Today we’re going to continue telling you about interesting places to see in Lithuania. A tourist program for our foreign students includes an excursion around Vilnius. So, we’ll speak about places and landmarks which are especially popular with tourists.

Užupis – a Bohemian and artistic district

Užupis is a small district in the center of Vilnius which is considered a district of poets and artists. It was first mentioned in the 14th century. It is believed that Vilnius started to grow from this district.

In the middle ages, Užupis was home for tanners and millers. They were attracted by the favorable position of the area and the river Vilnele, where they macerate skin and grind grain. Gradually Užupis began to get rich, as the locals began to take a toll on the bridges across the river. In the 19th century, representatives of petty bourgeoisie, employees, and military of small ranks began to settle here. In the 1990s the district became very popular and prestigious. Then, artists proclaimed the independence of the republic of Užupis. It has its own anthem, constitution, flag, and army consisting of 12 soldiers.

Vilnius University

Vilnius University is one of the oldest and biggest universities in Eastern Europe. Since the date of its foundation in the 16th century Vilnius University has been an integral part of European science and culture.

The university has 12 faculties, 7 institutes, 4 centers, a garden, a museum, a library, an examination center, an information center, and other sections.  Now the university is listed among the most prestigious universities in the world.

Presidential Palace

The Presidential Palace is the official residence of the President of Lithuania. It’s also one of the most prominent and interesting landmarks in Vilnius.

The Palace traces its history back to the 14th century when Lithuania adopted Christianity. In the 16th century, during the days of Bishop Paulius Olšeniškis, who was one of the wealthiest bishops, the Palace was the next most impressive edifice after the Royal Castle. In the 20th century, the whole set of Palace’s buildings was reconstructed. Today, the Palace is the residence of the President.

The Vilnius Ghetto

The Vilnius ghetto is one of the Jewish ghettos that was established by the Nazis on the territory of Lithuania during the World War II. About 60,000 Jews lived in the city when in 1941 German army occupied Vilnius. At that time Jews comprised almost half of the country’s population, so there were 2 ghettos established in the city.

In the first one there were working population with children, and in the second one people who couldn’t work. Later, most of them were killed. Nowadays, in memory of the victims of the Holocaust in the former Vilnius ghetto there is the star of David made from stones.

KGB Museum

KGB Museum is the museum of genocide victims. It’s located in the central part of Vilnius in the building of former KGB – the Soviet Secret Police. The Museum was founded on the decree of the Minister of Culture and Education of Lithuania in 1992. In the museum, you can see the exhibits devoted to the events of 1940, as well as KGB offices.

That’s all we wanted to tell you about landmarks in Vilnius. We hope you liked the information.