MY TASTE OF THE BALTIC REPUBLICS #5 - VILNIUS (THE CAPITAL OF LITHUANIA)

Lithuania has been an independent country since 1990, after having remained under Soviet Union for almost 50 years. Vilnius, a masculine form of Vilnia river, is its capital and largest city, known as the Athens of the North. Characterized by historic architecture, such as...

Gediminas castle, now not much more than a tower, with its flag displaying the coat of arms of Lithuania flying from its roof. This tower is a symbol of Vilnius. Most of the Castle was destroyed by both neglect and war.                 

     
... and a cosmopolitan, laid back attitude. People looked relaxed, more cheerful and outspoken than in the cities previously visited. As I walked through the old town - a UNESCO World Heritage Site - , it was hard to imagine that until fairly recently it was part of the Soviet Union.

The three Muses sculpture at the Top of the National Drama Theatre,was a little scary-looking up close but everyone seemed to have a photo taken of Calliope, Thalia and Melpomene, the muses of drama, comedy and tragedy, respectively.

There are approximately a bazillion churches in Vilnius... This is in honour of St. Casimirs, the patron of Lithuania.

The Bernardine Church (Church of St. Francis of Assisi) is the one towards the back with the crucifix set into the façade towards the top of the church. It was once part of the city’s defensive walls.

There was a wedding going on at the church of St. Peter and St. Paul. I saw several weddings over the two full days that I was there.

If you look at the photo below, you can see that the plaque underneath says “LUCKY BELLY – RUB IT!”I have no idea why it’s lucky, but it was on a wall of a restaurant. It was great entertainment to see people walk by, read the plaque, get a confused look on their face, look around and then rub it.

By coincidence, I was in Vilnius when Lithuania held various activities there to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Baltic Way. On August 23, 1989, about two million people of all ages joined their hands to form a human chain spanning over 600 kilometers across three Baltic states (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania) which were Republics of the Soviet Union. The protest was designed to draw attention by demonstrating a popular desire for independence for each of the three countries.

Twenty five years have passed since then ... the Cathedral Square was the venue for the celebrations. People of different ages, different faiths, gathered there to take part in the several events, a concert, inclusively. On that afternoon, all roads in Lithuania seemed to converge on the Cathedral Square...

I wouldn't like to put an end to this post without adding that Lithuania is the cradle of 'In Your Pocket' as the first guide was published in Vilnius, in 1991, right in the heart of the Old Town. 

As  I view the slideshow below, I still feel the cobbles underfoot and that special attitude you get from the city you liked...

I bet you will like it, too...

RELATED POST #4 ON THE ROAD - FROM REZEKNE TO DAUGAVPILS

RELATED POST #3 ON THE ROAD - FROM TALLINN TO REZEKNE

RELATED POST #2 TALLINN

RELATED POST #1 TALLINN

~~ Thank you! ~~

~~ Have a wonderful weekend ~~