Thursday, March 16, 2006

Vilnius

I was for the first time in Vilnius in 1998, but I have to confess that, as usual, I haven't had the opportunity to discover the city. This time, also because I was with local friends, I had the opportunity to find out its wonders.

Vilnius is a cosmopolitan city with diverse architecture. According to G., there are more than 40 churches in Vilnius to see. Restaurants, hotels and museums have sprouted since Lithuania declared independence in 1990, and young Vilnius residents are providing the city a reputation for being the most hospitable in the world.

Like most medieval towns, Vilnius has developed around its Town Hall. The main artery, Pilies Street, links the governor's palace and the Town Hall. Other streets meander through the palaces of feudal lords and landlords, churches, shops and craftsmen's workrooms. Narrow, curved streets and small cosy courtyards developed in the radial layout of the medieval Vilnius.

The Old Town, historical centre of Vilnius, is known as one of the largest in Europe. The most valuable historic and cultural sites are concentrated here. The buildings in the old town were built over several centuries, creating a splendid blend of many different architectural styles. Although Vilnius is often called a baroque city, here you can find some buildings of gothic, renaissance and other styles. The main sights of the city are the Gediminas Castle and the Cathedral Square, symbols of the capital. Their combination is also a gateway to the historic centre of the capital. Because of its uniqueness, the Old Town of Vilnius was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994.

In 1995, one of the only two known casts of Frank Zappa was installed in the center of Vilnius with the permission of the government. This is enough to prove that Vilnius is a nice place!

0 Comments:

Post a Comment

<< Home