Vilnius Region
Vilniaus apskritis
History
Vilnius Region takes its name from the city of Vilnius, which Grand Duke Gediminas established as the capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania in 1323, according to letters he sent inviting merchants and craftsmen to settle there. For centuries the area stood at the crossroads of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, absorbing Lithuanian, Polish, Jewish, Belarusian and Russian influences that shaped its towns and villages. In the twentieth century the region passed between Lithuanian, Soviet and Polish control before becoming part of independent Lithuania again in 1990. Today it forms the political, economic and cultural heart of the modern Lithuanian state.
Culture
The region blends the cosmopolitan energy of Vilnius, famed for its Baroque churches and sprawling old town, with quiet rural districts where Catholic traditions and folk customs remain strong. It is notably multiethnic, with sizeable Polish and other communities whose festivals, cuisine and crafts add to the local character. Old traditions such as the Kaziuko Fair in early March fill the streets with handmade goods, verba palm bouquets and regional foods.
Language
Lithuanian is the official language, but Polish, Russian and Belarusian are also widely heard in and around Vilnius. A simple "labas" (hello) and "ačiū" (thank you) are always appreciated by locals.
Best time to visit
Late spring through early autumn when the Old Town terraces and surrounding forests are at their best.
Places to visit
- Vilnius Old Town — One of Europe's largest and best-preserved baroque old towns, a UNESCO World Heritage Site laced with churches, courtya…
- Gediminas Tower and Castle Hill — The red-brick tower crowning Castle Hill is the surviving remnant of Vilnius's Upper Castle and a national symbol of Li…
- Vilnius Cathedral and Square — The neoclassical cathedral with its freestanding bell tower forms the ceremonial heart of Vilnius, containing the ornat…
- Trakai Island Castle — A picturesque red-brick Gothic castle set on an island in Lake Galvė, once the residence of Lithuanian grand dukes. Rea…
- Užupis — A bohemian riverside district that declared itself an independent 'republic' with its own tongue-in-cheek constitution…
- Hill of Three Crosses — White monument crosses standing on a green hill above the old town, rebuilt after Soviet demolition as a symbol of reme…
- Gate of Dawn — The last surviving city gate of Vilnius, housing a revered chapel with the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary, a major…
- Kernavė — A UNESCO-listed archaeological reserve with a series of grassy medieval hillforts overlooking the Neris valley, often c…
- Europos Parkas — An open-air sculpture park marking the geographical centre of Europe, set in rolling woodland north of Vilnius. It show…
- Paneriai Memorial — A sombre forest site south of Vilnius where tens of thousands were murdered during the Holocaust, now a memorial and mu…
- Aukštadvaris Regional Park — A landscape of lakes, forests and hills southwest of Trakai, famous for the mysterious 'Devil's Pit' sinkhole. It offer…
Where to eat
- Sweet Root (Modern Lithuanian, seasonal tasting menu, Užupis). Order: Seasonal tasting menu with beetroot and local game.
- Nineteen18 (Contemporary fine dining, Old Town). Order: Chef's degustation menu.
- Ertlio Namas (Historic Lithuanian, Old Town). Order: Historic Grand Duchy roast with grain garnish.
- Lokys (Traditional Lithuanian, game, Old Town). Order: Roast beaver or wild boar.
- Etno Dvaras (Traditional Lithuanian, Old Town). Order: Cepelinai (potato dumplings).
- Bistro 18 (European bistro, Old Town). Order: Beef stew with mashed potatoes.
- Gaspar's (Indian & Southeast Asian, Užupis). Order: Lamb rogan josh.
- Momo Grill (Steakhouse, City Centre). Order: Ribeye steak.
- Amandus (Modern gastronomy, City Centre). Order: Signature tasting menu.
- Pilies Kepyklėlė (Café & Lithuanian bakery, Old Town). Order: Šakotis and apple pie.
- Belmontas (Lithuanian, waterfall setting, Belmontas (Pavilnys)). Order: Grilled trout.
- Trakų Dvaras (Karaim & Lithuanian, Trakai). Order: Kibinai (baked meat pastries).
- Kybynlar (Karaim, Trakai). Order: Beef kybynai.
- Terrasa (Mediterranean, rooftop, Šnipiškės). Order: Grilled octopus.
- Senoji Kibininė (Karaim & Lithuanian, Trakai). Order: Lamb kibinai.