palm of his hand". A delicate landmark amid the Baroque city.
6. Užupis – Across the little Vilnelė river lies Užupis, the artists' quarter that in 1997 tongue-in-cheek declared itself an independent "republic" - with its own constitution posted in many languages on a wall ("Everyone has the right to be happy"). Galleries, studios, cafés and the angel statue on the square make its relaxed, creative charm.
7. Rotušės aikštė (Town Hall Square) – The Rotušės aikštė is the neoclassical Town Hall Square, a broad, bright space with the old town hall and its columned portico as the focal point. Cafés and restaurants line it, and it serves as a stage for markets, concerts and festivals - a relaxed spot halfway to the Gate of Dawn.
8. Gate of Dawn (Aušros Vartai) – To finish, the Gate of Dawn, the only survivor of Vilnius's once nine city gates. Above the archway sits a small chapel with the "Mother of Mercy", one of Eastern Europe's most venerated Marian icons, drawing pilgrims from across Lithuania, Poland and Belarus. A quiet, spiritual end to the route.