| Vilnius City Breaks |
Vilnius City Breaks
Almost until the middle of the 16th century, houses in Vilnius were built without any layout and order. Only in 1536, the duke ordered the houses to be built in rows and in compliance with the map prepared in advance by the magistrate. This is how the streets emerged. Unfortunately, due to frequent fires they used to change their direction very often or disappeared at all. Many streets had arches and gates at the beginning and end, even in the middle.
Now the main tourism routes start at the Cathedral Square and go to the Dawn Gate through Pilies Street.
Streets in Lithuanian language are called ‘gatvė’ or ‘g.’, and squares are called ‘aikštė’ or ‘a.’.
Previously an important route was leading through this street from the capital to the famous castles of Lithuania such as Medininkai, Krėva, Lyda, etc. Therefore, Dawn Gate Street was also called Medininkų Street and the Dawn Gate – the Medininkų Gate. No houses were built on the other side of these gates but the cemetery was maintained there until the 18th century. In 1503, the magistrate of the city ordered to build a guest house in Dawn Gate Street for foreign merchants wishing to stay for a night. Unfortunately, this building did not survive.
 
Among the remaining significant buildings in this street the following are worth to be mentioned: National Philharmonic, Sts Joseph and Nicodemus Church, Orthodox Church of the Holy Spirit, Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity.
Southern architecture beneath the northern sky, the Vilnius amphitheater nestled among hills, invaded by groves and barren areas, summer cumuli and autumn haze – all this gives a breathtaking view and radiates the spirit of freedom and individuality of Europe.
It is not surprising that the capital city of Lithuania is fast becoming one of the most popular destinations in Eastern Europe. The Lithuanian‘s Capital is appreciated as an attractive place, certainly worth visiting.
Whether you are a fan of architecture or social life, opera or basketball, shopping or street festivals, Vilnius is an ideal city break when traveling near the Baltic States or Scandinavia.
 
If you haven‘t heard much about Vilnius in the past, expect to in the future. So don‘t wait! Add Vilnius to your list of must city breaks. You may come for a short stay and never quite get around to leaving. Then you‘ll be the one asking... have you heard of Vilnius?
The capital was first mentioned in the written sources of the 12th century. And in 1323 Vilnius was named the city. Throughout a couple of centuries it became a constantly growing and developing city because in 1579 the university was established here. It was the first university of this type in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania but it soon developed into an important scientific and cultural centre of Europe. Of course, political, economic and social life was also in full swing here. This is proved by the statutes issued in the 16th century. By the way, the last of them was in force until the 19th century.
Just like all medieval towns, Vilnius was developing around the Town Hall. The central Pilies Street linked the governors’ palace and the Town Hall. Other streets, winding like rivulets in the spring, made their way between the palaces of feudal lords and landlords, churches, shops and craftsmen workrooms. Narrow, curved streets and small cosy courtyards developed to the radial layout of the medieval Vilnius.
 
Rapidly developing Vilnius was open for foreigners coming both from the east and the west. Because of that, strong communities of Poles, Russians, Jews, Germans, Karaimes, etc. began to form here. Each of them made their contribution to the formation of the city: at that time crafts, trade and science were prospering in Vilnius. The city was developing rapidly and at the beginning of the 19th century it was the third largest town in the region of Eastern Europe. Only Moscow and St. Petersburg were larger.
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