Sights Vilnius, Lithuania

Old Town
In the old city preserved houses built in 15-16 centuries. The main street of the Old Town - Didžioji (the Great). It starts from the Cathedral Square, passing by the building of the former Town Hall and ends at the gates of the chapel-Dawn Vartai (16 century). The chapel houses the famous icon of the Virgin Mary, became the object of worship with Catholics throughout Eastern Europe.

Gediminas Tower
Symbols of the city. Located on Castle Hill. The oldest of the mentioned in historical chronicles of castles of Vilnius. Tower - is all that remains of the once-mighty fortifications of the Upper Castle. The first wooden castle was erected in the early 13 th century. After the Vilnius was declared the capital of Lithuania, the castle began to strengthen the brick walls. Modern stone castle was built on the orders of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Vitatusa. Now ere equipped exhibition devoted to the history of the city, and on the roof - observation deck. This magnificent panorama of the Old City and the valley of the Neris River.

Cathedral
By its architecture resembles ancient Greek temple. The first cathedral was erected in the early 13 th century Lithuanian king Mindaugas. In 1387 in Lithuania was officially adopted Christianity, and this place was built a new cathedral, which existed before the fire in 1419. During the 16-18 centuries. Cathedral several times suffered from fires and floods and rebuilt many times. In the dark dungeons of the cathedral are dumping Lithuanian princes and boyars, as well as the remains of the foundations of an ancient church.

Church of St. Francis and Bernard
In 1469 Bermardin, settled in Vilnius, built a wooden church on the spot which was then erected a stone building. In the early 16 th century church was rebuilt. Originally the church was part of a defensive wall that once surrounded the city, which explains the relative modesty of the external design of the cathedral. Under the roof on the north facade still remain loopholes. In 1994 the church was returned to the Franciscan monks.

Church of St. Anne
A masterpiece of late Lithuanian Gothic. Relatively small church located in front of the church and Bernardine forms with a single architectural ensemble, as its dominant. Openwork facade of the church seemed to hover over the city. Originally, back in the 14 th century, this place was a wooden church. In 1495-1500 gg. Franciscan monks built a stone church, which after renovation in 1582 adopted a modern shape. Interesting fact - were used in the construction of thirty-three types of brick, it gave an opportunity to play with the texture and create unique designs.

Hill of Three Crosses
In the 13 century on the banks of the river rose so-called Vilna Crooked Castle. In 1390, he was burned by crusaders. In its place, in 1613 the first crosses were established in memory of the monks, martyred for the Christian faith. In 1916 the old wooden crosses were replaced with new concrete, designed by architect A. Vivulskisa. In the postwar years, Three Crosses, like many other religious monuments were blown up and buried. They were restored in 1989

Vilnius University
History of Vilnius University began in the Old City, which now has 12 university buildings. Cost to provide the university library, which was established a year later than the famous Oxford. It consists of several rooms that combine various architectural styles. Among the famous graduates of the University - Taras Shevchenko, Yanka Kupala, Adam Mickiewicz, Juliusz Slovak.