Monuments to visit Vilnius

According to legend, Franciscan monks were crucified here in the 17th century. Wooden crosses commemorated this episode, but they were razed by the Soviets after the Second World War. Later, as a memorial, the Lithuanians erected these three large new concrete crosses, while leaving the remains of the old ones as a reminder of the period of Soviet oppression. It can be accessed through the Kalnų Park. From there, very nice view of the city.

It was founded in 1579 by the Jesuits. It was one of the largest centres of higher education in Eastern Europe until 1832, when it was closed by the Russians and reopened in 1919, when the country gained its first independence. The whole university was formed over the course of a few centuries, which is why there are examples of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and classical architecture. Founded in 1570, the library contains more than 5,000 old books and manuscripts. From the top of the church tower, there is a beautiful view of the old town

Opposite the university entrance, on Daukanto Square, guards stand guard over the presidential palace, restored and inaugurated in 1997. Since the ^16th century, it had been the residence of the bishops of Vilnius. With the Russian occupation at the end of the ^18th century, the palace became the seat of the imperial government. Napoleon stayed here during his Russian campaign. The Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place every day at 6 p.m. in front of the palace. The flag-raising ceremony takes place every Sunday at noon.

In the extension of Pilies street, Didžiooji Street opens on the square of the old town hall, the place Rotušòs (pronounced rtoutchesse), now invaded by foreign brands. Right of town hall has been built a centre of contemporary art. Near the square Rotusos, the oldest church in the city, the Baroque church Saint-Casimir, set up by the Jesuits at the beginning of the th century, was converted to the czars in the Orthodox Church and transformed by the Sociétiques into the Atheism Museum!

Incredible: a prison just a stone's throw from the Old Town! From the beginning of the ^20th century until 2019, Lukiškės gaols kept political prisoners (including former Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin) and common criminals behind bars. Soon after its closure, this fortress was taken over by artists and creators to turn it into a place of joy rather than suffering. Guided tours are organized so as not to forget its original vocation. The prison was also used as a film location for season 4 of Stranger Things.