Things to do Lithuania

Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, is one of the most frequently visited cities in Eastern Europe. It is the country’s economic, business and cultural center. The first recorded mention of the city was in 1323, in the letters of Lithuania’s great ruler Grand Duke Gediminas, who invited craftsmen and merchants from all over Europe to settle here.

Vilnius receives a great deal of attention, not only due to its unique architectural character, but also because of its cultural events and attractions. The capital charms every visitor with its romantic atmosphere, stylish cafés and stunning array of Renaissance, Gothic, Baroque and Classical architecture. Its Old Town, a member of the UNESCO World Heritage List, and its historical buildings form a perfect scene when seen from Vilnius’ skyscrapers. Vilnius preserves the old traditions of European culture, reinterpreting it and turning it into a new creative force. Artists from all over the world come to Vilnius not only to present their works, but also to get new and creative ideas.

A number of festivals, which attract numerous tourists from various parts of the country and the world, are also organized in Vilnius. As a result, Vilnius was the first of the new members of the EU to become the European Capital of Culture in 2009.

In addition, Vilnius is the major economic hub of Lithuania and one of the largest financial centers of the Baltic States. It offers an attractive business environment with a full range of modern business services. The city has seen rapid growth of modern commercial and business centers, which have become known throughout the Baltic Region.

Moreover, the capital is an outstanding destination for business conferences and international conventions. Among the attractions for large foreign investments are the highly developed infrastructure, the high quality services, and the increased spending power of inhabitants. The improving quality of life, the organized city development and the intensive cultural life also contribute to the creation of a welcoming and appealing environment.

Old town

The Old Town, the historical centre of Vilnius, is one of the largest townscape complexes in Eastern Europe (360 ha) and boasts many churches, museums and architectural monuments. The city's most valuable historic and cultural heritage is concentrated here. In fact, the buildings were built over a period of several centuries, and it is therefore a mixture of all European architectural styles. Vilnius Old Town has preserved impressive examples of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Classical architecture. With all these styles joining together to form one harmonious aesthetical unit, the city's architecture is unique. Due to its uniqueness, the Old Town of Vilnius was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994.

Gediminas Tower

Gediminas Tower, built in the 13th century, is one of the most popular places to visit in Vilnius. It is the only remaining part of the Upper Castle, and has long been considered a symbol of Vilnius and of Lithuania as a whole. In 1610 it was used as a prison for the ruling classes, and it is now a major tourist attraction. The castle houses the museum of the history of Lithuania, of which one of the exhibitions is dedicated to the history of the castle and displays archeological finds, models of Vilnius at various stages of its development and historical documents. From the top of the tower you can enjoy a marvelous panoramic view of Vilnius.

Vilnius Cathedral

The Cathedral of Vilnius, situated in the Old Town, is a significant historic heritage site and is one of the most beautiful Classical architectural masterpieces in Lithuania's capital. This monument is the country's main Roman Catholic Cathedral. In fact, the Lithuanian King Mindaugas built this glorious building in the 13th century after his conversion to Christianity. Then, the style of the cathedral was a mixture of Romanesque and Gothic, while the building was square-shaped. Today, Christians may worship, pray and experience the kindness of God in the cathedral while surrounded by more than 40 artworks from 16-19th centuries, as well as magnificent frescoes painted on the walls. A number of large statues decorate the facade, among them the patron saints of the Cathedral, St Stanislav and St Vladislav.

Kaunas is the second largest city in Lithuania after the capital Vilnius and is one of the most visited cities in the country. It enjoys a strategic geographical location, where the Nemunas and the Neris rivers converge.  Kaunas’s history dates back to the XIth century. It owes its existence to its favorable geographical position, as it rapidly became an important trading centre and a large river port. The city’s main landmarks include the white Town Hall with its Baroque features and the Pažaislis Abbey, which lies on the bank of a charming peninsula that stretches into a lake, and is considered one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Eastern Europe.  Kaunas also has a lot to offer for museum and art lovers, with an array of art galleries and over 40 museums. There are also great MICE industry opportunities, thanks to the wide range of conference centers and hotels available.  These are ideal for any kind of professional event, ranging from small to large international congresses. With numerous restaurants, clubs,  bars and cafés, as well as the popular Lithuanian folk art souvenir shops, the city is a very interesting location for business tourists to combine work and recreation.

Pažaislis Monastery

Pažaislis monastery and church form the largest monastery complex in Lithuania. It is one of the most impressive examples of Italian baroque architecture in the country.  This masterpiece was founded in the XVIIth century, under the order of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, who wanted to commemorate his deceased son. Italian architects built the monument, while sculptors from Lombardy took care of the 140 frescoes and plaster casts.

Kaunas Castle

Kaunas Castle was built in the XIVth century at a particularly strategic location where the Nemunas and Neris rivers meet. Unlike most castles of the period, this gothic structure was made of stone, rather than wood, and is thus the oldest surviving building of its kind in the country. Originally used for defensive purposes, today the castle is one of the most remarkable architectural attractions in Kaunas.

Devils’ Museum

The Devils’ Museum is one of the premier attractions in Kaunas. It owes its existence to the eccentric Antanas Žmuidzinavičius (1876-1966), who collected over 2,000 depictions of devils from all over the world. The collection consists of around 3000 articles of arts and crafts, fine arts and souvenirs. The main part of the souvenir collection is comprised of devil sculptures including witches, masks and other mythological characters, made of paper, porcelain, textile wood and glass.