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General
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Printable Guide
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City Guide > Europe > Lithuania > Vilnius | |
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Key Attractions Old Town The sprawling old town was in a sorry state just a few years ago with crumbling facades and an air of general decay. The picture now is completely different with the buildings around central Didzioji positively gleaming. Aimless wandering is usually rewarded and those wanting to get a feel for how raffish the old town used to be should pop over the Vilnia to the Uzupis district, which has still largely to undergo gentrification. Cathedral Recently refurbished after being handed back to the church (under the Soviets it was used as an art gallery), the cathedral is now back to its stunningly white best. There has been a religious building on the site since the 13th century, with today’s incarnation largely the result of 18th century work. You cannot miss the freestanding belltower that lies between the main structure and Gedimino. Katedros 1 Tel: (5) 261 1127. Vilnius Castle A short walk (or an even quicker ride up the new funicular) brings you up to the small mound where the city’s modest castle nestles. The original 13th century fortifications have been modified throughout the centuries and now the castle also houses a museum. Good views. Castle Hill Tel: (5) 261 7453. KGB Museum The dark days of the Soviet occupation come alive at this chilling museum. The exhibits are housed in the actual building where anyone who had rankled the authorities was held, tortured and then either executed or condemned to the gulags. Auku 2a Tel: (5) 249 6264/2. Website: www.genocid.lt TV Tower The TV Tower boasts the most comprehensive views of the city, but is not for vertigo sufferers. There is a small café, although it is the views that people come to see. Look out also for the touching exhibition commemorating the sacrifice of 14 civilians who were murdered by Soviet tanks in 1991 during the independence struggle. Sausio 13-Osios 10 Tel: (5) 204 0300. Website: www.lrtc.lt |