Russian study abroad experience

Interesting places to see in Lithuania. Popular attractions in Vilnius. Part 1

Lithuania is a country located in the northern part of Europe. It borders with Latvia. In our today’s article, we’re going to tell you about interesting places you can see in Lithuania. We’ll speak about architectural and religious landmarks in Vilnius. Vilnius is a capital of Lithuania as well as one of the most beautiful […]

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Interesting places to see in Lithuania. Popular attractions in Vilnius. Part 1

Russian study abroad experience

Interesting places to see in Lithuania

Lithuania is a country located in the northern part of Europe. It borders with Latvia. In our today’s article, we’re going to tell you about interesting places you can see in Lithuania. We’ll speak about architectural and religious landmarks in Vilnius. Vilnius is a capital of Lithuania as well as one of the most beautiful and original cities in Europe.

Cathedral Square

The Cathedral Square is the city’s main square and landmark which is located in the center of the city at the bottom of the Castle Hill. During Soviet time, the square was called the Gediminas square. On the square, there are several historical and architectural monuments that are popular with foreign tourists. Every year the city square hosts various events, concerts, festivals, and celebrations.

Cathedral Square Vilnius

Initially, there was a fortress on the site of the square. The Vilnius Cathedral was first built here in the 14th century.  During the 19th century, the Cathedral Square had been reconstructed, the fortress was destroyed, then houses were demolished. Today, the square hosts St Stanislav and St Vladislav Cathedral, St Kazimir Chapel, the Cathedral’s Bell Tower, Duke Gediminas Monument, and the Palace of the Grand Dukes.

St Stanislav and St Vladislav Cathedral

St Stanislav and St Vladislav Cathedral is the main Roman Catholic cathedral in Vilnius. It is located in the historical center of the city at the bottom of the Castle Hill. The Cathedral is the most popular landmark which attracts lots of tourists and guests of the city.

St Stanislav and St Vladislav Cathedral Vilnius

It is considered that the cathedral was founded in the 15th century on the site of pagan temple. Since that time, it burned many times, was built again, and rebuilt. At the end of the 20th century it acquired its modern design and hasn’t changed it since then. The cathedral is built in a Classical style.  It is decorated with large columns, and on the roof, there are three statues: St. Stanislaus, St. Casimir, and St. Helena. The Cathedral hosts services, various activities and excursions for tourists, during which you can go inside this popular church.

Church of St Anne

The Gothic Church of St Anne is a Roman Catholic church and a masterpiece of Gothic architecture in Vilnius. It is one of the main symbols of the Lithuanian capital.

Church of St Anne Vilnius

The church was built in the 15th century in honor of Saint Anne. Originally it was built from wood, but one century later it was built from stone. Throughout its long history, the church was destroyed by fire and restored several times. Mikolaj Radziwill funded the reconstruction of the church and consecrated it in the late 16th century. The church’s majestic facade attracts lots of tourists from different countries. Anyone can visit the church, and at the weekend you can attend the mass served by monks from a nearby monastery.

Church of the Holy Spirit

The Orthodox Church and Monastery of the Holy Spirit is the most famous and only male monastery in Vilnius. The history of the monastery begins with the story of three vigilantes Anthony, John and Eustatius who were executed for their faith in the 14th century. 250 years later, Christians built a small church in the name of the Holy Spirit on the place where they were buried.

Church of the Holy Spirit, Vilnius

In the 17th century, according to the decree by the King Wladislaw IV, a stone church was built. The church was destroyed by fire several times. During its restoration after the Napoleonic wars, the relics of three martyrs were found in the crypt under the altar. Today, the church is open for visitor. Every day lots of people, both locals and tourists, come here.

St Apostles Peter and Paul’s Cathedral

St Apostles Peter and Paul’s Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church and architectural monument of Vilnius built in Baroque style. It is believed that in the past on the site of modern church there was a wooden church which was destroyed by fire in the late 16th century. The building of St Apostles Peter and Paul’s Cathedral we can see today was built in the middle of the 17th century. The founder of the church was Michal Kazimierz Pac, a rich man. Now, the whole complex of buildings of the cathedral is included in the Register of Cultural Values of the Republic of Lithuania and is protected by the state.

St Apostles Peter and Paul’s Cathedral, Vilnius

Visiting these attractions is included in the tourist plan for our foreign students. If you plan to visit Europe, we recommend you to spend a few days in Lithuania.

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