The capital of Lithuania - the city of Vilnius has always been practically practically at the crossroads of different cultures, because at the same time he was part of Poland, then Russia, then the USSR, but nevertheless, he was the main city of the Lithuanian principality. It was the highest peak of the city, when the princess occupied the space from the Baltic to the Black Sea. Between the first and second world wars, the city was divided into the composition of Poland, while Kaunas was considered the capital of Lithuania. Vilnius was returned to Lithuania thanks to Soviet troops.
The center of Vilnius is very compact and it is easy in principle to go around on foot. You need to start from the Cathedral, which honestly does not really look like him. He, perhaps, rather resembles some kind of ancient temple, and he also reminds the building of the St. Petersburg Exchange. The fact is that they rebuilt them at about the same time. In fact, this temple is located on the site of the older pagan capital, traces of which, by the way, have been preserved in the basements. The dungeon is now a very interesting museum, which can be visited if desired.
Next to the Cathedral on the square you can see a monument to the legendary prince Ghedemin, which is considered the founder of Vilnius. The monument is relatively recent, since it was established after the independence of Lithuania in 1996. By the way, Prince Hemedein during his lifetime was a pagan and in general Lithuania, one of the most recent countries adopted Christianity.
Not far from the Cathedral and from the monument to Gedemin is located the palace of the Grand Princes Lithuanian, which was completely built anew in 2002-2009. The fact is that this palace really stood before in this very place, but was demolished because of the winds in 1799, when Lithuania was attached to the Russian Empire. The question remains open - how much this palace corresponds to the fact that it was originally stood here. By the way, the courtyard of this palace himself is greatly reminded by the courtyard in Krakow Castle Wawel.
Not far from the hill is, perhaps the most ancient building in Vilnius - Heademin Tower. Previously, this hill was completely seated with trees, but the authorities of the city were frightened that under their severity he will be asced to them and their spill. On the hill it can be easily climbed on foot, but if you wish, you can use the funicular. The tower has a museum that can be visited.
Next to the Hill Gedemin is another mountain with three concrete crosses. And although she for some reason is called bald, nevertheless, it is covered with violent vegetation. Initially, on this mountain, the crosses were established in memory of the tortured monks-Franciscan pagans in 1333, but after the independence of Lithuania, these crosses are also considered to be the monuments to the victims of Stalinism.
After all this it is worth going to Pyles Street, which is beyond any doubt is the most picturesque and souvenir-tourist street in Vilnius. Here you can infinity to admire each literally signboard, each showcase and each house. And here there are so many cute restaurants and cafes.
Then it is necessary to see the Pyatnitsky Church, which, oddly enough, is the very first in the city of a stone religious structure. In fact, the Orthodox churches in Lithuania began to build before the universal adoption of Christianity on this land, or rather from 1345. The church hangs a memorable plate, notifying that in 1745 the emperor Peter was visited here and listened to the prayer for the victory over the Swedes.
Very difficult fate fell to the stake of Church of the Holy Casimir, which looks very pretty and outside, and inside. Initially, he was built as a Catholic church, then burned several times. During the invasion of Napoleon, it was organized in it, then the Russians came here, they rebuilt the church under the Orthodox Church, during the First World War in the Church of the Church, the garrison Protestant Church for German soldiers was located, in the Soviet period in the building, the Museum of Religion and Atheism worked in the building And only in 1991 the church was finally returned to the Lono of the Catholic Church.
And of course, in Vilnius, you must certainly visit such an unusual district as a UPRIV, which is separated from the historic center of the city of Ville. This is generally self-proclaimed independent republic of artists and all sorts of different free creative personalities. You can just stroll, enjoy the spirit of freedom and look at all sorts of different graffiti.