Old Town - part 1: Cathedral Square, Belfry, Town Hall Square, Pilies street, Didzioji street,
Gate of Dawn, Russian-Orthodox Churches, Presidential Palace, Vilnius University

Vilnius has one of Europe's largest Old Towns, Senamiestis, that has been a UNESCO Heritage site since 1994. It is the heart of Vilnius city center, and is filled with historic churches and other buildings, many of them in baroque and neo-classicist style with white exteriors, making the Old Town look very light and elegants. The buildings in the Old Town (Senamiestis) are in a much better shape then in many other parts of the city.

The southern gate to the Old Town is called the Gate of Dawn. From there you can walk Northwards on Didzioji gatve, a nice pedestrian street filled with beautiful churches, open air restaurants, luxury hotels and souvenir stores. Halfway along the street you pass the Town Hall Square (Rotušės aikštė), where you find the neo-classicist Town Hall, the Astoria Hotel, Ramada Hotel, restaurants and some beautiful churches like the Church of St Casimir, a beautiful baroque church. From there the street changes name to Pilies gatve before it ends at Cathedral Square (Katedros aikštė), that is the heart of Vilnius. Here you find the Vilnius Cathedral and the Bell Tower (newly refurbished and can be climbed to the top), as well as the Statue of the Grand Duke Gediminas and the Kempinski Hotel. The cathedral is impressive and built in neo-classicist style, completed in 1783. It was used for the coronations of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania. At the Cathedral Square you find the Lower Castle. Part of it is called the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, a white 15th century palace that might look very old but was reconstructed just a few years ago and houses the National Museum, that we visited. One year it was used as one of the main venues for the meetings of heads of European countries. From the backside of the square, a funicular takes you up to a hill where you find the Gediminas Tower, a ruin that was part of the Upper Castle. Inside the tower you will find an exhibition and great 360 degrees views of Vilnius old and newer parts. From Cathedral Square, Vilnius main avenue begins. It is called Gedimino Avenue and goes westwards towards River Neris.
In the Old Town you will also find the white neo classicist Presidential Palace (that has housed both Napoleon and Alexander I, it's garden is open to public) and next to it the Vilnius University complex with its's significant tower and courtyard in baroque style, the university is the oldest in the Baltic countries. Several Russian-Orthodox churches can also be found in the Old Town. They can be visited but it is not allowed to take photos inside. We stayed in a rent apartment just to the West of the Old Town.

A small part of the Easternmost part of the Old Town is part of the Republic of Uzupis, that was declared an independent republic in the 90s and has an own page here on the site.

Cathedral Square, the heart of Vilnius. At the square you find the Vilnius Cathedral, the Belfry and the newly constructed Palace of the Grand Dukes. Before the 19th century the area was densely populated. Russian military parades used to be held here, but during our visit it was the focus point of the Marathon. Cathedral Square with the Bell Tower and the beginning of Gedinomo Avenue. Cathedral Square with the Cathedral and the Belfry, and further to the right the recently reconstructed Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania. Tourists at Cathedral Square Statue of Grand Duke Gediminas in front of Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania on Cathedral Square that was recently reconstructed. Gedinomo Avenue, Vilnius main avenue, begins at Cathedral Square. Vilnius Cathedral. The main Roman Catholic Cathedral of Lithuania. It was built 1779-1783 in neoclassical style. The coronation of the grand dukes of Lithuania took place here. It was thoroughly renovated 2006-2008. Frescos and Baroque style sculptures can be found inside the Cathedral, that can be entered from the Cathedral Square, and it's exterior is facing Gedimino Avenue. Vilnius Cathedral. The main Roman Catholic Cathedral of Lithuania. It was built 1779-1783 in neoclassical style. The coronation of the grand dukes of Lithuania took place here. It was thoroughly renovated 2006-2008. Frescos and Baroque style sculptures can be found inside the Cathedral, that can be entered from the Cathedral Square, and it's exterior is facing Gedimino Avenue. Vilnius Cathedral 009 Vilnius Cathedral 003 Flag of the Grand Dukes, Cathedral Square Vilnius Cathedral 002 Vilnius Cathedral 005 Vilnius Cathedral 006 Organ of the Vilnius Cathedral. Vilnius Cathedral 008 Vilnius Cathedral 010 Vilnius Cathedral 011 Relief of Pope John Paul II, Vilnius Cathedral Vilnius Cathedral 013 Vilnius Cathedral 014 Vilnius Cathedral. A wedding took place during our visit. Vilnius Cathedral 016 Vilnius Cathedral 017 Vilnius Cathedral 001 The Bell Tower on Cathedral Square, 57 m tall with the cross, is situated opposite the Cathedral, seperated from it, that is uncommon outside Italy. It had been closed for a decade but recently opened again, so we climbed the narrow stairs up to the top of the belfry, where great views where offered, as well as an exposition of bells. Keep in mind that the bells suddenly rings very loud, while you climb the steep stairs! There are surveillance cameras that can be watched and steered by the visitors. The tower was in the 13th century part of the city wall. Top of the Belfry at Cathedral Square Inside the Belfry Inside the Belfry Cathedral Square seen from the Belfry Inside the Belfry Cathedral Square 019 Inside the Belfry Inside the Belfry Cathedral Square 022Inside the Belfry The Cathedral and Gedinimas Tower seen from the Belfry. Cathedral Square 027 Cathedral Square 030 "Stebuklas" means "miracle". This is a tile on Cathedral Square , between the cathedral and the belfry. The legend says that if you swish around four times on the spot and say this word, you can wish you something. Cathedral Square 033 Cathedral Square 001 Cathedral Square 002 Gedinomo Avenue, Vilnius main avenue, begins at Cathedral Square. Vilnius Cathedral, main entrance on Cathedral Square Vilnius Cathedral The Cathedral Belfry Cathedral Square 007 Vilnius Marathon on Cathedral Square. Vilnius Marathon on Cathedral Square. Vilnius Marathon on Cathedral Square. Around Cathedral Square Kempinski Hotel Cathedral Square, a 5 star hotel. Kempinski Hotel Cathedral Square, a 5 star hotel. Didzioji street (Dizioji gatve) is a short pedestrian street filled with historic buildings, beautiful churches, open air restaurants, luxury hotels and souvenir stores. It goes from the Gate of Dawn, by Town Hall Square and the University, and ends near the Cathedral Square before it changes name to Pilies street. Didzioji street (Dizioji gatve) is a short pedestrian street filled with historic buildings, beautiful churches, open air restaurants, luxury hotels and souvenir stores. It goes from the Gate of Dawn, by Town Hall Square and the University, and ends near the Cathedral Square before it changes name to Pilies street. Gate of Dawn, Didzioji street. The gate to the Old Town, built 1503-1522 as part of the defense wall. It is the only one of the city gate that wasn't destroyed in the 18th century. The icon of Our Lady of the Gate of Dawn can be seen inside the gate, that is of religious, cultural and historical importance. Didzioji street 004 St Theresa's Church, Didzioji street. Baroque church built in 1650. St Theresa's Church St Theresa's Church Didzioji street 008 Didzioji street 009 St Theresa's Church, Didzioji street.The first one of many weddings we saw in Vilnius. St Theresa's Church, Didzioji street.The first one of many weddings we saw in Vilnius. The Russian Orthodox Church of the Holy Spirit, entrance at Didzioji street. Rebuilt in late baroque style in the 18th century after it had been destroyed by a fire. The Russian Orthodox Church of the Holy Spirit, Didzioji street. Rebuilt in late baroque style in the 18th century after it had been destroyed by a fire. The Russian Orthodox Church of the Holy Spirit, Didzioji street. Rebuilt in late baroque style in the 18th century after it had been destroyed by a fire. The Russian Orthodox Church of the Holy Spirit, Didzioji street. Rebuilt in late baroque style in the 18th century after it had been destroyed by a fire. View towards another church on the opposite side of Didzioji street. Medieval restaurant, Didzioji street. Didzioji street towards St. Theresa's Church Europa Royale Hotel, Didzioji street. Holy Trinity Church & Basilian Gate, Didzioji street. A famous symbol can be found on top of this baroque gate that is part of the church. Holy Trinity Church & Basilian Gate, Didzioji street. A famous symbol can be found on top of this baroque gate that is part of the church. This wellknown mysterious symbol can be found on top of Basilian Gate, the same symbol can be found on American dollar bills. Basilian Gate, Didzioji street. Skyline behind the old town, seen from Didzioji street. Ramada Hotel ( 5 star) and a church, Didzioji street 023 Didzioji street 024 Lithuanian National Philharmonic concert hall, Didzioji street. Didzioji street 026 Lamborghini on Didzioji street Old Mercedes on Didzioji street Didzioji street 029 Didzioji street 030 Church of St. Casimir at Town Hall Square. A roman catholic baroque church built in 1618. Built by the Jesuits as the first baroque church in Vilnius. In 1963 it was used as a Museum of Atheism, but was reconsecrated in 1991. Church of St. Casimir at Town Hall Square. A roman catholic baroque church built in 1618. Built by the Jesuits as the first baroque church in Vilnius. In 1963 it was used as a Museum of Atheism, but was reconsecrated in 1991. Didzioji street 032 Didzioji street 033 Didzioji street 034 Street art on Didzioji street. Didzioji street 036 Didzioji street 037 Didzioji street 038 Didzioji street 039 Didzioji street 040 University tower at the intersection Sv Jono gatve/Didzioji gatve. This baroque tower is a landmark of Vilnius Old Town.The university was founded in 1579. Didzioji street 042 Didzioji street 043 Didzioji street 044 Didzioji street 045 Didzioji street 046 A cat sitting on a BMW car on Didzioji street! Didzioji street 048 Another church seen from Didzioji street. Didzioji street 050 St Parasceve Orthodox Church, Didzioji street Didzioji street 052 Didzioji street 053 Didzioji street 054 Didzioji street 057 Didzioji street 058 Air balloon above Didzioji street Didzioji street 060 Gate of Dawn, Didzioji street. The gate to the Old Town, built 1503-1522 as part of the defense wall. It is the only one of the city gate that wasn't destroyed in the 18th century. The icon of Our Lady of the Gate of Dawn can be seen inside the gate, that is of religious, cultural and historical importance. Pilies street, the short extension of Didioji street close to Cathedral Square, is where you find most open air restaurants. Pilies street, the short extension of Didioji street close to Cathedral Square, is where you find most open air restaurants. Pilies street, the short extension of Didioji street close to Cathedral Square, is where you find most open air restaurants. Side street to Pilies street Pilies street Nice traditional restaurant on Pilies street with good, cheap food, nice atmosphere and superb service. Nice traditional restaurant on Pilies street with good, cheap food, nice atmosphere and superb service. Nice traditional restaurant on Pilies street with good, cheap food, nice atmosphere and superb service. Nice traditional restaurant on Pilies street with good, cheap food, nice atmosphere and superb service. Nice traditional restaurant on Pilies street with good, cheap food, nice atmosphere and superb service. Didzioji street 073 Didzioji street 074 Didzioji street towards Basilian Gate and Gate of Dawn. Didzioji street 077 Gate of Dawn, southern facade. This is the side where you enter the Old Town. Gate of Dawn, the border to the Old Town on Bazilijono gatve. Gate of Dawn, southern facade. This is the side where you enter the Old Town. Gate of Dawn, southern facade. This is the side where you enter the Old Town. Gate of Dawn, the gate to the Old Town, Northern exterior seen from Didzioji street. The gate to the Old Town, built 1503-1522 as part of the defense wall. It is the only one of the city gate that wasn't destroyed in the 18th century. The icon of Our Lady of the Gate of Dawn can be seen inside the gate, that is of religious, cultural and historical importance. Wizzair plane above Gate of Dawn! London taxi at Town Hall Square. The Town Hall (Vilniaus rotušė) on Town Hall Square. Originally built in gothic style, but the current building is a neo-classical building from1799. It was hosted by a fashion show during our visit. Town Hall Square 036 Fashion show at the Town Hall, Town Hall Square. St Nicholas Orthodox Church, Town Hall Square. Rebuilt in 1748 as gothic, later gothic and now byzantine style. Church of St. Casimir at Town Hall Square. A roman catholic baroque church built in 1618. Built by the Jesuits as the first baroque church in Vilnius. In 1963 it was used as a Museum of Atheism, but was reconsecrated in 1991. Radisson Royal Astoria Hotel, Town Hall Square. Orthodox Church of St Nicholas, Town Hall Square. Orthodox Church of St Nicholas, Town Hall Square. Town Hall Square 006 Town Hall Square 007 Town Hall Square towards St Nicholas Church. Town Hall Square towards the Swedish Embassy and St Nicholas Orthodox Church. Church of St. Casimir and shopping mall, Town Hall Square 038 Town Hall Square 015 Town Hall Square fountain and Didzioji street. Town Hall Square 009 Town Hall Square with the Town Hall (Vilniaus rotušė). Originally built in gothic style, but the current building is a neo-classical building from1799 Fashion show inside the Town Hall. Town Hall Square 004 Shopping mall at Town Hall Square 010 Town Hall Square seen from the Town Hall. Town Hall Square seen from the Town Hall. Town Hall Square seen from the Town Hall. Town Hall Square fountain Town Hall Square 014 Town Hall Square 029 Town Hall Square 016 Town Hall Square 017 Town Hall Square 031 Town Hall Square 018 Town Hall Square 032 The Swedish Embassy, Town Hall Square. The Swedish Embassy, Town Hall Square. Art deco building at Town Hall Square. Town Hall Square 023 Town Hall Square. Yet another Swedish bank. Town Hall Square 040 Town Hall Square 041 Horse carriage at the Town Hall Square. Ramada Hotel, a 5 star hotel with a castle like interior at Town Hall Square. Pilies street 001 Pilies street 002 Pilies street 003 Side street to Pilies street. Atrium Hotel, Pilies street Signs to cities abroad, Pilies street Pilies street has many open air restaurants. Pilies street 008 Presidential Palace and University 001 University Neo-classicist building next to the Presidential Palace Presidential Palace. Since 1997 the official seat of the president of Lithuania. It dates back from the 14th century, but has been extensively renovated in 1834. Both the Russian Tsar Alexander I and the French Emperor Napoleon have used the palace as a residence. There is a garden inside the palace, that is open to public, but they scan the bags. Presidential Palace. Since 1997 the official seat of the president of Lithuania. It dates back from the 14th century, but has been extensively renovated in 1834. Both the Russian Tsar Alexander I and the French Emperor Napoleon have used the palace as a residence. There is a garden inside the palace, that is open to public, but they scan the bags. The Presidential Palace is situated in the Old Town, next to the University. The Presidential Palace is situated in the Old Town, next to the University. Both Napoleon and Alexander I have used it. Presidential Palace and University 008 The square in front of the Presidential Palace and the University. Presidential Palace and University 010 Vilnius University. The oldest university in the Baltic states, founded in 1579. There is a beautiful outdoor baroque courtyard inside. University street (Universiteto gatve) University street (Universiteto gatve) University street (Universiteto gatve) University street (Universiteto gatve) University street (Universiteto gatve) towards the University tower. Presidential Palace and University 019 Lost of police cars and limousine approach the Presidential Palace with sirens. Probably an important politican that arrived. That was just before our intended visit to the palace's gardens, that we cancelled! Lost of police cars and limousine approach the Presidential Palace with sirens. Probably an important politican that arrived. That was just before our intended visit to the palace's gardens, that we cancelled! Streetscape of the Old Town 001 Streetscape of the Old Town 002 The Ministry of National Defence of the Republic of Lithuania and Artis Centrum Hotel, Totoriu street. Streetscape of the Old Town 004 Streetscape of the Old Town 005 Streetscape of the Old Town 006 Streetscape of the Old Town 007