Vilnius Sightseeing

In Old Town, there are many old buildings from the 15-16 centuries.

The Gediminas Tower is the symbol of the city. It is built on the Tower Hill, and is the oldest of Vilnius castles that are mentioned in the chronicles.

Due to its architecture, it reminds of ancient Greek temples. The first cathedral was built in the beginning of 13th century by the Lithuanian king Mindaugas.

In 1469 Bernardian monks, whom settled in Vilnius, built a wooden church. Later, a stone building was built on the same place. In the beginning of 16 century, the church was rebuilt.

St. Anna’s Church is the masterpiece of late Lithuanian Gothic. Comparatively small church is built in front of Bernardian church and together with it forms a unified architectural ensemble, being its dominant. Openwork front of the church seems like floating above the city.

In the 13 century the so-called Crooked castle was towering from the bank of Vilna river. In 1390 it was burnt down by the crusaders. In 1613 the first crosses to commemorate the monks who accepted grievous death for Christianity were placed there.

The history of Vilnius University began in the Old City, where currently there are 12 university buildings.