Since I didn’t remember where I stayed the first time I was in Vilnius, I booked a hotel right downtown. There is nothing better than being smack dab in the middle of things. So when I arrived quite late, I got a taxi to my hotel only to learn that it had overbooked. My new hotel was right around the corner, plus I got an upgrade to a 5* star. Not too bad when starting a vacation. The hotel Narutis is in a beautiful old building with the reception in a covered courtyard.
the inner courtyard of Hotel Narutis @Vilnius
From there it was just a short walk in the morning to the Cathedral Square where the Free Walking Tours in Vilnius met in front of the Gediminas‘ Monument. The Cathedral Square has monumental dimensions. It’s awe inspiring standing on such a large square which looks completely empty in the morning.
Gediminas monument @Vilnius
empty Cathedral square in the morning @Vilnius
Passing the presidential palace, which doesn’t really look like much, the town hall,
the town hall of Vilnius @Lithuania
and an old church with a really big tower, we entered the Republic of Užupis. Yes, you read that correctly. Vilnius hosts the independent Republic of Užupis, with it’s own constitution. It is proclaimed in dozens of languages along a wall within the Republic.
old church tower @Vilnius
the constitution of the Republic of Užupis @Vilnius
The Republic enchants the visitor with a variety of art installations and a Bohemian flair. Personally I liked best the idea that one has to cross a bridge to enter it.
crossing the bridge into the Republic of Užupis @Vilnius
outdoor terrace underneath an angel with a trumpet @Republic of Užupis
an artist’s workshop and some of his works @Republic of Užupis
a rocking zebra @Republic of Užupis
Leaving over another bridge we arrived at the place from which the revolution of the Baltics against the Soviet Union started. At least according to our guide at the monument to Adam Mickiewicz, right next to Gothic St. Anne’s and St. Francis of Assisi churches, the Lithuanian flag was first shown in 1988. This was the start to the Singing Revolution.
Gothic churches and a historic monument @Vilnius
Although both churches are Gothic the St. Anne’s in front looks so much more delicate, especially with the separate clock tower on the right hand side.
St. Anne’s church and clock tower @Vilnius
The guide lead us through an artistic alley, not only the Republic of Užupis has those, back to the main tourist street and we said our goodbyes after a good two hour long tour. Yours, Pollybert
