Articles

In & Around Vilnius, Lithuania

Day Trips, In & Around Vilnius: 

Old Town: 

The city's historic core is stunning, centered around a well-preserved and expansive baroque old town.

The Old Town is one of the biggest and most beautiful in Europe

Gediminas Castle: 

After walking up to the Castle Hill, climb the 78 steps up the western tower of the Higher Castle to admire the breathtaking view of Vilnius. The red brick tower is now all that remains of the Higher Castle. Dating back to the 14th century,  the castle was rebuilt in 1419 by the Grand Duke Vytautas following the great fire of Vilnius. 

As the time passed, some castle towers and defensive walls got ruined. The western tower was nicely restored and is open for viewing 

Vilnius University: 

The University of Vilnius was founded in 1579. It is one of the oldest and most famous establishments of higher education in Eastern and Central Europe.

   Functioning from a long time as the only school of higher learning in Lithuania, it was a keeper of cultural and scientific traditions, and has played a significant role in the cultural life not only of Lithuania but of the neighboring countries as well.

During more than four centuries of its existence, the University of Vilnius has seen periods of growth and decline, revival and closure. The University is a unique witness to the history of the Lithuanian state

A Half-day tour to Trakai: 

Trakai, the ancient capital of Lithuania, 30 km outside of Vilnius, is situated on an island in the middle of a lake. 

Trakai region features unique views: a combination of numerous unbelievably pure lakes and moraine hills create a breathtaking sight. 

'The Town on the Water', as Trakai usually called, is also particularly rich in architectural and cultural monuments: there are more than 300 of them. The main landmark of the town is the famous insular Trakai Castle situated on the island in the Galve Lake. 

Nowadays this is the only extant insular castle in Eastern Europe. 
The town was built in the  14th c. and in the 15-16th centuries it served as the residence of the Grand Duke and his family. 
This is when the town and the castle prospered. The noblemen and ambassadors came to Trakai from all over Europe, luxurious feasts were held here, legendary treasures were kept in the castle's cellar.
By the end of the 16th c. the town gradually lost its former political importance. It was outgrown by Vilnius. 

Nowadays you can visit the famous insular castle and plunge into the fascinating medieval atmosphere that has been carefully preserved here