Vilnius
I liked all the Baltic cities, but if I were to pick a favourite of all the fascinating ones we visited in the Baltics, it would be Vilnius. It is the biggest of these cities with a tremendous variety of buildings and areas to see. All of them had long and complicated histories, but Vilnius seemed to have more than the rest. There is no way I can give a potted history here – it would take too long, so best check out your favourite encyclopaedia.
The Town Hall & the Town Hall Square are the hub of the city with most of the areas of interest radiating away from it.
The Old Town
The Medeine statue. Medeine is a significant figure in Lithuanian pagan folklore being the mistress of the woods & its creatures.
The Jewish Dr Shabad endeared himself to the community by tending to the poor (& their pets as the little girl asks for help for her kitten) and was a prominent citizen. The original memorial was demolished by the Germans in WWII. This sculpture was created in 2007.
This Margutis Easter egg was originally set up in the “independent” artist’s area of Uzupis & then moved to a small square near the Town Hall in 2003.
The 16th century Gate of Dawn is one of the original defensive gates into the city. This gate was left standing when in the 18th century the city walls were removed. Notice on the side of the gate facing away from the city there are small round windows from which cannons could fire. Over the inner side of the gate there is a chapel with a “miraculous” icon of the Virgin associated with saving the city from the Swedes in the 1702 siege.
The old Glass Quarter is very colourful. I had Beaver Stew on our last night of the holiday in a restaurant in this area.
Vilnius University
Grand Courtyard of Vilnius University
The Seasons Frescoes in the Philology Centre created on the 400th anniversary of the founding of the University. They depict scenes and symbols from Lithuanian mythology, reflecting an archaic vision of the world painted in a naïve style. I would be far too distracted to do any studying in these rooms.
No doubting the country’s stance with this large NATO symbol in front of the Presidential Palace.
The Cathedral with its separate Bell Tower. Behind it to the right you can just see part of the large Ducal Palace that Ann is standing in front of.
Inside the large Ducal Palace Museum
The Hill of Three Crosses. A National Symbol of Martyrdom – so you guessed it the Russians bulldozed the original & it has since been recreated after they left. Fabulous views of the city from here.
Gediminas Tower is over my left shoulder.
Near to our trendy “Rock’n Roll” hotel was this Open Gallery industrial area
Our last Group Photo in front of the Town Hall
A very interesting holiday where I learnt a lot about the importance of striving for national & cultural identity. Coming from a relatively stable country, it’s something I just somehow took for granted without thinking about it.