The
political centre of the Grand Duchy
of Lithuania from the 13th to 18th
century, Vilnius had a profound
influence on the cultural and architectural
development of much of Eastern
Europe. Despite invasions and partial
destruction, the
city has managed to preserve an
impressive mixture
of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque
and classical buildings amongst
its medieval layout and natural
setting.
Vilnius’ Old Town is one
of the largest in Eastern Europe
and in Cathedral Square just below
the castle, work continues to rebuild
the Royal Palace destroyed by the
Russians in 1802. The Town Hall
Square is the traditional centre
of trade and events in the city.
As far back as early 15th century,
the square was bordered by small
shops. Similar to most medieval
towns, Vilnius was developed around
the Town Hall and central Pilies
Street linked the governors’ palace
and the Town Hall. Other winding
streets throughout the Old Town
connected the palaces of feudal
lords and landlords, churches,
shops and craftsmen’s workshops.
Narrow, curved streets and small
courtyards developed the radial
layout of the medieval Vilnius.
Since Lithuania became a member
of the World Trade Organization
and joined the EU in May 2004,
foreign investment has continued
to grow. Vilnius’ Old Town
is included in UNESCO's World Heritage
List and will become the European
Capital of Culture in 2009. Expansion
of cultural and leisure infrastructure
is planned with total investment
of c. € 0.5 billion. Currently
a whole new section of the city
is being developed along the right
bank of the Neris River where a
gray commuter suburb stood during
Soviet times. The first phases
of the project include the Europa
Center, the tallest tower in the
Baltics at 150 meters (c. 500 feet).
While visiting Vilnius, take an
excursion from Vilnius to Kaunas
and drop in the 15th century Trakai
Castle. This is known to be the
only castle island in the entire
territory of Eastern Europe. Trakai
is also interesting because over
30 Karaim families live here, representatives
of a Turkish ethnic group whose
ancestors were invited by the Grand
Duke of Lithuania, Vytautas the
Great, to guard his castle in the
14th century. The Karaim community
has preserved their religion, customs
and culture up to the present.
Concerts and theatre festivals
are organized in the Trakai Castle
throughout the year.
|
Direct flights
to Vilnius are available from London
Gatwick airport via a number of
airlines including British Airways,
Lithuanian Airlines, SAS and Air
Baltic.
Discount airline Ryanair flies
to Kaunas, Lithuania from London
Stansted, Liverpool and Dublin.
Vilnius airport is just 5km from
the centre of the city. A taxi
will cost about 25-30Lt, depending
on the time of day and negotiation
with the driver.
It is possible to arrive at Kaunas
Airport and take a bus to Vilnius
Bus Station (H-5) for 15Lt. Check
for a published bus schedule, but
they are thought to leave about
90 minutes after planes are scheduled
to land. The bus journey takes
about an hour and three-quarters.
|
